About Me

Hi there, I’m Charlotte Thompson, though around here, most folks just call me Charlotte. I’m 34 years old and proud to be born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. These days, I spend most of my time in my cozy little kitchen with the windows open, sunlight spilling in, and something warm always on the stove.

My love for cooking started young. I still remember standing on a wobbly chair just to help Mama stir her famous chicken and dumplings. We didn’t have much, but we had enough, and that kitchen was always full of love, stories, and the smell of something good. I learned early that food isn’t just about eating; it’s about showing up for people. It's how we say “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” or “Come on in, I made too much.”

I never had formal training, unless you count the school of burned pie crusts and over-salted green beans. But every mistake made me better. I’ve cooked through heartbreaks and holidays, quiet evenings and chaotic family reunions, and I’ve learned to trust my instincts, even when the recipe doesn’t go exactly as planned.

These days, I lean into comfort food with a playful twist. I’m not afraid to throw a little lavender into lemonade or use crushed potato chips on top of a casserole. I believe cooking should be fun, forgiving, and full of joy. And most importantly, it should make people feel at home, no matter where they are or what kind of day they’ve had.

So whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just learning how to boil water, I’m here to guide you, cheer you on, and share the kind of recipes that don’t just fill your belly, they feed your soul.

Why Trust My Recipes?

  • They’re tested in real kitchens. No studio setups, no secret chefs, just me, my oven, and a whole lot of trial and error.
  • They come from the heart. Every recipe I share has a story, a memory, or a little lesson behind it.
  • I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to cook after a long day, with a hungry family waiting and not much in the fridge.
  • I keep it simple and approachable. No fancy gadgets or rare ingredients, just honest food made with love.
  • I embrace the mess. Cooking isn’t always pretty, and that’s okay. Burnt edges and lumpy gravy happen to all of us.
  • I believe in flavor over fuss. I’ll never tell you to do 20 unnecessary steps when 5 will make something just as delicious.
  • I care about connection. My recipes aren’t just instructions, they’re invitations to gather, share, and savor the little things.

I started RecipesOven as a way to share my favorite recipes, family meals, and the little kitchen wins that bring joy to everyday life. This blog is my happy place, a space where I can connect with other food lovers, celebrate home cooking, and pass on the kind of recipes that make people say, “Can I have seconds?”

If you ever have a question, want to share your version of a recipe, or just want to say hi, please don’t hesitate to reach out through the contact page. I’d truly love to hear from you. Welcome to my kitchen, I’m so glad you’re here.