Meet Sophie Parker, the heart behind Recipes & Cooking, where simple, delicious meals come to life.
Hi there! I’m Sophie Parker, the hands and heart behind Recipes & Cooking. I’m a 36-year-old home cook, mom of two wild and wonderful kids, and proud Portlander who believes dinner is more than just a meal—it’s a moment of connection.
My love for cooking started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where floury handprints and the smell of fresh bread taught me that food made with love always tastes better. Those early lessons followed me into adulthood, from solo university dinners to now, where I’m raising my kids, Emma and Jack, right at the counter beside me.
Cooking with them is one of my greatest joys. We make a mess. We giggle. We learn. And in between measuring cups and sticky fingers, we’re building healthy habits and priceless memories—just like my grandmother did with me.
I didn’t go to culinary school. My kitchen education comes from trial, error, and a whole lot of taste-testing. That’s why Recipes & Cooking exists: to share family-friendly meals that are doable, nourishing, and full of flavor. If my picky little critics (and my husband Dan) approve, you know it’s a keeper.
So whether you’re here for weeknight lifesavers or sweet treats that make a Tuesday feel special, I’m so glad you stopped by. My kitchen door is always open—and chances are, there’s something delicious waiting.
🍲 What Cooking Means to Me
To me, cooking is all about connection—it’s not about perfection. It’s the way my kids ask, “Is dinner ready yet?” or sneak a spoonful of whatever I’m making. It’s the plates scraped clean and the second servings no one asked permission for. It’s feeding my family, even if “family” is just me, after a long day of juggling work and life.
For me, cooking is about joy, not stress. I want you to find joy in cooking, too, especially on those days when time is tight and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. I believe in:
Simple, accessible ingredients Recipes that work the first time (no more failed dinners!) Balanced meals that don’t feel like a chore to make or eat Sweet treats because life without cookies is… just salad
Everything I share has been tested and approved by my very honest taste testers—my two kids and my husband. Trust me, they’re not shy about letting me know if something doesn’t hit the mark!
🥄 Why I Started Recipes & Cooking
After too many stress-filled evenings and too much takeout, I decided to take my kitchen back—one simple recipe at a time. I wanted meals that were easy to make, comforting, and most importantly, meals that actually got eaten by my family.
I was tired of throwing away leftovers and seeing my family’s eyes glaze over when I mentioned what was for dinner. So, I started tweaking family recipes, creating new ones, and making food that felt like home. That’s how Recipes & Cooking was born.
This space has become my happy place, and I hope it can be yours too. Whether you’re here for quick weeknight dinner ideas or cozy comfort food with a twist, I’ve got you covered.
📌 What You’ll Find Here
Weeknight dinner ideas you’ll actually want to make again Family-friendly meals (with picky-eater fixes!) Cozy comfort food made a little lighter One-pan, slow cooker, and air fryer recipes that save you time Seasonal baking and simple desserts that hit the sweet spot
💌 Let’s Connect
Got a question? Want to share your version of one of my recipes? Or maybe you just want to chat about cinnamon rolls vs. banana bread? I’d love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out to me anytime at [email protected].
Thanks for stopping by my kitchen! I hope you stay a while, try something new, and always leave full.
– Sophie Parker 🍴