Hey y'all, I'm Ashley!

Ashley boyd leaning over counter in the kitchen.

I'm the wife, mama, and heart behind Pink Owl Kitchen!

A little of my background story

I’m a proud Southern Belle, born and raised in Mississippi, and my roots run deep in every recipe I share here at Pink Owl Kitchen. My Southern upbringing, combined with my faith in Christ, inspires me to preserve the traditional dishes I grew up with while making them approachable for today’s home cooks.

Recipes like Southern Collard Greens, Soul Food Candied Yams, and Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese are just a few of my cherished favorites from childhood, and it brings me so much joy to pass them on to you.

My passion for cooking comes from a long line of talented Southern cooks. Since my teenage years, I’ve loved preparing cozy, homemade meals, and there’s nothing like seeing my loved ones light up with every bite.

In 2016, I married into a big, beautiful family and quickly became the go-to cook for our gatherings, which often meant feeding nearly 100 people at a time. The joy on everyone’s faces sparked something in me, and with a loving push from my amazing husband, Pink Owl Kitchen was born. In 2022, I took a leap of faith, left my full-time job, and dedicated myself to creating recipes for families like yours.

When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me actively involved in our church, chasing our fun-loving toddler, and soaking up time with family.

ashley boyd, her son, and husband posing for a family photo.

We Have Been Featured In

Television

Other Features

Food52 Juneteenth Virtual Cookout 2023
The Spruce Eats 13 Juneteenth Drinks by Black Food Bloggers
Taste of The South Magazine, July/August 2021, Volume 18, Issue 4
The Kitchn The Way We Eat

What You Will Find on Pink Owl Kitchen

Prayed over recipes. The Lord recently put it on my heart to pray over our recipes and for the families and people who will make and enjoy them. May our recipes bring the love of Christ into your home!
Soul-warming recipes inspired by the comforting Southern food I grew up eating.
Step-by-step recipe instructions, tips, and tricks so that cooks of all experience levels feel confident making our recipes.
An email newsletter where I share our latest recipes, curated holiday menus, and other exciting updates.

More about Ashley and Pink Owl Kitchen

How did you come up with the name Pink Owl Kitchen?

Pink Owl Kitchen is like a tribute to my mom, my hubby, and just being free. No matter where I worked, I felt like a bird stuck in a cage. But you know where I found my wings? In the kitchen! Cooking made me feel alive and liberated.

My husband and I bonded right from the start over our shared love for owls – yeah, we're a bit quirky like that. Then there's my mom, who rocked hot pink lipstick every single day, even if she wasn't stepping out. Combining all those bits, Pink Owl Kitchen was born!

How did you teach yourself to cook?

Practice, practice, practice! I never really had anyone to hold my hand and teach me how to chop an onion or make yeasted dough. I watched cooking shows, read blogs, and just jumped in the kitchen and tried it all. The more I was in the kitchen, the more comfortable I became. I'm not afraid to try new ingredients, flavors, or techniques, and neither should you!

What tips do you have for a new cook?

Start by learning cooking basics like chopping, measuring, handling a knife (it's easier than you imagine, and YouTube's a goldmine for this!). Then, dive into straightforward stuff, like a one-pan meal or simple sides. Once you're more comfortable, level up to slightly trickier recipes. Oh, and remember, failing's part of the game! Trust me, I've had my fair share of cooking and baking mishaps, it's how we learn!

What recipes do you recommend for a new cook?

Many readers find our Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken, Southern Coleslaw, and Sweet Cornbread Muffins recipes perfect for beginner cooks.

Can anyone become a good cook?

Yes, cooking is a skill, and like any skill, it just takes practice and a willingness to learn. When I first started out, I could barely hold a knife properly, and I set off the smoke alarm more times than I can count. But I didn’t give up. With time, patience, and a lot of trial and error, I grew more confident in the kitchen and eventually started this cooking blog to share what I’ve learned. You’ve got this—just keep showing up, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go! this!

Featured In

Ashley's Favorite Southern Recipes!

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