Hey There! I’m Solivia
Main Dish Specialist | Recipe Remixer | Joyful Home Cook | Age 42
Florida-based flavor enthusiast who believes recipes should be joyful, not perfect.
My Story
Hi there! I’m Solivia—just Solivia, like Madonna but with a better pie crust. I’m 42, currently living in St. Petersburg, Florida, where the sunsets are orange sorbet and the seafood practically walks into your skillet. I wasn’t raised in a professional kitchen or fed by a lineage of five-star chefs. Nope—I grew up in a small Gulf Coast town where recipes were handwritten and passed down like sacred scripture, usually smudged with flour and love.
I learned to cook the way most home cooks do: out of necessity and curiosity. My mom worked late, so dinner became my territory by age twelve. The first thing I ever made on my own was tuna noodle casserole. It was overcooked, under-seasoned, and devoured by my younger brothers like it was a feast. That’s when I learned the most beautiful truth about cooking—it doesn’t have to be perfect to bring joy.
The Turning Point
For years, cooking was my creative outlet, but it wasn’t until I hosted a last-minute Friendsgiving that I realized I had something bigger to share. I didn’t have a game plan or a curated menu—just a fridge full of mismatched ingredients and a heart full of hope. Somehow, everything came together. The sweet potato galette, the roast chicken with fennel, even the rogue cranberry chutney that no one expected to love—it all worked.
That night, someone asked me if I had a website with my recipes. I laughed. Then I paused. Why didn’t I? That offhand comment lit a fire in me. It wasn’t about going pro—it was about honoring the magic that happens when home cooks trust themselves and their flavor instincts. That night changed the way I saw my kitchen—from a place of routine to a space of possibility.
What I Learned the Hard Way
I’ve burned more dinners than I care to admit and once gave myself food poisoning trying to sous vide eggs without proper instructions. I’ve fallen for flashy gadgets, gotten lost in overly complicated recipes, and cried over deflated soufflés. And yes, there were moments I doubted my instincts, especially in the era of perfectly styled food photos and glossy recipe videos.
But through all those kitchen messes, I learned that mistakes are part of the magic. Recipes evolve. Confidence is built one “oops” at a time. And the best dishes are rarely the most photogenic—they’re the ones eaten with your hands, standing around the stove.
My Approach Now
Today, my cooking is rustic, unfussy, and full of joy. I lean into comfort food with curiosity—think chili crisp on mashed potatoes, za’atar on deviled eggs, or peach cobbler spiked with cardamom. I remix flavors from my travels and blend them with what’s local and in season here in Florida.
I don’t believe in gatekeeping good food. Whether you’ve got a full pantry or just some wilting greens and a jar of mustard, I’m here to help you make something delicious. My approach celebrates real-life cooking—messy counters, improvisation, and all.
What I Believe
- Butter should never come with guilt.
- Garlic is a love language.
- Home cooking > restaurant perfection.
- Every burned batch is a step toward mastery.
- Your kitchen is already enough.
How I Can Help You
Whether you’re looking for dinner inspiration, want to level up your flavor instincts, or need a nudge to trust yourself in the kitchen—I’ve got you. I share approachable, flavor-forward recipes that prioritize joy over perfection. My style is ideal for home cooks who want reliable meals with a twist—and maybe a story along the way.
While I’m not a professional chef, I’ve taken cooking classes around the world and bring that diversity to my dishes. I believe anyone can make something amazing, even on a Tuesday night with limited ingredients. I’m working on organizing my recipe archive and tips into something sharable—because good food is meant to be passed around.
A Little More About Me
I’m a Florida girl with a New Orleans soul. I love handwritten recipe cards, vintage cast iron, and a good shrimp po’ boy. When I’m not cooking, I’m thrift-hunting, listening to vinyl, or plotting my next spice experiment. I’ve never met a pickle I didn’t like.
Let’s Connect
If your kitchen feels uninspired, or you’re looking for new ways to play with flavors, I’d love to connect. I’m always open to swaps, stories, and kitchen wins (or fails). Reach out anytime—especially if you’ve got a recipe that needs rescuing or a flavor combo you’re dying to try.
Get In Touch
You can reach me at [email protected]—my inbox is open, and there’s always something cooking.
