Hi there! I’m Clara Rhodes, a 38-year-old self-taught chef living in the vibrant city of Asheville, North Carolina. My kitchen is my playground, my therapy, and often, my greatest teacher. I wasn’t born with a whisk in my hand or raised in a family of restaurateurs. In fact, I stumbled into cooking the way most great adventures begin by accident, and with a healthy dose of curiosity.
My real culinary journey began in my mid-twenties, when I moved into my first apartment with an oven that barely worked and a roommate who only knew how to microwave pizza. One night, inspired by a beat-up old cookbook I found at a thrift store, I attempted to make chicken and dumplings. It was a disaster ; doughy dumplings, overcooked chicken, and a kitchen that smelled like confusion. But something about the process sparked a fire in me. I wanted to get better. I had to.
Fast forward a decade, and here I am, cooking daily, experimenting constantly, and sharing every flavorful victory and hilarious misstep with fellow food lovers online and in person. I specialize in simple, soulful American comfort food with a twist, mac and cheese with smoked paprika and jalapeños, meatloaf topped with sriracha glaze, and my signature bourbon pecan pie that’s been requested at every family gathering since 2015.
My philosophy? Cooking should be joyful, forgiving, and fun. You don’t need fancy gadgets or rare ingredients to create something beautiful. What you need is a little time, a pinch of patience, and a willingness to laugh when things go sideways (because they will, and that’s okay).
I love connecting with home cooks and beginners, sharing kitchen hacks, flavor tips, and easy recipes that build confidence one dish at a time. Whether you’re boiling pasta for the first time or trying to master the perfect roast chicken, I’m right here cheering you on. If I can turn my tiny, smoky kitchen into a place of warmth and creativity, so can you.
So grab your spatula, tie that apron tight, and let’s make something delicious together. Mistakes welcome, joy required.