Hey there, I’m David Collins. I’m 35 years old, born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, and still living just a few blocks from the beach. My kitchen windows are almost always open, letting in the breeze and the occasional scent of jasmine or BBQ smoke from my neighbor’s backyard. Cooking, for me, has always been about connection—simple, honest food that makes people feel at home, even if they’re just passing through.

I didn’t come up through fine dining or culinary school. I came up through Sunday potlucks, smoky tailgate grills, and the creaky family kitchen where my mom used to hum Patsy Cline as she stirred her famous peach cobbler. That’s where I learned to cook—with love, and often with a little butter or a splash of olive oil. My first “signature dish” was mac and cheese with crushed potato chips on top. Still proud of that one.

These days, I gravitate toward dishes that are indulgent but easy—think gooey skillet bakes, vibrant salads with homemade dressings, sticky ribs, fluffy pancakes loaded with blueberries. I love food that’s colorful because it lifts your mood before you even take a bite. Homemade doesn’t mean fussy in my world—it just means you made it with your own two hands, even if it’s a simple one-pot wonder or a dessert you whipped up in 15 minutes.

My cooking philosophy? Don’t be afraid to mess up. I’ve burned plenty, under-seasoned more than I care to admit, and once tried to microwave a caramel sauce (not recommended). But I’ve also discovered happy accidents—like the time I added hot sauce to banana bread by mistake and ended up with a surprisingly awesome spicy-sweet snack.

So if you’re someone who wants to cook more but doesn’t want to be chained to a recipe book, welcome. If you love food that feels like a celebration without needing an excuse, you’re in the right place. Pull up a stool, grab a spoon, and let’s make something beautiful—and probably a little messy—together.