Hey there! I’m david hammond, a 37-year-old home cook from Asheville, North Carolina, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s how to turn a chaotic kitchen into a place of calm, delicious simplicity. I wasn’t always a kitchen guy—I used to be a middle school science teacher with a knack for overcomplicating things (just ask my old students about my famous volcano cake experiment). But after my twins were born, life got a whole lot busier, and I quickly learned that feeding a family of five doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor for time.
That’s when I fell head-over-heels for the world of one-pot cooking. It started with a slow cooker someone gave us as a housewarming gift. I tossed in some chicken thighs, a few spices, a can of tomatoes, and eight hours later we had a meal that tasted like it took all day—because it did, but the cooker did the work. Then came the Instant Pot. Then the air fryer. Now? I can whip up a creamy Tuscan chicken or crispy honey garlic wings with one hand tied behind my back and a toddler tugging at my leg.
I created this space for fellow home cooks who are juggling real life—work, kids, pets, laundry—and still want to make meals that feel like a warm hug at the end of the day. I believe food should be approachable, satisfying, and just a little adventurous. I’m not here to impress with foam reductions or twelve-step sauces. I’m here to help you get dinner on the table without losing your mind.
My kitchen philosophy is simple: One pot, big flavor, less mess. That means fewer dishes, more time with your people, and recipes that are forgiving and flexible. I test every recipe myself, usually with my trusty Labrador, Mabel, watching closely for any accidental cheese spills.
If you stick around, you’ll get plenty of hearty, foolproof meals that make you look like a genius with minimal effort. And if you ever burn a pot roast or turn your Instant Pot into a soup fountain (ask me how I know), don’t sweat it. We’re learning together, one pot at a time.
Welcome to the kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
