About

Welcome to Meals With Ava

Hey there, welcome to Meals With Ava! I’m Ava Henderson, the founder, recipe creator, and friendly kitchen companion behind this blog. If you’ve ever wandered into your kitchen, hoping for something both delicious and doable, you’re exactly where you belong. Cooking is my happy place, and I truly believe that great food is the spark that brings people together and makes everyday moments special.

My love for recipes is built on the belief that food should be simple, joyful, and full of flavor. Over the past decade, I’ve had the honor of having my recipes featured in Tasty Home, winning the “Weeknight Wonders” regional contest, collaborating with local chefs in community workshops, and being spotlighted in “Family Eats Magazine.” Every milestone has reminded me that sharing recipes isn’t just about food—it’s about connection.

Through hundreds of experiments (both tasty and, let’s be honest, sometimes hilarious), I’ve learned that the kitchen is a place to have fun, take chances, and always keep learning. From sticky fingers to big smiles, each meal is a new adventure.

How It All Started

My passion for cooking began as a kid, perched on a stool in my grandma’s sunny kitchen, sneaking tastes from every mixing bowl. She taught me that cooking isn’t just about following instructions—it’s about putting love and creativity into every bite. That spark grew into a true passion, and soon I was collecting cookbooks, scribbling down ideas, and inventing twists on family favorites.

Some of my fondest memories are of Sunday mornings making pancakes with my dad, or late-night baking sessions with friends—those moments of laughter, flour clouds, and surprise successes (or epic flops) are the heart of why I cook. What I love most about recipes is how they can transport you—one bite, and you’re home, wherever you are.

I started Meals With Ava to share that feeling with you. It’s my way of inviting you into my kitchen, offering up the recipes and stories that have brought me (and so many others) joy, comfort, and a dash of adventure.

Why You Can Trust Me

With over 12 years of hands-on experience in home cooking and recipe development, I bring a mix of personal passion and professional know-how to every dish I share. My journey began with casual kitchen experiments, but over the years, I’ve taken courses in culinary techniques, worked alongside talented chefs, and led community cooking classes.

Each recipe on Meals With Ava is thoughtfully crafted and thoroughly tested (usually more times than I care to admit!). My process involves lots of research, tweaking, tasting, and always a final touch to make sure the flavors sing. Quality matters to me—I only share recipes that I’m proud to serve my own family and friends.

I’m also a big believer in the power of visuals. Every photo on this site is taken by me, in my home kitchen, so what you see is exactly what you’ll make. I aim for bright, mouthwatering shots that make you want to dive right in.

Outside of recipe creation, I love exploring new restaurants, attending food festivals, and spending time outdoors—whether hiking a trail or just enjoying a picnic in the park. I’m always learning, experimenting, and seeking out inspiration, both close to home and on my travels.

My goal is to make cooking feel accessible and exciting for everyone, no matter your skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, I hope my passion for discovery, learning, and delicious food shines through every recipe.

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to hear from you—whether you have a cooking question, want to share your own recipe success, or just want to say hi! You can reach me at:

Thanks so much for visiting my little corner of the internet. I can’t wait to cook, share, and connect with you—one delicious meal at a time!

Meet the Team

Ava Henderson – Founder & Recipe Creator
I’m the voice, cook, and camera behind Meals With Ava. My background is a blend of culinary training and real-world, family kitchen experience. I love experimenting with fresh flavors and classic comfort food, and I’m passionate about making recipes that anyone can master. When I’m not cooking, you’ll find me exploring farmer’s markets or curled up with a good food memoir.

Maya Carter – Test Kitchen Manager
Maya ensures that every recipe gets the Meals With Ava seal of approval. With a background in nutrition and food science, she’s the detail-oriented taste-tester who helps perfect every dish. She’s also an avid gardener and brings a love of fresh, seasonal produce to our recipes.

Olivia Reed – Food Photographer
Olivia captures the vibrant, tempting images you see on the blog. Her experience in food styling and photography brings each recipe to life. She’s passionate about storytelling through visuals and loves baking with her two kids on weekends.

Jake Martinez – Community Coordinator
Jake manages our reader emails, social channels, and helps organize events. With a background in hospitality, he’s a people person who loves hearing from fellow food enthusiasts. He’s also a weekend BBQ master and loves trying out new grilling techniques.