Hi there—my name’s Ruby Carson, and I’m a 43-year-old self-taught cook living in Asheville, North Carolina, where the mountains are as rich in flavor as the food I love to cook. I believe that cooking at home isn’t just about putting food on the table—it’s about putting heart into every dish and sharing a little piece of yourself with the people you love.
My earliest memories are laced with the scent of cornbread and cast iron, standing on a stool next to my grandmother as she stirred a pot of collard greens that simmered all Sunday. She never measured a thing—just a pinch here, a splash there—and somehow, it always turned out perfect. That magic stuck with me. I didn’t go to culinary school; instead, I went to the school of burned biscuits and lopsided birthday cakes, trial and error, and a whole lot of late-night recipe scribbling on napkins and scrap paper.
I started cooking seriously when I became a mom at 26. Money was tight, but I was determined that my family wouldn’t just eat—they’d enjoy every bite. I learned how to stretch a chicken three ways and how to make something out of nothing on a Wednesday night. I started a little blog around that time—mostly to keep track of recipes, but to my surprise, folks started following along. Home cooks like me. People who wanted to feel a little more confident in their kitchens. And that’s when it clicked—my passion wasn’t just cooking, it was helping others love cooking, too.
I’m not afraid to admit I’ve had some epic flops. Once I tried to make tamales for Christmas and accidentally used sweet cornmeal instead of masa harina. The texture was… well, let’s just say it was memorable. But every mistake taught me something, and those lessons are what I love to pass on—because cooking isn’t about being perfect, it’s about trying.
These days, you’ll find me in my sunny little kitchen with my rescue pup, Boomer, underfoot, experimenting with everything from sourdough to smoked trout. I’ve fallen in love with fermentation, and I’ve been known to gift jars of homemade kimchi to unsuspecting neighbors. My approach is simple: if it’s made with love and you’re proud of it, it’s good food.
So whether you’re here because you just bought your first cast iron skillet or you’re looking for a cozy dinner to make after a long day—I’m so glad you stopped by. Pull up a chair, pour a glass of sweet tea, and let’s get cooking together. There’s always room at my table.