Who is Penelope?

Hey there! I’m Penelope, and if you had told me twenty years ago that I’d one day be known for my cornbread-stuffed roast chicken and triple-layered banana pudding cake, I’d have probably laughed and offered you a grilled cheese. But here I am at 32, living in Asheville, North Carolina, still amazed by how a simple love of feeding people has turned into something truly special.

My journey into cooking didn’t begin in a culinary school or under the wing of a master chef. It started in a tiny apartment kitchen in Memphis, where my mama taught me to fry catfish just right and to never, ever skimp on the butter in mashed potatoes. She cooked with heart, never measuring a thing, and I followed her lead, slowly learning how flavors talked to each other, how texture mattered, and how food could wrap you up in a warm memory.

I was a schoolteacher for most of my adult life, juggling lesson plans by day and testing out meatloaf variations by night. Cooking was always my way to decompress, to create something immediate and comforting. Friends started asking for my recipes, and before I knew it, I was hosting neighborhood potlucks that grew into full-blown community feasts. The joy I saw in people’s faces with every bite lit something inside me I couldn’t ignore.

These days, I spend most of my time in my cozy kitchen, often with Otis Redding playing in the background and my grandkids helping me knead biscuit dough. I focus on home cooking that feels accessible and soulful—food that makes you sigh happily and loosen your belt a notch. I’ve burnt more than my fair share of pie crusts and once ruined Thanksgiving stuffing with too much sage, but every mishap taught me something new.

My philosophy is simple: cook with love, taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to try something bold. I believe every home cook has a unique rhythm, and mine happens to involve a lot of cast iron, fresh herbs from my garden, and stories shared around the dinner table.

So whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just figuring out how to boil an egg without fear, I hope my cooking—and my story—helps you find joy in the kitchen. After all, the best meals are the ones made with both hands and heart.