About

Welcome to Essentials Recipes!

Hi! I’m Laura Collins, and this cozy little corner of the internet is where I share the recipes that have become the backbone of my home kitchen. From quick, comforting dinners to sweet treats that feel like a hug on a plate, my Essentials Recipes are all about simplicity, warmth, and real-life flavor.

I created this space for home cooks and beginners who want to enjoy cooking without the overwhelm. Whether it’s your first time behind the stove or your hundredth, I want you to feel right at home here. These are the dishes I make for my family, my friends, and sometimes just for myself after a long day—they’re filled with heart, made from ingredients you probably already have, and always, always made to share. You can explore them all in the Recipes Index to find your next favorite meal.

A Little More About Me…

Born and raised in the rolling hills of North Carolina, where summers smell like honeysuckle and kitchens hum with the scent of something always simmering, I’ve grown up with food at the center of my world. I’m 42 years old, and though I’ve worn many hats over the years, none have felt quite as natural as the one I wear when I’m at the stove, apron on, spatula in hand.

I didn’t go to culinary school, and I don’t own a set of fancy knives that cost more than my first car. What I do have is a deep love for the kind of food that brings people together—the kind you pass around at a table full of laughter, or pack up in containers to share with neighbors when life gets tough. My journey started with my grandmother’s cast-iron skillet, watching her transform simple garden vegetables into something magical. She taught me that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be unforgettable—it just needs heart.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. I’ve burned more biscuits than I care to admit and cried over curdled gravy more than once. But those kitchen stumbles taught me more than any cookbook ever could. I want to create a space where home cooks and beginners feel safe to mess up, laugh about it, and try again. Because trust me, the most delicious dishes usually come with a good story—or at least a lesson learned the hard way.

My Kitchen Philosophy

I keep it real, keep it kind, and keep it tasty. I believe food is meant to nourish more than just our bodies—it feeds our souls, our stories, and our sense of home. You don’t need to be a professional chef to make something memorable. All you need is a bit of curiosity, a willingness to get your hands messy, and the heart to try. I always say: if you’re cooking with love, you’re doing it right.

Now, I spend my days teaching local cooking classes, testing out recipes that are big on flavor but short on stress, and sharing them with folks like you who want to make something special without turning the kitchen into a battlefield. Whether you’re tackling your first roast chicken or just trying to figure out how not to burn the garlic, I’m here to help. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about joy, nourishment, and finding a little magic in the everyday.

So pull up a chair, grab a mug of something warm, and let’s cook together. Mistakes welcome, second helpings encouraged.