I’m April! Food lover, recipe creator, mom of five, and travel enthusiast. Making real meals and real memories

April in the kitchen

I started Mama Loves Food in 2008 as a place to collect the recipes that kept my big, loud, wonderful family happily fed.

Over the years, it’s grown into a go-to resource for easy, family-friendly meals that real people can make in real kitchens and travel ideas suitable for all sized families. I’m a lover of puns, bad jokes, travel, and feeding the people I love.

Why This Site Exists

Mama Loves Food was born out of necessity (five kids = a LOT of meals) and a love of simple, comforting, dependable food. My mission is to share:

  • Tested, trustworthy recipes you can rely on
  • Approachable ingredients you can find anywhere
  • Real-life cooking tips learned from running a busy household
  • Family favorites approved by picky eaters
  • Our favorite travel tips, tricks, and places

My Promise to You

Everything you see is tested in my own home kitchen — with honest feedback, occasional chaos, and plenty of laughs. You will never find AI generated recipes here!

A Little About Me

I’m the cautiously adventurous type who likes piña coladas and getting caught in the rain.

Wait, no. That’s just Shrek playing in the background.  I’m the cautiously adventurous type who thinks having five kids in the span of six years is cool, but would never (ever, ever, ever) sky dive.  (Seriously, please don’t ask me to sky dive). I love cooking, storytelling, traveling, and finding joy in everyday meals shared around the table.

My path here is a little unconventional, I started college as an art major, switched to law after one too many skipped art history classes, worked as an attorney for a few years, and then left when it became clear that the legal industry and motherhood were not exactly designed with each other in mind.

Best accidental career trajectory ever. Because here’s the thing: I’ve always believed cooking is art. The law sharpened my research and writing, but it’s the artist in me that develops recipes – the instinct for flavor, balance, and the kind of food that just feels right. When I tell you something works, I mean it. And when it looks beautiful on the table, that’s not an accident either.

What You’ll Find on Mama Loves Food

  • Hundreds of original recipes for every skill level
  • Step-by-step instructions with no fluff or filler
  • Classic comfort food, quick dinners, and easy meal ideas (my favorite!)
  • Hosting and holiday recipes
  • Make-ahead meals, freezer-friendly dishes, and slow-cooker staples
  • Honest stories from a real kitchen — successes, fails, and everything in between
  • Down-to-earth family travel guides based on real trips

Mama Loves Food’s Goal

My goal is to help you feel confident, supported, and a little more inspired every time you cook or travel.

Where You May Have Seen Mama Loves Food

Mama Loves Food recipes have been featured across the web over the years — from major outlets like MSN, Huffington Post, News 6, and BuzzFeed, to Pinterest boards to family dinner tables around the world. The site reaches millions of readers annually and continues to grow thanks to this amazing community.

Let’s Stay Connected

I love hearing from readers, answering questions, and seeing your kitchen wins.
You can always reach me at:

Thank you for being here. Whether you’re making dinner for family, friends, or just for yourself — I’m truly glad you found your way to my kitchen. ❤

April's family in London

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