Hi, I’m Emily Carter — a 35-year-old wife, mom of two wonderful kids, and the storyteller behind RetroMeal.

For more than a decade, my life revolved around numbers, spreadsheets, and early-morning coffee runs. I spent 15 years working in banking — a world of balance sheets and deadlines — until I realized that what truly made me feel balanced was cooking.

It started as a simple stress reliever after long workdays — a way to unwind and reconnect with my family. But over time, cooking became so much more: a creative outlet, a love language, and eventually, a second career.

In 2020, I left my banking job to follow my heart (and my whisk). RetroMeal was born from my desire to blend the warmth of old-fashioned home cooking with the pace of modern life.

Here, I share classic comfort food recipes with a nostalgic twist — the kind of dishes that remind you of family gatherings, handwritten recipe cards, and cozy Sunday dinners.

This journey wouldn’t be complete without two amazing women who share my passion for good food and storytelling: Samantha Reed and Olivia Brooks.

👩‍🍳 Samantha Reed
Our dessert magician. Samantha creates homestyle pies, cookies, and cakes that capture the magic of simpler times — sweet, familiar, and straight from the heart.

🥗 Olivia Brooks
Olivia brings a fresh balance to our kitchen, transforming traditional favorites into wholesome, feel-good meals perfect for today’s busy families.

What We Believe

At RetroMeal, we believe every recipe has a story — and every home-cooked meal has the power to bring people together.
Cooking isn’t about perfection; it’s about love, laughter, and memories that last longer than any meal.

What You’ll Find Here

🍴 Comfort Classics: From stews to casseroles, comforting dishes that feel like home.
🍰 Homemade Desserts: Old-fashioned sweets that taste like childhood.
🥦 Balanced Twists: Healthier spins on traditional meals for modern families.
🕰️ Retro Vibes: Stories, photos, and memories that celebrate the timeless joy of cooking.

Join Our Table

RetroMeal isn’t just a recipe blog — it’s a celebration of home, heart, and heritage.
Thank you for being here — now grab your apron, and let’s cook something memorable together. ❤️