Hello there! I’m Chef Avery Collins, and I’m thrilled to share my journey with you—all in the spirit of home cooks and passionate food lovers across the USA.
I’m fifty-four years old and hail from Asheville, North Carolina—a place where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet Southern soul. Cooking was instinctive for me growing up: my grandmother’s buttermilk biscuits in the mornings, and my first triumph (and failure!) was a batch of spicy chili that left the family reaching for glasses of water. That moment taught me early on: seasoning is magic, but balance is everything.
I didn’t attend culinary school; instead, I learned in my own kitchen, experimenting with recipes and absorbing traditions passed down through generations. Over time I began hosting pop‑up dinners in my backyard, sharing dishes from Appalachian country fare to more adventurous Mediterranean‑inspired plates. One evening, my famously spicy chili turned into a veggie‑forward stew that wowed everyone—it was then I realized that comfort and creativity can live in the same pot.
Today I live in Austin, Texas, where I cook daily for my family and cookbooks scribbled on napkins and index cards. I love taking seasonal, local produce and reimagining it—crispy collard greens with a garlic‑lemon twist; jalapeño‑honey cornbread; or a peach‑infused BBQ sauce that offers familiar Southern comfort with a surprising pop of brightness.
I share my kitchen stories with home cooks and food enthusiasts, because I see cooking as an invitation—not a set of rigid rules. You don’t need fancy equipment or techniques: start simple. Then taste, adjust, add a dash of daring. Sometimes I over‑salt—believe me, I’ve watered down a pot of soup more times than I can count—but it’s those “oops” moments that teach you to trust your instincts.
My cooking philosophy is all about warmth, curiosity, and sharing. If you invite me into your kitchen (virtually or in person), I’ll offer not only a recipe but a story, a tip, the way a pinch of salt can transform something ordinary into something memorable. I believe food is the way we connect—across states, generations, and kitchens. So pull up a chair, grab a spoon, and let’s cook something together.
Welcome to my table.