Cystic fibrosis survivor, lung & kidney transplant recipient, LOVER of life and FOOD! I’m Jen and I live in Carlsbad, California (north San Diego), with my husband, Patrick, and my furry, four legged daughter, Kiwi, and together we WELCOME YOU to Carlsbad Cravings!!! Here you will find only my tried and true daringly delicious recipes with big, BOLD flavors – or what I like to describe as extraordinary flavors out of everyday ingredients.
Click HERE to read my interview and watch my VIDEO with Color Me Meg
Candid “Behind the scenes” my husband captured on his phone
Some people escape in dreams of sandy beaches and sunny skies, I escape in dreams of mangoes, chipotle peppers and bacon. My creativity as a former interior designer flourishes in the kitchen as I find something so satisfying in creating delicious, flavorful (spices are my forte!), fresh food…and then eating it. As Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty. …” or something delicious!
1 of 2 of my pre-“CarlsbadCravings” recipe binders that only my favorite recipes qualify for – that’s a lot of deliciousness to share 🙂
I have been cooking and creating new recipes almost every day of the week for years (and honestly, cooking has gotten me though some tough times), so after being blessed with new-found energy from my kidney transplant in October 2013, I decided I should share my favorite creations with the rest of the world so Carlsbad Cravings was born February 2014. As I thought about sharing recipes, I decided I also wanted to share more of the blessings and miracles that continue to be part of my life as well – and being both a lung and kidney transplant recipient (due to cystic fibrosis) – there are many!
Patrick, Kiwi and I paddleboarding on the Carlsbad lagoon
Even though my life is an open book, literally (“My Heroes Ask Wallflowers To Dance published December 2012), it is time to write the next chapters…and enjoy some delicious food along the way! Never miss a recipe and join me (pinterest, instagram, facebook, G+ , twitter) as I follow my cravings in creating mostly healthy, some indulgent, but always delicious food.
If you ares still reading and want to know a little more about me and my journey with cystic fibrosis, you can read this article published in the Ensign magazine and/or this Talk that will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about me, or watch this video which shows part of my interview with Boomer Esiason (former NFL quarterback) (excuse the eye puffiness as I was waiting for my kidney transplant and had extra water everywhere!). If you don’t want to watch the whole thing, I am at minutes 1:40 and again at 8:45 (most of their narration is correct except for my current work and mixing Kiwi up with my last dog).
Thanks for stopping by, Happy Cooking!
Never miss a Carlsbad Cravings Creation:
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BROWSE RECIPES HERE
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RW says
I randomly came across your instagram page and instantly became hooked. I am so happy that you have a blog it is so informative you give great tips and I love that you are sharing all your great recipes. You have an amazing story and I look forward to continue trying new recipes. THANK YOU!!
Jen says
Welcome to my site! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I’m so happy you stumbled across my IG and are enjoying my blog/tips (it’s nice to know the info is getting some use 😉 ). I hope you have fun exploring and hopefully find many new favorites!
Saundra says
OH JEN, Amazing how the Lord works! Bless you for sharing. Will add you to the Temple Rolls today.
Jen says
Thank you so much Saundra! Sending hugs and prayers your way!
Karen Kennedy says
Hi Jen
I came across your blog today while searching for a chicken and cashew recipe for a birthday dinner tomorrow night.
I was blown away that you are a lung transplant recipient as I had a double lung transplant also 17 years ago and still going strong. I didn’t have CF though but have met people who did.
I can’t wait to try your recipes.
Keep spreading the word on your story to inspire more people to sign up to be organ donors.
Im in Australia
Jen says
Sorry for not responding sooner Karen as I’ve been in Italy and way behind, but thank you so much for taking the time to comment! That is amazing you also had a double lung transplant so long ago – congratulations, I’m so happy for you and that you’re doing so well! Organ transplants are truly miraculous! I hope you continue to thrive and I hope you enjoy trying my recipes! xo
Kathy says
jen, like a lot of others, I was looking for a dip recipe and somehow found your site. I also lost 2 boys to CF, I am so happy to hear you are doing well. My boys were in their 20s and never had a transplant. I live on the east coast so we were fortunate to go to John Hopkins. One day I believe there will be a cure. God bless
Jen says
Sorry for the delay Kathy as I’ve been in Italy for weeks and playing catch up, but thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your two sons to CF – I can only imagine the struggle, sorrow and pain. I know you were their earthly angel and now they are your angels on the other side. God be with you until you meet again. All my love!!! xoxoxo Jen
susan blair says
made the Tom Kha Gai and they loved it and were asking if there is more yum koodos to you. Thank you for your recipe yep will go in my to cook list they will eat this once a week. we look for recipes that will let all or some try
Jen says
YAY! I’m so happy the soup was a hit and it’s made it to the weekly rotation! Thanks for making my recpies Susana!
Greta says
Just found this website–very excited to start trying your recipes. (I’m not a cook but I’ve been put on an anti-inflammatory diet … looking forward to expanding what I’m currently able to do.)
Jen says
Welcome to my site Greta! I hope you love exploring my site and trying new recipes!
Lynn says
Jen, I came across you on pinterest! I was trying to save your recipe for creamy italian soup. For some reason P wouldn’t save. So, I just came over to your site…and I am truly impressed with your recipes & your inspirational life!
Jen says
Hi Lynn, welcome to my site! Thank you you so much for your kind words! I hope you enjoy exploring and trying my recipes!
Lindy Flatau says
So I have made 2 of your recipes found thru Pinterest. Usually most stuff I find is meh, but both of yours were awesome!!! So I came to check out your site and was blown away that you are a transplant warrior!!!!!!!!!!! My husband received a kidney 2.5 years ago and I have a customer (I’m a pharmacist) that has received lungs and is now waiting for a kidney. Much love and blessings to you! Love your site and your story.
Jen says
I’m so pleased you loved my recipes enough to visit my site Lindy – thank you so much for your kind words! That is wonderful your husband is a kidney transplant survivor and your patient is soon to be – modern medicine is truly miraculous! Sending hugs and prayers your way too! xo
Cynthia Moreland says
Hi jen my name is cynthia moreland i also hade a kidney teansplant when i was 6 i am now 32 i also have a very rare blood desease calked cystinosis tgere is no cure i have to watch my sodium and mg pitassium abd i was just wondering if there is info on ur recipes where i can find this info just so i know what thsy are i just came across your sight i cant wait to try some ot are your recipes all kidney friendly pkease feel free to email me
Jen says
Hi Cynthia, congrats on you kidney transplant! That is amazing it is still going strong – yay! You can calculate nutritional info by plugging recipe ingredients for any recipe into: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator All the best to you!
Roland Hagge says
Hi,
I was surfing looking for dinner for me and my wife and run in to your site and start reading and find a bunch of dinner I will try and I made the 25 min Margherita Pasta, and we lov it. Thank you and we will try some more in the coming days.
Jen says
So nice to meet you Roland! I’m so happy you loved the Margherita Pasta! I hope you enjoy exploring my site and find many new favorites!
Brooke says
Jen,
Everything I have made from your website is the new best thing I have ever put in my mouth. You are SO gifted!!! Thank you for sharing your recipes- you make me look like a very impressive cook 😉
Jen says
Thank you so much for making my day Brooke! I’m honored you are loving my recipes so much!!!
Kirk says
Looking forward to preparing your Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Log for Christmas Day. Looks fabulous. Happy Holidays to you from Virginia.
Jen says
Thank you so much Kirk! I hope you absolutely love it, Merry Christmas!
Dana says
I happen to stumble upon your Dijon Maple Green Beans and WOW! My husband and I both love them and I am excited to try more of your recipes. Thank you!
Jen says
You’re so welcome Dana, welcome to my site! I hope you have fun exploring!
Craig Morris says
How many calories are in your hot chocolate recipe? Thanks!
Jen says
Hi Craig, you can calculate nutritional info at: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Carole Dupre says
Hi Jen,
Your story is amazing. You’re a survivor and a thriver!
Thank you for sharing your recipes online. I prepared the Cajun Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Glaze. As someone who is from South Louisiana with French heritage, I tend to shy away from recipes that say “Cajun” if the person is not from Cajun Country. But when I read the steps you took and the seasonings you used to prepare the pork, I thought, “Well this food artist must be Cajun in spirit!”
I followed the recipe closely, except to add a little Cayenne to the Glaze. It was outstanding. Can’t wait to make this for a gathering in the future.
God is Good.
-Carole
Jen says
Hi Carole, thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for your kind words! I’m so happy the Cajun Pork Tenderloin did not disappoint -that’s the ultimate compliment from someone such as yourself!1 Thanks for following along and making my recipes!
Dawna says
How well will the burrito sauce freeze? I’m making steak breakfast burritos and I think this sauce sounds great !
Jen says
Thanks Dawna! Unfortunate the sauce doesn’t freeze well do to the dairy.
Jackie says
You are seriously an amazingly talented cook and your story is incredible! I love how your ward rallied around you and we are all lucky that God blessed you with more years to share your talents with us all!!!
Jen says
Thank you so much Jackie for your kind words! I feel so grateful for such incredible people in my life and all the miracles in my life! Thanks for reaching out and following along! xo
ShannaPaola says
Hi Jen, my sister turned me on to your site! Look forward to making lime honey chicken tacos tonight! Will make them for my family which includes my 16y.o son who also has CF!! Love that you started out with that in your intro! Awareness is key! As well as great food!! Stay well!
Thx for sharing!!
Jen says
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Shanna! I fee like I know so much about you already knowing you’re a CF mom (selfless, courageous, hard working, compassionate and on and on!). I hope you enjoy my recipes and that you and your family stay safe and healthy during this crazy time!