A Bit About Me

I’m Meiko, a self-trained home cook, passionate photographer, and the creative force behind this blog.

Born in the heart of Kansas City, my love for BBQ is deeply engrained in my Midwest family roots. From there, life took me to sunny San Diego, where I developed a fondness for Latin cuisine, and fresh, healthy twists on classics. Now, residing in Dallas, I’ve embraced the rich tapestry of Southern cuisine.

Cooking has been a part of my journey since childhood, crafting dishes for my siblings even when we were constantly on the move. The kitchen became my sanctuary, providing healing and a sense of identity as I explored the roots of soul food.

I come from a long line of great family cooks, but unfortunately, no documented recipes. That realization led me to start this blog — a place where I can preserve our family stories and recipes, passing them down to my children and generations to come, and sharing them with you.

Here, you’ll find a diverse array of recipes, reflecting my culinary influences: soul food, comfort food, Southern classics, BBQ, Cajun, Creole, Caribbean, African, and Latin dishes. It’s a celebration of flavors that speak to my varied experiences.

A fun fact: I don’t eat shellfish or pork, so you won’t find those recipes here. All the recipes on this blog are biblically clean, aligning with my personal choices.

Consider this blog your culinary haven — a place where comfort food and communion come together. In my kitchen, comfort food isn’t just about satisfying physical hunger; it’s a flavorful journey through the rich evolution of soul food. And communion, here, is the joy of sharing not just meals but stories, creating a sense of togetherness that extends beyond the dinner table. Join me on this journey, where every recipe is a story, and every meal is an opportunity to connect, savor, and create lasting memories.