My name’s Carla Jameson, and I’m a 38-year-old homegrown Floridian with a heart full of sunshine and a fridge that’s never quite empty. I live just outside Tampa now, in a cozy bungalow where the scent of citrus mingles with whatever I’ve got simmering on the stove. If you’re a home cook, you’ve found a kindred spirit—I’ve burned casseroles, improvised with frozen veggies, and made magic with a can of beans. I know what it’s like to juggle family, work, and dinner at the same time.

I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a chef. I grew up barefoot in my grandmother’s kitchen in Ocala, helping her shuck corn and snap green beans while she told stories about her mama’s cornbread. Food was never fancy, but it was sacred. My grandmother had this way of making everyone feel welcome with a slice of pie and a glass of sweet tea, and I guess that stuck with me. Still does.

Over the years, I’ve worked in a couple of local cafés, catered more weddings than I can count, and spent a lot of time teaching my own kids how to cook without burning the house down. Somewhere along the way, I realized that my real passion wasn’t in restaurant kitchens—it was in helping everyday people bring good food to their tables. You don’t need a culinary degree or a pantry full of exotic spices to cook with soul. You just need a little guidance, a lot of heart, and someone to remind you that it’s okay if the biscuits don’t rise the first time.

My cooking philosophy? Keep it fresh, keep it simple, and make it yours. Florida’s got this beautiful blend of Southern comfort and coastal flair, and I try to reflect that in everything I cook—from tangy key lime bars to shrimp and grits that’ll make you close your eyes and sigh. I believe in recipes that leave room for improvisation, and in meals that bring people together, even if it’s just for a Tuesday night dinner after a long day.

If you’re a home cook looking for a little inspiration, some friendly advice, or just someone to say, “Hey, I’ve made that same mistake, and here’s how to fix it,” I’m your girl. Welcome to my kitchen, where we keep things real, laugh at our flops, and always, always go back for seconds.