Let’s cook together!!!

About me

Jena smiling with curly hair, wearing a pink and white sweater.

Hi, I’m Jena — mom to a sweet and spirited 5-year-old girl, lifelong cooking enthusiast, and the creator behind Jena Recipes. I’m 34 years old, living in a peaceful small town in the U.S., and working part-time as a school assistant. Life is busy, but the kitchen is my happy place — where I slow down, reconnect, and pour love into every meal.

When I think back to my childhood, my most cherished memories take me straight to my grandmother’s old house. She lived in the countryside, in a home where everything felt warm, slow, and full of care. Every afternoon after school, I could smell her cooking from the moment I stepped into the yard — fresh bread from the oven, broth simmering on the stove, and spices in the air. It was like being wrapped in an invisible hug.

Vintage photo of young Jena cooking with her grandmother in an old kitchen, both smiling while stirring a pot.

My grandmother taught me everything: to cook with love, to be patient, and to let food speak where words fall short. I was her little helper, wooden spoon in hand, eyes wide with curiosity. The moments I spent with her filled more than just my stomach — they filled my soul.

Now, I cook with my daughter, continuing that quiet, beautiful legacy. Every recipe you find here comes straight from my own kitchen — tested at home, loved by my family. This blog isn’t just another recipe website. It’s a real piece of my life — what I actually cook, in real time, for my loved ones. No fancy tricks or impossible ingredients. Just honest, flavorful food made to bring joy and make life a little easier.

Jena Recipes is also my way of honoring my grandma — her kindness, her warmth, and the way she made every meal feel like love on a plate. Her recipes were never written down… but they’re forever engraved in my heart.

Thank you for being here. Welcome to my kitchen.