Home at Cedar Springs Farm

Meet Gina!

Hi there, friends! I’m Gina Abernathy, a wife, mom, writer, and Southern Food Lover, and I’m so glad you stopped by!

Welcome to Home at Cedar Springs Farm, my cozy little corner of the internet where I share easy Southern recipes, family-friendly meals, and homemade comfort food straight from my kitchen here in Alabama. I have over 40 years of experience cooking food people want to eat. My mission is simple: to make your dinner table a place of joy, conversation, and delicious flavor one dish at a time.

A woman standing in front of her kitchen window by her sink.

My Story

I’m a retired elementary school teacher who suddenly found herself with more free time once my children grew up and didn’t need me quite as much. I needed something meaningful to fill my days, and that’s when my love of cooking took center stage. I’ve always believed that great meals don’t have to be complicated, just made with love and simple ingredients that come together to create something special.

What started as a way to organize and share recipes with family and friends has grown into this full-blown Southern food blog, filled with classic Southern dishes, easy weeknight dinners, and homemade desserts that bring comfort and conversation back to the table.

Life on the Farm

You might be wondering about the name Home at Cedar Springs Farm. Well, that’s because I live on a real working farm right here in Alabama. We gather fresh eggs from our chickens, tend to our animals (including a sweet milk cow), and enjoy true country living every single day.

This blog reflects that lifestyle: a little bit of farmhouse cooking, a touch of country-life inspiration, and plenty of down-home recipes straight from my Southern kitchen.

A woman standing and feeding a black and white cow.

A Bit More About Me

I’m also a monthly food writer for Lake Martin Living Magazine, where I share seasonal recipes, cooking tips, and Southern comfort food stories with readers who love good food as much as I do. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and combining it with my love for cooking and storytelling has been such a blessing.

When I’m not developing recipes or writing, you’ll find me doing a little bit of everything: driving a tractor, canning garden vegetables, crafting, traveling, and enjoying simple everyday life on the farm.

A woman sitting at a desk in front of a computer with a cow picture behind her.

My Cooking Philosophy

I believe home cooking should be easy, flavorful, and fun. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to create amazing meals. My recipes are designed to be stress-free, family-approved, and budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy parents, working professionals, or anyone who wants to serve a delicious meal without the fuss.

Every recipe on my site has passed the harshest critics — my family! If it doesn’t earn their seal of approval, it doesn’t make it onto the blog.

What You’ll Find at Home at Cedar Springs Farm

  • Southern Favorites: Classic Southern comfort food recipes made simple for the everyday kitchen. You’ll love my summer squash casserole recipe and my easy cathead biscuits.
  • Family-Friendly Meals: Quick and easy weeknight dinners that everyone at the table will love, like my chicken and rice casserole.
  • Homemade Goodness: From-scratch desserts, cozy casseroles, and farm-fresh recipes inspired by life in Alabama.
  • Everyday Inspiration: A mix of country living, farmhouse style, and simple joys from everyday life.
A woman holding a baking sheet with cookies.

Why I Love What I Do

I started this journey as a way to connect through food, through writing, and through stories that bring people together. Cooking isn’t just about feeding your family; it’s about making memories.

Whether you’re searching for Southern home cooking recipes, simple family meals, or a little bit of farmhouse life inspiration, you’ll find it all here.

So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and stay awhile. I hope Home at Cedar Springs Farm inspires you to cook, create, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures one comforting recipe at a time.

Welcome to my life and my kitchen!

— Gina Abernathy

My Heart! My Family!

I have been married for 35 years!! I have two children, 24 and 29. They grew up too fast, but will always be my babies!!


 I am also a Food Columnist for a magazine– Lake Martin Living. Be sure to check out my intro video.

Some of my most popular posts include- Sweet Potato Pie, Creamy Potato Salad, Fried Pork Chops, Chicken and Dressing, and Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions. I’m sure you will find something here that you and your family will love along the pages of these tried and true recipes. Enjoy!

Other places you might see my recipes: Yummly, Yahoo, MSN, and Edible Arrangements.