The Atlanta Zoo is a crazy place. And we were in the petting zoo one afternoon and tons of kids were around and the smell of animals was around too. All of a sudden, I hear my name. But, I didn’t recognize anyone. So, I figured my name is pretty popular so maybe it was for someone else. But, then she was looking at me, knew my son’s name, and said “don’t worry you don’t know me.”
And that, dear readers, is how I was introduced to Jeni of Barefoot in the Kitchen. We have one friend in common – and that one friend is a pretty strong tie. Since that day in the zoo, we have had a play date, and cooked together, and I got to be in her home and her kitchen, learning from her on many fronts. You will definitely want to check out her recipes and kitchen advice, as she has had some recipes published – she’s my someone famous that I know!
Yall, meet Jeni.
Jeni is a SAHM of kiddos ranging from high school to preschool. She married a twin, lives near Athens, GA, in a small southern town, and declares it was love at first sight with her now husband. She has a bright sunny home and kids all around, and she makes healthy meals for her family. It can be done, yall! This was great encouragement to my heart as it is one of my struggles (getting things cooked and having two preschoolers).
Growing up, Jeni’s mom helped her learn all things in the kitchen. Her mom made things from scratch and encouraged Jeni to do the same. She wanted to experiment with foods and spices! When she was first pregnant, she wanted to make sure her baby got all the nutrients she needed so she wanted to make every calorie count. She then ended up making her own baby food along the way, making sure her babies got healthy food in their growing tummies. She has wanted and made a healthy family atmosphere, both in food and spiritual content. She has set her mind to something, worked hard at it, persevered, and the Lord has blessed her endeavors.
Some of Jeni’s inspiration comes from familiar names: Pioneer Woman, Sara Moulton (I love her too), Rachael Ray, Southern Living (of course, who doesn’t). She also does something that I like to do, she asks her family what food they want. Of course there is pizza, spaghetti, and tacos. But, instead of getting all of these take out, she takes the time to make these at home, making them healthier for her family.
I asked Jeni what her favorite kitchen tools are (and I agree with these, and I’ve already bought some of the towels she recommended and I love them):
Five Kitchen Tools:
1. Every cook needs a good all-purpose knife! Wustof and Henckels are both solid choices for price and quality.
2. Stand Mixer – I’m not sure how I truly lived before my sweetie pie surprised me with a Kitchen Aid for Christmas one year. Cookie dough, whipped cream, pizza dough, bread/rolls … life changing, I tell you.
3. Blender/Food Processor – With picky children, this is an invaluable tool to use for hiding fruits and veggies. Homemade marinara, soups, smoothies … I use mine all the time.
4. Silicone Spatulas – The best all-purpose tool aside from your hands. They’re heat-proof and super durable for use on the stovetop or for just mixing together ingredients.
5. Flour Sack Towels – I bought a huge package of them and use them for everything! Drying dishes or produce or hands, mopping up spills, covering yeast dough, whatever. Wash and bleach ’em and they’re ready to go again!
These are some of her favorite recipes:
Italian Heritage Casserole – One of my mom’s favorite go-to special occasion meals. (Note, I made this recently and it is super yummy and easily whole30 compliant and perfect for meat and potato eaters)
Lasagna Rolls – I made this dish for Leah when Georgie Girl was born. My mom made a
podcast recording of me making it for a project when earning her Master’s Degree.
Here are the two she has had published by Taste of Home:
