Start Here | Simply LaKita Recipes

Hello, dear reader, welcome! I'm LaKita, and Simply LaKita is where Southern comfort food meets modern flavor. If you're craving cozy classics, a few modern twists, and recipes that actually work in a real-life kitchen…you're in the right place.

Update Note (January 9, 2026): This post was refreshed with a new "Start Here" layout, updated links to reader-favorite recipes, and a clearer guide for new visitors. It was originally posted on February 1, 2013.

I've been food blogging since 2013, and everything you see here is tested, photographed, and written to help you cook with confidence, from Sunday dinner staples to quick weeknight favorites. If you want the full story, you can meet me right here: Meet LaKita.

Jump to:

• Quick Start (New Here?)
• What You'll Find on Simply LaKita
• Start With These Reader Favorites
• Why I Started Blogging
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Stay Connected

Quick Start (New Here?)

If you're not sure where to begin, start here:

• Browse All Recipes and pick something that fits your mood (sweet, savory, or Sunday-supper-worthy).
• Try a Reader Favorite from the list below (these are the ones folks make again and again).
• Subscribe so you never miss new recipes, seasonal menus, and cozy comfort food inspiration.

What You'll Find on Simply LaKita

On this site you'll find:

• Modern Southern comfort food (the kind that feels like a hug).
• Sunday dinner staples and holiday classics.
• Weeknight dinners that don't require a culinary degree.
• Desserts that bring back the "church potluck" joy.
• At-home restaurant favorites (hello, hibachi nights!).

If you ever want to explore by vibe, here are a few great places to click around:

• Desserts
• Snacks & Appetizers
• Side Dishes
• At-Home Hibachi

Start With These Reader Favorites

If you want the "greatest hits" to get to know my style, start with these:

• Hibachi Ginger Dressing - sweet, tangy, and restaurant-style at home.
• Chocolate Delight - creamy, nostalgic, and potluck-famous for a reason.
• Hibachi Vegetables - quick, sizzling, and better than takeout.
• Deviled Eggs with Miracle Whip - classic, creamy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Southern Cornbread - skillet-baked, golden, and made for beans and greens.
• Southern Mac and Cheese - baked, creamy, and holiday-table ready.
• Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks - tender, flavorful, and soulful.
• Chicken and Broccoli Casserole - cozy, cheesy, and family-friendly.

Why I Started Blogging

This was my very first post back in 2013, and a lot has changed since then, but the heart of it is the same. Here are the reasons I started (and why I'm still here):

1) The Ultimate Hobby (That Turned Into a Whole Business)

I started Simply LaKita as a creative outlet, a place to learn, grow, and challenge myself. Food blogging pushed me to become a better cook, baker, writer, and photographer…one recipe at a time.

2) New Kitchen Adventures

I wanted a reason to try new things in the kitchen, not just cook the same handful of meals on repeat. Blogging made me experiment, test, tweak, and actually document what worked.

3) My Voice

I wanted a space that felt like mine. Where I could tell stories, share family food memories, and build a corner of the internet that feels warm, welcoming, and real.

4) A Recipe Box (That Wouldn't Get Lost)

I've always had a recipe box, some recipes passed down, some scribbled down, some "don't judge the stains" well-loved. I needed a better way to keep them safe and share them easily.

5) You 💛

You're the reason this place feels alive. I love hearing what you're cooking, what you're trying next, and what your family loves. This community is the best part of the whole thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Connected

If you've made it this far, I'm so glad you're here 🥹

• Subscribe for weekly updates and new recipes
• Follow me on Instagram @simplylakita (and tag me when you cook!)
• Leave a comment below and tell me: What kind of recipe do you want to see next?

💌 From my kitchen to yours, welcome, and happy cooking!