Ava Smith

Ava Smith

Hey there! I'm Ava Smith - a self-taught home cook who loves creating simple, tasty recipes anyone can make. This 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!

Mexican Papas con Chorizo

I have to tell you about the comfort food Papas con Chorizo; it hits every craving. Crispy potatoes, smoky, mildly spicy chorizo, and everything made in one pan…this recipe is hearty, flavorful, and downright irresistible. I personally make this dish…

Crock-Pot Spiced Apple Cake

I would be lying if I said I did not expect to love this Crock-Pot spiced apple cake as much as I do. Mind you, I love anything made with apples, but when I first made this cake, the smell…

Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns

Dangerous, in the best way, to be sure! They are the kind of sticky bun you make on a chilly morning when everybody in the house somehow begins to linger in the kitchen, noses twitching, waiting for that torturous first…

3 Ingredient Strawberry Mousse

Introduction I’ve always believed desserts don’t need to be complicated to be impressive. My favorite example is this 3-ingredient strawberry mousse, which tastes fancy but is ridiculously easy to throw together. I can do this in under 15 minutes, and…

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

I’m just going to say it: these are dangerously good. I made these Loaded Tater Tot Skewers for a game night once and… they disappeared before halftimeWas there a full burst in conversation? As the little skewers of cheesy melty…

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Zesty Style

My Take on This Recipe Quite a few dishes are able to hit me with that sort of dual freshness and comfort, and Mexican shrimp cocktail is one of them. I just love that it seems like a salad, but…

Oktoberfest Bacon Beer Mac Cheese

The whole point of this recipe is to take classic mac-and-cheese and Germanize it. We’re talking lashings of bacon, sharp cheddar, and nutty Gruyère, finished off with a splash of German beer. Every mouthful is a combination of creamy pasta…

Orleans Hand Grenade Recipe

Don’t laugh, but cocktails with a bite are my favorite, and the Orleans Hand Grenade tops that chart. The first one I had in New Orleans drastically came alive, name the “strongest drink” on Bourbon Street. As sweet, fruity and…

Zesty Limoncello Mojito

To be honest, I think this cocktail is pure sunshine in terms of glassware. The first time that I prepared and tasted it, I thought, “This is how summer should taste.” Bright, citrusy, minty, and the perfect sweetness–it has Italian…

Creamy Coffee Banana Blend

So I’ll admit it, I have an obsession with this recipe. The first time I tried to pair coffee with banana, I honestly didn’t think people would care-loved berry smoothies and all that. After that first sip, though? All bets.…