what jen does

Life, home, and a little travel

Category: Uncategorized

  • bacon jam (finally)
    recipes

    bacon jam (finally)

    It’s a good thing that I don’t work for an accounting company anymore… because my accounting of the 52 in 52 challenge for 2012… was a bit terrible. The whole point of the challenge was to try and cook new things, try some new techniques, and break out of habits. When I find something that…

  • Leek Potato Soup
    recipes

    Leek Potato Soup

    As I mentioned in the documentation of my corn asparagus leek tart, I overstocked my fridge with leeks a few weeks ago … and needed to take care of the problem this weekend. When I mentioned this to my friend Meghan, she first suggested a potato and leek soup. I countered with “they all want…

  • Corn Asparagus Leek Tart
    recipes

    Corn Asparagus Leek Tart

    A few weeks ago I bought leeks at the Haymarket market. It seemed like a good idea at the time. But then, I ended up not using them that week, and then last week I was in NYC, and well they were going to kick the bucket real soon. I’m not sure how they managed…

  • Irish soda bread traditions
    recipes

    Irish soda bread traditions

    I’m a sucker for a good tradition. Especially one that involves heritage and the USPS. Fairly consistently for the last 7 years or so, I’ve been making Irish Soda Bread for friends and loved ones. I’m not quite sure how it got started but I remember making my first few loaves and sending them on…

  • zucchini casserole
    recipes

    zucchini casserole

    I’ve been on the lookout the past few weeks for healthier recipes. I’m not exactly cooking with a stick of butter every time I hit the kitchen … but it is always nice to try and be a little more conscious. This recipe isn’t going to blow your mind like a good beef stew or…

  • My Birthday Wish

    My Birthday Wish

    I’m not sure what I’ve done to give back in a meaningful way in a long time. I’ve been thinking about this a fair amount, especially as I approach 30. Life isn’t just about me, it’s about those around me. What am I doing to impact the lives of others? Well, yesterday it came to…

  • donut muffins
    recipes

    donut muffins

    First of all, I will start by saying I don’t have a picture of the final product. Just trust me that they look like muffins. A muffin is a muffin folks. When I remake these little cinnamon gems, I’ll update this post … maybe. But don’t hold your breath. Now for the color commentary. I…

  • Imitation Biscoff Cookies
    recipes

    Imitation Biscoff Cookies

    I’m not sure how many of these posts I start off by saying “I hate being behind on posting” … but this is certainly one of them. This blog is a balance of thoughts and cooking … and until I document all the cooking … it’s hard to document the thoughts. So, it’s like nobody…

  • brussel sprout and fig risotto
    recipes

    brussel sprout and fig risotto

    When I was a senior in college, my friend Kevin concocted this elaborate scavenger hunt around Boston as a way to send us on our way to graduation. There were a few stops that day that were particularly memorable but I’ll always remember visiting the Haymarket Market. I’m not sure exactly what the challenge was…

  • my first lasagna?
    recipes

    my first lasagna?

    I don’t really have lasagna all that often … but I would label it one of my favorite comfort foods. Sure, there are many on that list … but lasagna makes it. Lasagna has some of the qualities that I love in my favorite recipes. Cheese, pasta … and versatility. Lasagna is a great base…