About

Welcome to Cook With Rina!

Hello and welcome! I’m Rina Matthews, the founder, recipe developer, and friendly kitchen companion behind Cook With Rina. Here, food is more than a necessity—it’s an act of love, creativity, and togetherness. My mission is to help home cooks of all skill levels make delicious meals that feel special, no matter the occasion.

At Cook With Rina, you’ll find recipes featured on Home Plate Heroes, semi-finalist dishes from the Fresh Flavors Competition, collaborations with renowned food bloggers, and write-ups in EatWell Digest. Each of these moments has shaped my approach and reinforced my belief that cooking is for everyone. My greatest discovery along the way? The most memorable meals are made with heart, curiosity, and a little bit of fun.

Over a decade of experimenting, teaching, and sharing food has taught me that every kitchen story is unique. Through triumphs and mishaps, I’ve learned that no “perfect” plate is needed for a meal to be memorable—just a willingness to try, share, and savor the journey. Cook With Rina is my invitation to you: let’s create something wonderful, one recipe at a time.

How It All Started

My passion for recipes was born in a bustling family kitchen, surrounded by laughter and the irresistible aroma of simmering sauces. Some of my earliest memories involve helping my mother knead bread dough or plating up Sunday breakfasts. Food became my first language—a way to express love, creativity, and curiosity.

As I grew, I found myself drawn to cookbooks and cooking shows, always eager to try something new or put my own spin on a classic. The kitchen became my laboratory, and every meal was an opportunity to experiment and connect. What I love most about recipes is their power to bring people together and spark joy, no matter how simple or sophisticated.

Starting Cook With Rina felt like the natural next step. I wanted to document family traditions, share new discoveries, and encourage others to enjoy the journey—mistakes, happy accidents, and all! This blog is a place for celebrating food, friendship, and the little victories that happen every day in the kitchen.

Why You Can Trust Me

With over 12 years of hands-on cooking and recipe development, I bring a blend of professional and homegrown expertise to every dish. My journey includes time in restaurant kitchens, food styling for local events, and ongoing culinary workshops. Whether you’re looking for quick weekday breakfasts or crowd-pleasing desserts, each recipe is carefully tested, tweaked, and tasted before it’s shared.

I believe in quality and transparency. My process always begins with research—exploring new techniques, sourcing fresh ingredients, and testing recipes in real-life settings. Every step is photographed by me, capturing not only how a dish looks, but the joy of making it. If something doesn’t work in my kitchen, it won’t appear on the blog.

I value clear, approachable instructions and provide tips to help you succeed, even if you’re trying something totally new. From step-by-step photos to video walk-throughs, I aim to make every recipe feel possible (and fun!). My background in food styling helps me present each dish in a way that’s inviting and inspiring, never intimidating.

Outside of Cook With Rina, I love exploring local markets, volunteering at community food programs, and taking spontaneous food-inspired road trips. My curiosity and passion for learning keep me searching for new flavors and ideas to bring home to you.

Ultimately, my goal is to build trust through honesty, helpful advice, and consistently great results. If you have questions, ideas, or feedback, I’m just a message away—and I truly love hearing from fellow food enthusiasts!

Let’s Connect

I love connecting with readers and fellow food lovers! Whether you have a question, a story to share, or a recipe request, your messages make my day.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here’s to delicious moments, shared stories, and recipes you’ll want to make again and again!

Meet the Cook With Rina Team

Rina Matthews – Founder & Head Recipe Creator
I wear many hats: recipe tester, food stylist, storyteller, and sometimes chief dishwasher! My background in culinary arts and love for family traditions inspire every recipe. Outside the kitchen, I’m a market explorer, dog lover, and passionate community volunteer.

Paula Simmons – Assistant Recipe Developer
Paula brings her experience as a pastry chef and home baker to the team, specializing in sweet treats and holiday bakes. Her attention to detail ensures every dessert is a winner. When she’s not baking, she’s collecting vintage cookbooks and hosting themed dinner parties.

James Wu – Content Editor & Proofreader
James is the grammar guru and clarity champion behind our posts. With a background in journalism and a knack for storytelling, he helps every recipe shine. He’s a weekend grill master and a self-declared coffee aficionado.

Emily Patel – Community Engagement Manager
Emily’s warmth and energy keep our online community thriving. She answers questions, shares reader successes, and brings everyone together. She’s passionate about food education and loves organizing local tasting events.