Hello there! I'm Jennifer Locklin, the heart and soul behind Jennifer Cooks. With my roots as a trained chef and my heart in home cooking, I see my culinary journey not just as a passion but as a deep, generational connection that flavors every dish I create.
I live in Belton, Texas, with my husband Quinton—my college sweetheart from Sam Houston State University—and not far from the lively streets of Austin. This charming town is where we've raised our three children, who have since embarked on their own adventures.
Here on my blog, each recipe is a proven favorite, tested and adored by us and our circle of friends and family. But these recipes are more than just instructions; they are your gateway to creating joyous, delicious memories.
My culinary journey began at The Art Institute of Houston and meandered through various high-energy restaurant kitchens, bakeries, and a catering career, where I specialized in wedding and birthday cakes.
However, life’s whirlwind brought me back to the heart of my home. In 2009, I launched this blog to keep a diary of my kitchen adventures.
One of my fondest memories is making peach fried pies in my grandmother’s kitchen. Standing on a sturdy chair because I couldn’t reach the counter, I helped her roll dough and spoon in luscious peach filling. Together, we’d fry the pies to a golden crisp and I’d finish them with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Those moments, infused with love and laughter, taught me that cooking is more than crafting food—it's a way to say “I love you.”
Recently, Quinton gifted me with a home renovation that included an upgrade of our modest kitchen to a culinary dream, complete with warm woods and gleaming quartz. It’s a space that inspires gratitude and fuels my passion for cooking every day.
Cooking should be a joyful exploration, whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out. Yes, you might make a few mistakes—I still do! But each mishap is a step closer to mastery. Remember, Julia Child didn’t start her iconic cooking career until she was nearly 40, and what a journey that was!
If you find cooking more tedious than enjoyable, let me help you rediscover the pleasure in every chop, stir, and simmer. Browse through the recipes, find your inspiration, and immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors.
Join the fun! Subscribe to JenniferCooks… and celebrate your culinary victories and oops moments by commenting or tagging us on social media. Let's create a vibrant community of enthusiastic cooks, whipping up delightful and tasty creations together!
Let’s whip up something spectacular together!
Questions About My Kitchen
What kind of cookware do you use?
I use professional-grade cookware from Mauviel, specifically the Mauviel M'200B 12-piece Copper Cookware Set with 2.0mm thickness and bronze handles. They're made in France and come with a lifetime warranty. While I love their aesthetic, what really stands out is their excellent heat conduction, durability, and even cooking performance. Keep in mind, though, that they're quite heavy—similar to the weight of cast iron cookware.
Is there a more affordable cookware you recommend?
If you're looking for more affordable options, I recommend the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Triple Ply Cookware Set, which offers excellent quality at a lower price point. For a higher-end choice, the All-Clad Copper Core and Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware sets are also excellent, but they come with a higher price tag.
What kind of range is that?
I use an Ilve 60″ Nostalgie Series Freestanding Double Oven Dual Fuel Range with 8 sealed burners and a griddle. Ilve is an Italian company known for its high-quality kitchen appliances. I love this range for its old-world aesthetic and excellent performance. It provided the look I wanted for my kitchen and the functionality I needed, all at a more affordable price than other professional brands.
What kind of knives do you use?
I use the Mac Professional Series knives, which I highly recommend for their razor-sharp, thin edges and low maintenance. These knives stay sharp longer than any others I’ve used, making them ideal for everyday use. They're crafted from Molybdenum High-Carbon cutlery steel, which gives them excellent durability, as well as stain and rust resistance. Mac knives also come with a 25-year warranty, ensuring long-lasting performance. My go-to knife is the Mac Chef knife, which I use daily—it’s a true workhorse in the kitchen.
What are your favorite cookbooks?
I have so many favorite cookbooks! If you check out the cookbook section of my Amazon store, you'll notice a strong focus on Cajun chefs, who have deep roots in French culinary traditions. I love Cajun cuisine for its bold, well-seasoned flavors combined with the richness of classic French cooking. It’s also amazing how Cajun chefs transform simple ingredients into incredibly delicious dishes. Another thing I admire about Cajun cuisine is its cultural diversity, blending influences from French, Spanish, Native American, German, and African-Caribbean traditions.
If you're just beginning to explore cooking or want to learn new techniques, I highly recommend starting with Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. It's a fantastic foundation for understanding a variety of cuisines.
Visit my Amazon Store for more of my favorite kitchen tools and favorite things!
