About me
hi, i’m ava wills
Welcome! I’m Ava Wills, a 42-year-old mom of three and an executive chef at a small American restaurant. Cooking isn’t just my passion—it’s my way of bringing people together, celebrating flavors, and helping families embrace healthier, home-cooked meals over fast food.
- Mom of threefamily-first cooking
- Executive chefsmall American restaurant
- Since 2015sharing recipes online
- Home cookingover fast food
My story
my culinary journey
My love for cooking started at a young age. As the oldest of three kids, I have fond memories of helping both of my parents in the kitchen. As I grew older, I took on the responsibility of preparing dinner for our family of six while my mom and dad were still at work. This experience shaped my love for menus, hosting parties, and collecting cookbooks—something that has stayed with me ever since.
But in my early 20s, I lost touch with meal planning and home cooking. As I worked to support myself, I preferred to spend extra money on dining out and exploring the vibrant food scene in Tampa Bay. It wasn’t until my husband, Jason, began law school that I had to return to my roots—meal prepping and planning to ensure we ate well while staying within our budget.
The beginning
how this blog began
Fascinating Recipes started after Jason and I got married in 2015. I felt the need to document our newlywed journey, particularly my rediscovery of home cooking. Over time, it grew into a platform where I share my culinary expertise, kitchen tips, and delicious recipes to inspire other moms and families to cook more at home, skip fast food, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
The blog
what you’ll discover here
At Fascinating Recipes, you’ll find:
Family-friendly recipes
that balance taste, nutrition, and simplicity.
Professional cooking tips
and techniques to help you feel confident in the kitchen.
Personal stories
and experiences from my journey as a chef and mom.
Meal planning inspiration
for home cooking that fits any busy schedule.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, my goal is to provide you with the tools and inspiration to create delicious, wholesome meals for your loved ones.
“Great food is an expression of love and creativity.”
— Ava Wills
Get to know me
a few fun facts about me
- My signature dish is creamy truffle risotto—a perfect blend of flavors and tradition, combining rich, earthy truffle essence with perfectly cooked Arborio rice.
- When I’m not in the kitchen, I love exploring local farmer’s markets, discovering new ingredients, and traveling to experience diverse culinary traditions firsthand.
- I believe that “Great food is an expression of love and creativity.”
Say hello
let’s connect
I’d love to hear from you! Follow me on social media for more recipes, tips, and behind-the-scenes culinary adventures. Feel free to reach out, share your cooking experiences, and let’s create something amazing together.
Thank you for being part of this delicious journey. Happy cooking!
Chef Ava Wills
Start cooking