About

Welcome to Life With Rita!

Hey there, I’m Rita Dawson—the heart, hands, and hungry tastebuds behind Life With Rita. If you’ve found your way here, you probably love delicious, doable recipes as much as I do. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started in your kitchen, I’m so glad you’re here!

For me, cooking isn’t just about following steps in a recipe—it’s about making memories, trying new flavors, and connecting with the people you love. I believe food has the power to bring joy, spark creativity, and turn even the most ordinary days into something special. Every dish I share is tested in my own kitchen, with plenty of laughs, a pinch of trial and error, and a whole lot of heart.

I’ve been lucky to be featured in Taste of Home and Good Housekeeping, named a semi-finalist in the Great American Home Cook-Off, and have collaborated with kitchenware brands like Le Creuset and Cuisinart. My recipes have been tried, tested, and loved by thousands of home cooks, and that’s what keeps me inspired.

After over 12 years of cooking, sharing, and learning, my biggest lesson is this: Food doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated to be amazing—it just needs a bit of love and a willingness to try. I hope Life With Rita inspires you to roll up your sleeves, try something new, and enjoy every bite.

How It All Started

My love for recipes goes all the way back to childhood, when I’d perch on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her turn simple ingredients into the most comforting meals. Those moments—kneading dough with floury hands, the aroma of cookies baking, family gathered around the table—are some of my happiest memories.

As I grew up, food became my creative outlet and my way of showing love to others. I started collecting handwritten recipes, jotting down ideas on scraps of paper, and experimenting with new twists on classic dishes. There’s just something magical about seeing people’s faces light up when they take that first bite!

A few years ago, friends started asking for my recipes, and I realized how much I enjoyed teaching, inspiring, and connecting with others through food. That’s when Life With Rita was born—a space to share my journey, celebrate simple pleasures, and help others make cooking feel joyful, not stressful.

Why You Can Trust Me

With more than 12 years in the kitchen, I’ve worn every hat: home cook, recipe developer, food photographer, and food enthusiast. I’ve spent countless hours reading cookbooks, attending culinary workshops, and learning from family, friends, and talented chefs.

I approach every recipe with dedication to quality and flavor. Nothing makes it onto the blog without multiple rounds of testing, tweaking, and honest feedback from my own family (my toughest critics!). I want my recipes to work for you every time, whether you’re making a quick breakfast or an impressive dinner.

My process always starts with research—I love digging into food history, exploring new cuisines, and keeping up with the latest trends. I’m passionate about sourcing great ingredients, capturing drool-worthy photos, and writing step-by-step guides that make cooking approachable for everyone.

Photography is just as important to me as flavor. I take all my own photos, aiming to capture the warmth, color, and comfort of every dish. After all, we eat with our eyes first! When I’m not cooking or behind the camera, you’ll probably find me hiking, trying a new restaurant, or curled up with a good book and a cup of tea.

Every post on Life With Rita is an invitation to learn, explore, and enjoy the process—mistakes, messes, and all. That curiosity and joy is at the heart of everything I do here.

Connect With Me

I’d love to hear from you—whether you have a question, want to share a recipe success, or just want to say hi! Here’s how you can connect:

Let’s make this space a true community—your stories, tips, and feedback mean the world to me. Don’t be shy, reach out and let’s get cooking together!

Meet the Team

Rita Dawson – Founder & Head Recipe Creator
I’m the voice, recipe tester, and photographer behind Life With Rita. My background is in family nutrition and food writing, and I love experimenting with flavors and sharing kitchen tips. When I’m not cooking, I enjoy hiking local trails and exploring cozy cafés. My favorite recipe to make? Anything that brings people together around the table!

Maya Ellis – Assistant Recipe Developer
Maya has a passion for plant-based cooking and helps brainstorm and test our most creative recipes. She studied food science in college and brings a science-meets-heart approach to every project. Maya’s creative twists keep our recipes fresh and fun. On weekends, she loves hosting brunches for friends and family.

Leo Carter – Food Photographer & Videographer
Leo’s keen eye for color and light makes every dish look as mouthwatering as it tastes. With over a decade in food media, he’s the one capturing those crave-worthy photos and videos. Leo is an avid traveler and often brings global inspiration to our shoots. He’s also our in-house espresso aficionado!

Sarah Brooks – Community Manager
Sarah keeps our readers connected, answers questions, and makes sure everyone feels welcome. She has a background in digital marketing and loves building supportive online spaces. Sarah’s energy and empathy shine through in every comment and email. She’s a huge fan of comfort food—especially homemade mac and cheese!