Welcome to Maplevine Kitchen!
I’m Allie Cleveland, the author, photographer, and recipe developer behind Maplevine Kitchen. Welcome to my cozy corner of the Pacific Northwest! Here, you’ll find easy-to-make, elevated recipes with a seasonal flair, perfect for everything from casual gatherings to holiday feasts. Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it can’t have style!
At Maplevine Kitchen, we believe every dish can feel special. Whether you’re putting together appetizers for a dinner party, a show-stopping main, or a vibrant side salad, our recipes are thoughtfully designed with entertaining and special occasions in mind. Plus, you’ll discover seasonal produce spotlights, curated menus, pairing ideas, and practical tips to make cooking stress-free and your dishes look effortlessly impressive.
From the cozy flavors of fall to the fresh bounty of spring, we celebrate every season with thoughtful ingredients and creative ideas. So, grab a glass of wine, settle in, and let’s turn everyday cooking into something unforgettable!
Try some of these Maplevine Kitchen favorites
- How To Make A Beautiful Simple Charcuterie Board
- Easy Burrata Bruschetta with Peaches and Tomatoes
- Mango Cucumber Salad With Avocado and Fresh Mint
- Spice Roasted Carrots with Hot Honey Butter Glaze
- Fall Harvest Chili with Squash and Sweet Potato
- Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Bacon
Maplevine Kitchen’s Cooking Philosophy
My approach to cooking is all about hitting that sweet spot where easy meets elegant. I focus on making simple recipes that still feel a little fancy—without all the fuss. Because good food should be enjoyable, not stressful!
Also close to my heart lies a deep appreciation for cooking with the seasons. There’s just something special about using fresh, seasonal ingredients—they bring out the best flavors and make every dish shine.
With each new season comes a unique variety of produce and flavors, just waiting to be incorporated into your cooking. From vibrant local produce to bold herbs and spices to mouthwatering marinades and sauces, I always strive to craft dishes that pack a BIG flavor punch. After all, food should be both nourishing and delicious!
On stormy fall days, there’s nothing better than staying cozy at home and experimenting in the kitchen. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we embrace the rain—”liquid sunshine,” as we like to call it—since it’s what helps our local produce thrive!
Whether I’m browsing farmers markets or picking up my latest CSA share, I’m always excited to see what fresh, seasonal ingredients inspire new creations. I love exploring new flavors and cuisines, and you’ll spot a good number of Italian-inspired recipes on the site—my personal favorite!
Sharing regional specialties from my travels, along with local ingredients and dishes, brings me so much joy. So come along and let’s dive into the delicious bounty of the Pacific Northwest and beyond!
Why eat seasonal and local?
Cooking with the seasons means you’re using the freshest, most flavorful ingredients—the key to making dishes shine. I design my recipes with the idea that seasonal produce naturally complements each other, making it easy to create balanced, flavorful meals without much fuss.
The benefits go beyond just taste. Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak, so its packed with more vitamins and minerals than produce picked early. So, when you cook with what’s in season, you’re not only making delicious food—you’re also doing your body a favor.
Supporting local farmers and growers is important to me, which is why I always try to buy produce that’s in season. By doing so, I’m not only getting the freshest ingredients, but I’m also supporting my local economy and reducing the environmental impact of transportation. It’s a win-win!
Cooking seasonally also connects me to tradition and community. I think back to my grandmother and great-grandmother, canning and pickling each summer, and how life revolved around the harvests and the cycle of the seasons. By cooking with the seasons, I’m carrying on a tradition that’s been passed down for generations – and that feels pretty special.
A bit more about me
Confession time – I’m a total homebody who loves nothing more than experimenting with new recipes and sharing them with my nearest and dearest (and now with all of you lovely folks!). Although I currently work in the legal field as a paralegal, I spent over 15 years working in the restaurant industry in Seattle and Los Angeles, where I developed a keen sense of what makes a dish truly delicious and balanced.
My weekends are all about exploring the local farmers market for fresh, seasonal ingredients to inspire my menus for the week ahead. Whether I’m prepping meals for the coming week or hosting a casual get-together with friends, I’m all about creating dishes that are easy yet impressive, letting the ingredients speak for themselves while still delivering that “wow” factor.
Ultimately, I started this blog to connect with like-minded foodies and inspire others to embrace their love of good food. Food is such a universal language – whether you’re cooking for loved ones or simply enjoying a delicious meal, it’s all about connecting with others and savoring every moment. Cheers to that! ❤️
