Hey there! I’m Jessi.
I am a blogger, food photographer and recipe developer based out of Nashville.
Food has always been at the center of my life. I love its ability to connect us to ourselves and others in our life.
Here on Jessi’s Kitchen, you will find delicious seasonal recipes and desserts made with flavorful flours and alternative ingredients.
Also, because of my passion for food photography, I will share some tips + tricks for photographing food along the way.
I grew up sitting on the kitchen counter in our home always covered in flour. It was nothing fancy or healthy, but food was always a significant part of our lives. My mom simply loved to bake and made the best rolls and cookies you will ever eat. Because my parents loved to help the youth in our community, our home was a revolving door of hungry high school kids, college students from the university down the road, and friends who wanted to pop in to say hi… and usually snag a baked good my mom was working on.
I have always been drawn to the connection and joy that food brought to our lives. The conversations and laughter that would inevitably arise when people were gathered around the table eating a delicious meal or just snacking on a fresh plate of cookies was never just because of the good food, but how the food brought everyone together.
My high school years were filled with a lot of ups and downs. Food began to fill a different need in my life as it became an unexpected form of therapy for me. It was an amazing way to occupy my mind and hands. I was drawn to the creative beauty of food, the unpredictability of fire, the art of presenting an appetizing meal and the pride of eating something amazing I made.
My love of cooking and creating continued to grow into my adult life. I didn’t realize until much later what cooking had really done for me.
It grounded me and saved me during such a difficult time.
It was a constant. It was something I could control. It was healing.
Cooking still continues to stabilize me through the many ups and downs of life. It connects me to my mind, body, emotions and to other people around me.
Jessi
My dream for Jessi’s Kitchen is to create a culture that encourages people to embrace food as a means to connect us to ourselves and also the people we love through beautiful and flavorful recipes. Food is meant to be shared. I hope as you cook through my recipes you begin sharing what you create and strengthen- or even create- new friendships as a result.
I love to cook many different types of meals but I absolutely love to highlight seasonal recipes from food that grows in my own community. I want to create recipes that are equally beautiful and flavorful for you to enjoy each season.
One of my other passions for Jessi’s Kitchen is dessert. Here you can find enticing, delicious desserts made with alternative ingredients and flavorful flours that can be enjoyed for celebrations, shared with friends or even just made for the casual craving!
Lori says
I love your title and tagline: “Because healthy doesn’t have to be plain.” I have been learning that exact thing! I am so glad you visited my blog, because now I have found your blog! About to go check it out some more… 🙂
My Life of Spice says
Thank you for your sweet words and stopping by! Look forward to many more recipes from you! You have some great ones! 🙂
Lori says
Thanks so much!
kbandaruk says
Good luck to you! I know it can be hard to change, but I’m sure you’ll succeed!
Lori says
Hi Jessi! I wanted to let you know that you have been nominated for the Liebster Award! Yay! 🙂
Here is the link to follow if you want to accept this award and participate:
http://creatingbeautyinthekitchen.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/liebster-take-2/
debra says
Hi, Jessi. Do you have a grocery list of staples? thanks.
My Life of Spice says
Debra, I do not have one on my blog yet but I could definitely do that soon. Thanks for the idea.
I can always send you a list sooner if you would like.
Martina says
Ooo Jessi, what a lovely blog. I am soo glad Jhuls introduced you in her new blogger feed and hence I found you.. 🙂
Jessi's Kitchen says
Thank you so much! Jhuls was very sweet to link my page! 🙂
Katie Jacobs says
It was so nice to meet you last night at Tin Cottage opening! Your blog is beautiful! So excited to follow!
—Katie, http://stylingmyeveryday.com
Jessi's Kitchen says
Katie,
It was so great to meet you and find your blog! Hope I can make it to your pie party at the Tin cottage!
Cecilia Connell says
You go, girl! Give glory to your Maker with the talents He has blessed you with!
Love ya!
Courtney says
How has being diagnosed with hashimotos changed your diet? What are the foods you now avoid? I was diagnosed a few years ago, and have been contemplating a permanent diet change. Thank you!!
Jessi's Kitchen says
Courtney, I now avoid gluten, dairy, soy, corn and most grains. I just try to consume a real food diet and avoid processed foods. Changing my diet reduced a lot of inflammation I was dealing with and helped a lot with stomach issues I was having. I feel a million times better. I hope this helps some! This is a good resource for some information on Hashimotos and diet. http://www.thyroidlifestyle.com
Blair says
Happy to see that you are also focusing on diet to heal your autoimmune condition! I think struggles are always there to teach us and show us something, so it’s amazing that you are using this as a way to reach others with DELICIOUS and not boring healthy foods!