IN THE KITCHEN WITH JANE
A Gardener’s Kitchen connects my love for delicious healthy food, beautiful photography and the serenity of the garden. Like many chefs, my appreciation for great tasting food started at an early age. One of my first food memories takes place in my childhood backyard in Miami, wearing a favorite sundress and savoring sour cream and bananas. I was introduced to the food business in my teens when my parents bought a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. Working at the store, I welcomed the frenzied lifestyle and the rewards, which for me was watching one set of kitchen hands gently flour chicken while another lifted whistling steam pots of bubbling golden chicken. The cooks shared their tiny shots of Cuban coffee, secrets to creamy flan and how to blanch fries for ultimate crispiness. It didn’t take long to figure out the camaraderie in the kitchen was as important as the meal it produced.
Florida led to photography studies in Santa Barbara, California where I discovered farmers markets and embraced local food like a new best friend. Returning to the East Coast my desire to explore the culinary arts and zest for adventure, landed me in Paris. While attending Ecole de Cuisine La Varenne I ate, cooked and experienced a lifestyle that touched all five senses. Paris became a brownstone in Brooklyn with two lovely sons and a sunny garden. My travels and experiences evolved into professional work as a food editor, recipe developer, food stylist, marketing associate and personal chef.
As founder of A Gardener’s Kitchen granola, Jane is involved with its day to day operation and production. Her personal cooking services are available in the NJ/NY metropolitan areas. Contact Jane for additional information.
“Jane prepares healthy, delicious and special feasts that are always enjoyed by everyone. Her uniquely collaborative approach to meal design is perfectly suited to accommodate a range of diets and events. Our family and our guests always look forward to Jane’s food and Jane herself!”
Magda, Montclair NJ
Jane lives and gardens in Montclair NJ. Her photography is featured on the website and social media outlets.
inspirations for the next dish
Listening to Bach, Beck, Bon Iver, Maria Callas, Ella Fitzgerald, Ben Folds, Glenn Gould, Hilary Hahn, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Cat Power, Radiohead, The Black Keys, Led Zeppelin, WNYC and WFUV.
Eating polenta with anything braised, Arturo’s pizza, summer fruit, everything at Tartine, local eggs, greens from Radicle Farm Company, steamed pork buns & ripe avocados.
Walking through a farmer’s markets, spice shops, gardens, garden supply centers, vineyards and museums.
Having a soft spot for bowls, vases, table linens, knives and gardening tools that fit a small hand, shoes, IPA beer and wines from Languedoc and Sonoma.
Admiring the work of Ansel Adams, Eve Arnold, Atget, Richard Avedon, Alberto Giacometti, Robert Mapplethorpe, Sheila Metzner, Gordon Parks, Irving Penn, Bert Stern, Margaret Bourke – White
Reading Chez Panisse Cooking, Cookwise, Cucina Simpatica, Essentials of Italian Cooking, Mast Brothers Chocolate, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Lasagna Gardening, Organic Gardening, The Adventurous Gardener, The Cook and the Gardener, The Cuisine of the Sun, The French Menu Cookbook, The New York Times, The Union Square Cookbook, USA Cookbook
Love from Esther and Buddy Yagoda, Max, Will and Jack.
“Our entire family have been fans of A Gardener’s Kitchen’s granola for quite some time. It has become an essential ingredient of our morning oatmeal, cereals and baking. Even solo, it is our go-to between meals snack choice. Even away from home I carry a package along with me when traveling on business.”
Stephen Young Business Executive Montclair, NJ
A Gardener’s Kitchen mission is to encourage a healthy lifestyle with food that tastes great and makes you feel good.