Author: Ava Smith

Hi, I'm Ava Smith! I'm a self-taught home cook who loves creating simple, tasty recipes anyone can make. My blog is where I share the meals I make for family and friends—nothing fancy, just real food made with love. Follow along for easy, feel-good recipes straight from my kitchen!
  • Homemade Pineapple Iced Tea

    I have always been of the opinion that the finest drinks are created from the simplest ideas—such as the classic mixing with the tropical. This homemade pineapple iced tea is the result of just that kind of thinking. For hot afternoons, I wanted a drink that was refreshing, light, and just a little bit indulgent,…

  • Easy Strawberry Ghosts Recipe

    There’s something about these Strawberry Ghosts that just makes me smile every time. They’re ridiculously easy to make, look absolutely adorable, and somehow still feel like a treat you’d find at a fancy Halloween party. I’ve made these for kids, friends, and even my not-so-into-Halloween neighbors—and they always disappear (pun intended). They’re basically juicy fresh…

  • Halloween Popcorn Mix

    I’ll be honest—Halloween popcorn mix is one of those snacks that makes me feel like a kid again. Every October, I can’t resist throwing together a big bowl of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness. It’s festive, colorful, and totally addictive. You know that point in the evening when everyone’s digging into snacks after trick-or-treating? Yeah—this…

  • Monster Mac and Cheese

    There’s something downright comforting about a bowl of mac and cheese—but Monster Mac and Cheese? Oh, that’s next-level comfort. I’ll be honest, this recipe has completely ruined boxed mac for me (in the best way). It’s gooey, outrageously cheesy, and loaded with all the extras you’d expect from something called “Monster.” We’re talking layers of…

  • Louisiana Voodoo Loaded Fries

    There’s something about Louisiana food that just pulls you in—the spice, the soul, the unapologetic boldness. When I first tried Voodoo Fries at a small roadside joint in Baton Rouge, I knew I’d stumbled onto something magical. They were smoky, cheesy, a little sweet, and perfectly spicy—basically everything you want in a single bite. Ever…

  • Garlic Cauliflower and Mushrooms

    I have to admit—there’s something deeply comforting about the smell of garlic sizzling in olive oil. It’s that instant “home” aroma that makes everything better. Now, imagine tossing in tender cauliflower florets and earthy mushrooms until they’re golden, crisp-edged, and absolutely bursting with flavor. That’s exactly what this Garlic Cauliflower and Mushrooms dish delivers—simple ingredients,…