About

Welcome to Dish Ava!

Hey there, I’m Ava Sterling, the founder, recipe developer, and food lover behind Dish Ava! Whether you’re searching for the perfect quick breakfast, a comforting dinner idea, or a decadent dessert, I’m so glad you found your way here. At Dish Ava, I truly believe that every meal—no matter how simple—can spark joy, bring people together, and turn ordinary days into extraordinary memories.

Cooking has always been my way of expressing love and creativity, and sharing recipes is how I connect with the world. Over the years, my work has been featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, and Food52, and I was honored to win the 2024 Midwest Home Cooks Challenge. I’ve collaborated with local chefs, judged bake-offs, and developed recipes for family-run cafes. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for food’s power to nurture, inspire, and unite us.

Through every success and flop in my kitchen, I’ve learned that great recipes aren’t just about perfect technique—they’re about the moments, stories, and laughter we share around the table. That’s what Dish Ava is all about.

How It All Started

My journey began in my grandma’s kitchen, with flour-dusted counters and the irresistible scent of cinnamon rolls in the oven. I’ll never forget the afternoons spent flipping pancakes with my little brother, or the pride in serving my very first homemade lasagna to friends. Those early memories ignited my passion for experimenting with flavors and recreating the comfort of home.

As I grew older, cooking became my creative outlet and a way to decompress after busy days. What I love most is how recipes can be both deeply personal and universally meaningful—a favorite cookie recipe handed down, or a new dish inspired by travels abroad. Food is the language that connects us all, no matter where we come from.

When friends and family started asking for my recipes (and even more so after I won a few local cook-offs!), I decided to create Dish Ava. My hope was to make cooking approachable, inspiring, and fun for everyone, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.

Why You Can Trust Me

With over 12 years of hands-on experience in the kitchen, I’ve cooked for family gatherings, dinner parties, and professional recipe tests. My background includes formal culinary training, countless hours researching food science, and a love for exploring global cuisines.

I’m a stickler for quality, always triple-testing my recipes before they ever appear on the blog. Each post includes step-by-step photos, tips for substitutions, and honest notes about what works (and what doesn’t!). Visual presentation matters to me—I spend hours styling dishes and photographing them in natural light so you can see exactly how your results should look.

Beyond recipe writing, I’m constantly learning: attending food conferences, interviewing chefs, and diving deep into culinary history. Whether I’m perfecting a classic chocolate cake or inventing a new breakfast twist, my goal is to bring you recipes that are reliable, delicious, and a little bit special.

When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me hiking with my dog Maple, tending to my tiny herb garden, or scouring thrift shops for quirky vintage plates. These hobbies fuel my creativity and keep my recipes fresh and inspired.

Ultimately, my commitment is to you: to provide trustworthy recipes, clear instructions, and a genuine taste of joy in every post. If a recipe isn’t good enough for my own table, you won’t find it here!

Let’s Connect

I’d love to hear from you—whether you have a question, a recipe request, or want to share your own cooking story! You can reach me anytime by:

Thanks for stopping by, and I can’t wait to cook together!

Meet the Team

Ava Sterling — Founder & Recipe Developer
I create, test, and photograph every recipe here at Dish Ava. With a culinary arts degree and over a decade of hands-on experience, I’m passionate about making cooking joyful and approachable. I love drawing inspiration from travel, seasons, and my family’s heritage. When not in the kitchen, I’m either hiking with my rescue dog or hosting dinner parties with friends.

Eli Martin — Food Photographer & Editor
Eli is our behind-the-scenes magic-maker, bringing recipes to life with beautiful, mouth-watering images. With a background in food styling and journalism, he ensures every dish looks as good as it tastes. Eli is obsessed with natural lighting and always hunting for the perfect shot. He’s also a coffee aficionado and amateur bread baker.

Priya Das — Community Manager
Priya keeps Dish Ava’s community buzzing—she responds to your comments, manages social media, and organizes our monthly recipe swaps. Her background in nutrition and community building shines through in her thoughtful tips and encouragement. She’s passionate about making food accessible to everyone and is a devoted smoothie bowl artist.

Lila Carter — Nutrition Advisor
Lila brings her expertise as a registered dietitian to ensure our recipes are as nourishing as they are delicious. She reviews ingredient lists, suggests swaps for allergies, and writes our “Nutrition Notes.” Outside work, Lila enjoys yoga, hiking, and exploring local farmers’ markets for inspiration.