About Me

Welcome to Kindly Recipe

Hello, and welcome! I’m Meredith Harper, the heart and hands behind Kindly Recipe. This little corner of the internet is where my passion for honest, home-cooked food comes to life. Whether you’re here searching for a weeknight dinner solution, a show-stopping dessert, or simply some culinary inspiration, I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee (or tea!), and let’s talk food.

Our Story

My love affair with cooking didn’t start in a professional kitchen or culinary school—it began on rainy Saturday afternoons in rural Ontario, where I grew up as the middle child in a bustling household of five kids. While my siblings were outside splashing in puddles, I was inside with my mom, perched on a wooden stool that wobbled every time I leaned over to peek into mixing bowls.

My mother wasn’t a trained chef, but she had this magical ability to turn simple, humble ingredients into something that felt like love on a plate. I remember watching her hands—flour-dusted and confident—as she kneaded bread dough, rolled out pie crusts, and stirred pots of bubbling tomato sauce. She never measured anything precisely, always going by feel and intuition, and somehow everything turned out perfectly.

One particular memory stands out: I was about nine years old when she let me make my first apple crisp entirely on my own. I remember feeling so grown-up as I peeled apples (albeit unevenly), mixed the crumbly topping, and slid the dish into the oven. When it emerged golden and fragrant, my whole family devoured it, and my dad declared it “restaurant-worthy.” That moment sparked something in me—a realization that cooking wasn’t just about feeding people; it was about creating moments of joy, comfort, and connection.

As I grew older, cooking became my creative outlet, my stress reliever, and eventually, my greatest passion. After years of cooking for friends, family, and anyone who’d accept an invitation to my dinner table, I decided to start Kindly Recipe in 2019. What began as a simple blog to document my favorite recipes has blossomed into a community of home cooks who believe, just like I do, that good food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be made with care.

Our Philosophy

At Kindly Recipe, I believe that cooking should be accessible, enjoyable, and kind—to yourself, your loved ones, and the ingredients you’re working with. You won’t find overly fussy techniques or impossible-to-find ingredients here. Instead, you’ll discover recipes that honor the beauty of simplicity, celebrate seasonal produce, and respect the reality of busy lives.

I’m a firm believer that the best meals are the ones made with intention, whether that’s a slow-simmered Sunday sauce or a quick 20-minute stir-fry on a hectic Tuesday. My goal is to empower you to feel confident in your kitchen, to trust your instincts, and to find joy in the process—not just the final product.

What We Offer

Diverse Recipes

From comforting casseroles and vibrant salads to decadent desserts and wholesome breakfasts, Kindly Recipe offers a wide range of dishes to suit every occasion and craving. I draw inspiration from my Canadian roots, travels, and the diverse flavors I’ve fallen in love with over the years.

Clear Instructions

Every recipe on this site is thoroughly tested in my own kitchen and written with clarity in mind. I include step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and common pitfalls to avoid, so you can cook with confidence—even if you’re a beginner.

Seasonal Inspiration

I’m passionate about cooking with the seasons, using fresh, peak-season ingredients whenever possible. You’ll find recipes that celebrate summer’s juicy tomatoes, fall’s cozy squashes, winter’s hearty root vegetables, and spring’s tender greens.

Nutrition & Flexibility

While I’m not a nutritionist, I strive to create balanced recipes that nourish both body and soul. I also offer substitutions and modifications for dietary preferences, so everyone can find something delicious to make.

Community & Connection

One of the greatest joys of running Kindly Recipe has been connecting with readers like you. Your comments, photos, and stories about making these recipes for your own families truly warm my heart. This isn’t just my blog—it’s our shared space, where we can swap tips, celebrate kitchen victories, and support each other through the occasional culinary mishap (we’ve all been there!).

I love hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment, send me a message, or tag me on social media when you make one of my recipes. Your feedback helps me grow and continue creating content that truly serves you.

Meet Meredith

When I’m not in the kitchen developing recipes, you’ll likely find me exploring farmers’ markets with my husband, Alex, and our golden retriever, Maple. We live in a cozy century-old home just outside Vancouver, where I tend a small vegetable garden that supplies my kitchen with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and far too many zucchinis every summer.

I’m an avid reader (give me a good food memoir any day!), a terrible but enthusiastic gardener, and someone who genuinely believes that butter makes everything better. I have a slight obsession with vintage cookware, a cabinet full of mismatched mugs, and a seemingly endless supply of sourdough starter that I’ve been nurturing for three years.

Join Our Culinary Community

Thank you for being here and for making Kindly Recipe part of your cooking journey. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting to find your way around the kitchen, I hope you’ll find inspiration, encouragement, and delicious food within these pages.

Let’s cook something wonderful together.

With gratitude and a full heart,
Meredith Harper
Founder & Recipe Creator, Kindly Recipe