Welcome to Simple Family Dishes!
I’m Patricia Hayes, the founder and head cook here. As a mom of two from Austin, Texas, I started this site with one clear mission: to help busy families get dinner on the table without the stress.
What began as a personal collection of baking ideas has grown into a collaborative kitchen full of inspiration. My passion is creating joy and connection around every meal, whether you are cooking for a crowd or whipping up something quick on a weeknight.
Our Mission
At Simple Family Dishes, we believe great meals don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Every recipe you find here follows our three core principles:
- Simple: Accessible ingredients you can find at any local grocery store.
- Tasty: Comfort food flavors that even picky eaters will love.
- Family-Approved: Tested in real home kitchens for real life.
Our Collaborative Approach
Simple Family Dishes is a team effort. While I run the kitchen, I am joined by two incredible culinary contributors, Linda Dawson and Clara Thompson.
Although we each have our favorite specialties, we all work together across the entire menu. You will find delicious desserts, hearty casseroles, and quick lunch ideas written by all of us. We share the same cooking philosophy, so no matter which author writes the recipe, you can trust it meets our “Simple Family Dishes” standard of quality and ease.
Meet The Team
Patricia Hayes – Founder & Head Cook
I oversee the kitchen and focus on the classics comforting dinners, soups, and the heart of the site. I ensure every recipe is easy enough for a busy Tuesday night but special enough for Sunday dinner.
Linda Dawson – Contributing Baker
Linda brings a lifetime of family baking experience to our team. While she manages our sweet tooth with cookies and cupcakes, she also contributes to our holiday meal planning and family gatherings sections.
Want to know more? Meet Linda Dawson here.
Clara Thompson – Recipe Developer
Clara is our “weeknight warrior” joining us from Vermont. She focuses on efficiency specializing in 30-minute skillet meals, make-ahead breakfasts, and quick savory dishes that save you time without sacrificing flavor.
Want to know more? Meet Clara Thompson here.
Contact Us
We love hearing from our readers. If you have a question about a recipe, a suggestion for a new dish, or just want to say hello, please contact us at info@simplefamilydishes.com.