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!
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Amber Ocheltree says
Hi Jen!
I found your blog about 2 years ago and I randomly come back and see what wonderful yumminess I can try at home. Your recipes have always been a hit and I want to say THANK YOU! I have never left a comment here or any other blogs, but I thought it would be so perfect to say keep doing what you are doing! We love it!
Jen says
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment Amber! I am honored you are loving my recipes, that means so much to me! Encouraging comments like yours keep what I’m doing fun and fulfilling! xo
David Dabbs says
Just ran across your website and found a couple of recipes I’m gonna try. Then I read your story and WOW!
You’re something else. For being a CA girl, you have the spirit and fight of a southerner.
I’m impressed you went thru all that and still going strong. I know your husband is so very proud of you and your accomplishments. Keep up the terrific work, and I will continue going thru your most interesting recipes!
Hello to Patrick and KIWI
Jen says
Thank you for your thoughtful comment David – I’m honored to have the fight of a “southern girl” :). I hope you enjoy exploring my recipes and hopefully find some new favorites!
Victoria says
Hi, Jen!
I was really impressed with how you detail and elaborate on cooking techniques within the instructions. I’m a beginner cook but love a lot of flavor and spices and am in LOVE with your pineapple fried rice recipe. The recipe seems really approachable and I’m really excited to try it! Just wanted to say thank you for sharing!
Jen says
Hi Victoria, welcome to Carlsbad Cravings, thanks for saying hi! I’m so excited for you to dive into cooking. If you love flavor, you’ve come to the right place! I hope love have exploring my recipes!
Annie says
Hi! My mom sent me your Chicken Fajita recipe and WOW! My family loves it and we like to think of ourselves as foodies–especially my 17 yo son. We are also Jewish and not tall and need to watch our intake. How healthy are you recipes? Ive been cooking from Skinny Taste lately. Tell me more about the healthiness and also what are your top 5 favorites? I just don’t know where to begin!
Jen says
Hi Annie, welcome to my site, I’m so pleased you loved the Chicken Fajitas! As far as healthiness, some are super healthy, some are moderately healthy and some are indulgent (like cheesy pastas) – just depends on the recipe. As far as 5 favorites, that is SO hard as but here are a few to start with:
Baked Pork Tenderloin: https://carlsbadcravings.com/best-baked-pork-tenderloin/
Chicken Shawarma: https://carlsbadcravings.com/chicken-shawarma/
Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad: https://carlsbadcravings.com/cilantro-lime-chicken-taco-salad-with-creamy-baja-catalina-dressing/
Crockpot Honey Lime Salsa Verde Chicken: https://carlsbadcravings.com/slow-cooker-salsa-verde-honey-lime-chicken-recipe/
30 Minute Red Curry Chicken: https://carlsbadcravings.com/30-minute-pineapple-red-curry-chicken-stir-fry-recipe/
Greek Salmon: https://carlsbadcravings.com/baked-salmon-with-dill-sauce/
Blackened Fish Tacos: https://carlsbadcravings.com/blackened-fish-tacos-recipe/