Arlene Rojas – Founder & Editor
Family Meals, Reimagined
Some cooks chase perfection. I’ve always chased connection.
I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, in a warm, bustling kitchen where dinner wasn’t just food on a plate—it was the heartbeat of our family. My mother’s enchiladas, my father’s grilled chicken, the laughter echoing around the table… these moments taught me that cooking is about gathering, sharing, and creating memories.
Years later, when I noticed more and more families struggling to find time for home-cooked meals, I knew I wanted to create a place where recipes felt approachable, practical, and joyful. That’s how Dishes & Recipes was born.
Why I Specialize in Everyday Lunch & Dinner
Dinner is where the day slows down. It’s where stories are told, problems are shared, and celebrations begin. But it doesn’t need to be complicated to matter.
I focus on recipes that bring families back to the table—hearty stews, simple pastas, comforting casseroles. They’re meals you can make on a busy Tuesday night, but also dishes you’ll be proud to serve on a Sunday gathering.
For me, everyday cooking is about comfort + practicality. It’s about food that fills you up without draining your time
Arlene’s Favorite Recipes
Here are some of my go-to dishes that remind me why I started this journey:
A Bit More About Arlene
📍 Location: San Antonio, Texas – where tradition meets modern family cooking.
🍴 Specialty: Family-style lunch & dinner recipes, with a focus on approachable flavors.
💡 Fun Fact: I collect vintage wooden spoons from every country I visit—they remind me of the power of a simple meal shared anywhere in the world.
My Cooking Philosophy
Cooking doesn’t need to be fancy to be meaningful. It needs to be real—food you can trust, flavors that bring comfort, meals that invite everyone to the table.
My philosophy is simple: Make it easy. Make it joyful. Make it together.
Let’s Stay Connected
Explore our recipes, read our stories, and connect with us on Pinterest.
Curious about how Dishes & Recipes started? → Read our story.!