About
Welcome to Forkful of Flavor! I’m Olivia Brooks, the recipe developer, food photographer, and voice behind everything you see here. My culinary journey began in my mother’s bustling kitchen in South Carolina, where food was never just sustenance—it was our love language.
After graduating from culinary school, I spent seven incredible years working in professional kitchens across New York and California. While I loved the fast-paced restaurant world, I discovered my true calling was helping home cooks recreate that same magic in their own kitchens. In 2016, I traded my chef’s whites for a laptop and camera, and Forkful of Flavor was born.
What drives me is demystifying “fancy” cooking. Too often I hear people say, “I could never make that at home!” My response is always, “Yes, you absolutely can!” I believe that with clear instructions, a few key techniques, and quality ingredients, anyone can create dishes that look and taste impressive.
My recipe style marries my classical training with practical, everyday cooking. You’ll find everything from 15-minute weeknight dinners to showstopping weekend projects. I test each recipe multiple times in a home kitchen—if it works for me using standard equipment, it will work for you too.
When I’m not cooking or photographing food, you’ll find me browsing farmers’ markets, tending to my ever-expanding herb garden, or exploring local restaurants with my husband James and our golden retriever, Butter (yes, named after my favorite ingredient!).
What brings me the greatest joy is hearing how my recipes have become part of your family traditions or helped you gain confidence in the kitchen. Every comment about a successful dinner party or a picky eater who cleaned their plate makes this journey worthwhile.
Food is more than fuel—it’s connection, creativity, and care made tangible. My hope is that the recipes you find here inspire you to slow down, gather around the table, and create moments that nourish both body and soul.
Thank you for being part of this community. I’m so glad you’re here.
With a grateful heart (and usually flour-covered hands),
Olivia