My name’s Karen Colman
, I’m 43 years old, and I live just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by misty hills, apple orchards, and more cast-iron skillets than I probably need. Cooking has been stitched into the fabric of my life for as long as I can remember. I didn’t go to culinary school—I learned everything I know the old-fashioned way: by watching, failing, tasting, and trying again. My earliest memories are of standing on a chair in my grandmother’s kitchen, stirring pots that I was way too small to lift and being utterly mesmerized by the sizzle of onions hitting hot butter.

I didn’t set out to become a chef. I was actually an elementary school teacher for over a decade. But even then, I’d spend weekends elbow-deep in flour or slow-roasting tomatoes for hours, not because I had to, but because it grounded me. It was my form of meditation, creativity, and joy all rolled into one. Eventually, after enough “you should open a restaurant” nudges from friends and a couple of potluck wins that got a little too competitive, I took a leap and started a small supper club out of my home. One night a week turned into three, then into pop-ups, and before long, I was cooking full time.

What I love most about cooking is its ability to bring people together, especially when it’s not perfect. I’ve burned more toast than I care to admit, over-salted the occasional stew, and once served a chocolate soufflé that collapsed like a deflated balloon in front of guests. But that’s part of it. Those flops have taught me more than any recipe ever could. Cooking isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection, and curiosity, and listening to what your ingredients are trying to tell you.

These days, I focus on making food that’s deeply flavorful, rooted in seasonal ingredients, and totally doable for the home cook. I want folks to feel empowered in the kitchen, not intimidated by it. Whether you’re just learning to hold a knife properly or you’re a weekend warrior looking for something new to try, my goal is to offer recipes and tips that meet you where you are—and maybe give you the courage to take one small step further.

I believe that a great meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just about knowing when to salt, how to coax sweetness from an onion, or how to trust your own taste. And if I can help someone discover the thrill of browning butter just right or roasting vegetables until they’re caramelized and irresistible, then I’ve done my job.

So welcome to my kitchen, where the coffee’s strong, the music is always playing, and the food? Well, I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings me to share it. Let’s cook something amazing together.

Karen Colman
KarenFlavor.com Founder