Hi, I’m Amanda Davis — recipe developer, baking enthusiast, and the creative force behind Amanda’s Cookin’. My love for cooking and baking began when I was 16, flipping open my dad’s copy of the Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook. The first recipe I tackled? Chocolate Éclairs — a bold choice for a beginner!
At 23, I lost my mom—and with her, the cooking and baking wisdom I had always relied on. Determined to nourish my growing family, I began teaching myself one recipe at a time. What started as necessity soon became my passion. Over the last 30+ years, I’ve developed a love for both cooking and baking, especially the science behind baking and how flavors work together.
In 1997, I launched FamilyCorner.com and spent the next ten years building it into a thriving online community. That decade of hands-on experience in content creation, audience building, and running a successful brand became the foundation for what I do today on Amanda’s Cookin’.
Since then, I’ve devoted myself to Amanda’s Cookin’, sharing approachable, tested recipes that home cooks can trust. My work has been featured in Woman’s Day and Mixing Bowl Magazine, and online by MSN, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Parade, Delish, and Buzzfeed.
Today, I work side-by-side with my husband, Chef Antoine Davis, in our Wisconsin kitchen, creating delicious, reliable recipes — from decadent desserts to quick weeknight dinners — to help you feel confident and inspired in your own cooking. Whether I’m perfecting a classic dessert, creating a quick weeknight dinner, or experimenting with flavors, my goal is always to help you feel confident and inspired in your home kitchen.
My favorite recipes are too numerous to list! But I definitely make my Garlic Chicken on repeat, it is one of the easiest, fastest dinners ever! My husband knows I love a good filet, so when he makes steak he always prepares Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon for me. For dessert, I can’t resist these Thumbprint Cookies I’ve been making for over 30 years, and I would be remiss if I didn’t include these Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins in my favorites list.
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The Creative Team
When I started this food blog in September 2008, I never imagined the path it would take. What began as a one-woman show has since blossomed into a family affair, with my husband, daughter, and daughter-in-law now part of The Creative Team.
Kristen Rittmer, Editorial Manager
Hi! I’m Kristen. I’m Amanda’s daughter, and the Editorial Manager for Amanda’s Cookin’ and Craft by Amanda. I handle all content for both websites, including the planning and development of new content.
While I certainly enjoy cooking up savory food, my heart leans heavier into the world of baking. The science behind baking and the rush I get when a muffin top comes out perfectly puffy and domed gives me somewhat of a euphoric feeling. I think it boils down to the feeling of accomplishment that keeps me reeled in, because as we all know, baking can be quite tricky. I live for the challenge of getting a recipe just right!
Aside from baking, my heart is filled with my family, pets, and all things outdoors. Hiking, traveling, and nature keep me grounded.
I joined my mother in this business back in 2014 as a Virtual Assistant, handling the social media accounts and aiding in the development of weekly newsletters, but later joined her full time in January of 2017 and couldn’t imagine it any other way!
I love reading and hearing from our viewers and how something so simple, such as food, can make such an impact on peoples lives. We couldn’t do what we do everyday without each and every one of you!
My favorite recipes include Lemon Streusel Squares, which have accompanied me to many, many parties over the years. I also have a soft spot for my mom’s Deep Dark Chocolate Cake. She made it for me when I was young, and I have loved it ever since. As for savories, my favorites would have to be Italian Lasagna, as it reminds me of my childhood, and Antoine’s Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders that I seriously can’t get enough of!
Lindsay Formaro, Social Media Manager
Hi, I’m Lindsay Formaro, Amanda’s daughter-in-law, and I’ve been part of the Amanda’s Cookin’ team for several years. I’m passionate about fast cars, photography — especially food photography — and I love baking, cooking, and continuously expanding my knowledge of food. At home, I share life with my husband, Dominic, along with our dog and two cats.
There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to keep Amanda’s Cookin’ thriving — tracking popular posts, getting them back into the social media stream, engaging with our community, and so much more. I run our social media team, making sure the recipes we create make it to you, and I’ve also served as the blog’s staff photographer, capturing many of the images you see here.
Though life’s path has taken me across the country, I work full-time managing our presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, ensuring that our recipes reach as many home cooks and bakers as possible.
My favorite recipes are Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna and Brown Butter Toffee Blondies for when I’m craving something sweet, while Spinach Mushroom Quiche and Italian Sliders are my go-tos for a satisfying savory bite!
Antoine Davis – Head Chef
Hi, I’m Chef Antoine Davis and I’ve been at home in the kitchen since I was a young boy, often standing on a stool beside my mom, helping her prepare dinner. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for creating delicious, memorable meals. Over the past 30 years, I’ve built my career in the food industry, working as a chef in several restaurants and honing my skills across a variety of cuisines and techniques.
These days, I share my life and my kitchen with my wife, Amanda Davis, founder of Amanda’s Cookin’. Together, we combine our creativity and expertise to bring you flavorful, easy to make recipes.
I’m known for blending modern and traditional cooking — from mastering the Instant Pot to grilling over charcoal or smoking meats to perfection. Friends and family never turn down an invitation to my table, knowing they’re in for a meal that’s both flavorful and beautifully presented. As an artist, I bring my creativity to every plate, making each dish a true feast for the senses.
My favorite recipes are numerous, but if I had to choose, Chilean Sea Bass would be at the top of the list. I also love cooking and eating lamb, and surprisingly, these Air Fryer Lamb Chops have turned out to be one of the best – and easiest – ways to make them. I rarely eat sweets, but my wife’s S’mores Lasagna is my ultimate kryptonite, and her Chocolate Chip Cookies are unbeatable.
That’s our team — a family of passionate cooks, bakers, and creators dedicated to helping you feel confident in the kitchen. If you’d like to reach out, share feedback, or just say hi, we’re always happy to connect.
How to Contact Us
If you have questions, feedback, or need help with anything please contact us here and we will get back to you shortly!
I hope you enjoy Amanda’s Cookin’ and will either follow the blog or subscribe by email. Something’s always cookin’ around here, and we’d love for you to join us!
