Hi there! I’m Arwa Carter, a 38-year-old chef and home cook from Portland, Oregon, where farmers markets are weekend rituals and good food is part of everyday conversation. I didn’t grow up dreaming of white tablecloths or Michelin stars. My love for cooking came from real life busy days, hungry people, and the simple joy of turning everyday ingredients into something comforting and memorable.
I was raised in a close-knit family where the kitchen was the center of everything. If something good happened, we cooked. If something hard happened, we cooked even more. My mom believed that no conversation was too big for the kitchen table, especially if there was a warm meal involved. She taught me early that food wasn’t about perfection it was about care. Watching her cook taught me patience, intuition, and how a simple dish could make someone feel seen.
In my early twenties, I moved across the country with more determination than money. Cooking became my anchor. I learned how to stretch ingredients, rescue almost-failed recipes, and trust my instincts instead of a timer. I burned sauces, over-salted soups, and once set off a smoke alarm trying to “experiment.” But every mistake taught me something, and slowly, confidence replaced hesitation.
Today, I balance my time between cooking, writing, and sharing recipes that are approachable, flexible, and meant for real life. My style leans toward modern American comfort food with global touches think cozy classics with unexpected flavors. I believe food should feel good to make and even better to share, without stress or pressure to impress.
What I want other home cooks to know is this: you don’t need to do it perfectly to do it well. Cooking is a skill, yes, but it’s also a relationship you build over time. Some days it’s magic, other days it’s takeout and a lesson learned. Both count.
So welcome. This is my kitchen where recipes evolve, messes happen, and everyone has a seat at the table. I’m really glad you’re here.