Cystic fibrosis survivor, lung & kidney transplant recipient, LOVER of life and FOOD! Ā Ā Iām 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 YOUĀ to Carlsbad Cravings!!! Ā Here you will find only my tried and true daringly delicious recipesĀ 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. Ā My creativity as a former interior designer flourishes in the kitchen asĀ I find something so satisfying in creating delicious, flavorful (spices are my forte!), fresh foodā¦and then eating it. Ā AsĀ Dieter F. UchtdorfĀ said, āCreation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty. ā¦ā 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 š
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. Ā 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 – Ā 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,Ā literallyĀ (“My Heroes Ask Wallflowers To DanceĀ published December 2012), it is time to write theĀ next chapters…and enjoy some delicious food along the way! Ā Never miss a recipe and join me (pinterest,Ā instagram,Ā facebook,Ā G+Ā , twitter)Ā 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 thisĀ videoĀ 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!). Ā If you don’t want to watch the whole thing,Ā 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). Ā
Thanks for stopping by, Happy Cooking!
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Ah, thank you! I hope you know I feel the same! xoxox!
Jen, I feel connected to you at the heart. A very good childhood friend’s granddaughter is a CF patient and so was her sister whom we lost last year. I’ve never known of anybody so accomplished and upbeat as these two young women until I met you this morning on FB. To add to my feeling of connection to you, my beautiful next door neighbor had a kidney transplant last year. She just turned 40. I will send your blog to her this morning and try your wonderful carrot cake recipe soon. God bless you and your husband.
Hi Nancy, my new friend! I am deeply sorry for the loss of your friend’s granddaughter, CF takes far too many too soon. It sounds like your life has been full of wonderful CF women! I feel like CF forces you to either choose happiness, faith and strength or the opposite. And I am so excited for your neighbor and her kidney transplant – it makes the world of difference! Thank you so much for reaching out and for your kind words. God bless you and yours as well!!
I just found your blog through a Pinterest recipe search and love that you’re the whole package. My cousin, also a CF gal, is one of the most remarkable people I’m blessed to know. In college, she created her own bumper sticker for her car that read, “Don’t postpone joy.” It seems that motto fits your life as well!
God bless!
Hi Susanna, you are the sweetest, thank you! I am so happy you found my blog and am honored by your super kind words. Your cousin sounds like an incredible woman and I absolutely love her custom bumper sticker – what a motto to live by! We all need that daily reminder! A big hug to her and to you!
I am so excited about cooking for Thanksgiving your recipes sounds so incredible. I am using quite of few of your recipes! I do have a question. Do you think the Million Dollar Mac & Cheese will freeze well if I prepare up to the breadcrumbs stage. If so, should I freeze before baking or bake and freeze and then when I heat up add breadcrumbs. Thank you
Hi Robin, thank you for using some of my recipes for Thanksgiving! As far as the Million Dollar Mac goes, I think it should freeze fine! I would freeze it before baking and make sure to let it cool all the way after you transfer the mac from the stove into your casserole dish. Also make sure to cover tightly before you freeze it. Enjoy!
You never cease to amaze me! Now I get to eat the incredible food I always smelled in the office. Thanks for sharing š
Thanks for the Chinese Chicken recipe! My favorite food ever!
Looking forward to more recipes. Thanks for posting!
My favorite food too! So glad you liked it! I have more Chinese to come š
This Is cool Jen… It all looks so yummy!
Holy moly you’re making me hungry! š I need to get cooking some of these amazing looking morsels! I’m excited!
I am excited for you to try them and to hear what you think!
I would love to receive you recipes!!! I live in Fort Worth, Texas and I’m always looking for new ones!!
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your comment about receiving recipes! You can receive emails whenever I post a new recipe by entering your email on the right column where it says “Never Miss A Craving” – or you can follow me on facebook, instagram, etc. (icons on top right of page). Does that help?
Thank you so much for stopping by! I just started two months ago and it has been an awesome journey so far with so many more great recipes to share. Getting comments from people like you make my day!
Hugs,
Jen
Jen your food is as beautiful as you are, thank you so much for sharing a part of you with us. Your truly Amazing! I can’t wait for your next post. Xoxo your new subbie!
Thanks so much Shirfa! You are so sweet to take the time to comment and to make my day! Your kind words brought a big smile to my face!
I am so glad I found your site. My husband just got out of the hospital Monday and each day of life is precious. I am working to remember that daily and to enjoy it more with him. He has cystic fibrosis and is 49. I appreciate your sharing and your recipes!
Hi Debbie, I just saw this comment after I replied to your Carrot Cake Crepe comment. I am sorry your husband had to be hospitalized but glad he is out now. CF is definitely a rollercoaster of emotions and like you said, makes you grateful for every moment of every day. Have you read my “Perfect Brightness of Hope” under Soul Food? It is my condensed life story and what lessons I have learned from CF. You might find it helpful. My prayers are with your family!
I’m from Carlsbad, too! Used to kayak in that lagoon.
Awesome! I feel like Carlsbad is a secret gem – so many great things to do! I am originally from Poway but moved to Carlsbad 8 years ago – we LOVE it here. Happy you found my site!
Hi Jen,
I feel compelled to write you and say that I stumbled across some of your recipes while on Pinterest last weekend. I was quite interested as you are located in Carlsbad which is about an hour from where I live and where my husband and I spent a delightful portion of our honeymoon almost 13 years ago. Then I read your story on your blog….and ordered your book. It came Monday and I am almost finished. It is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever read. You and your family are an amazing testimony of faith and love. Thank you for sharing it. (and your husband’s art work is beautiful!)
Karen
Thank you SO MUCH Karen! I just responded to you via FB š
Hi Jen was looking for a recipe to make a birthday cake for my husband steve’s birthday tomorrow. i came across your strawberry cream coffee cake. I will give it a go it looks fab.
Think I might look at some of your exotic recipes in the future too.
Thank you.
Barb
Hi Barbara! I am so happy you found my site! I hope your husband had a wonderful birthday with a wonderful cake :)! Can’t wait for you to try my other recipes as well!
Hi Jen!
Thanks so much for the great site! I’m trying the pizza dough recipe tonight that I saw on pinterest. You’ve got some great looking recipes that I’m excited to try. I love to cook/bake at home so it’s fun to try new things. My husband and kids are excited for the pizza too! š
Amy
Hi Amy! I am so happy you are enjoying my site, thank you! You sound like me – always love trying new things! I am excited for you to try my other recipes as well! Let me know how the pizza turns out and thanks again for stopping by!
Jenn….Im not sure how I came across this site….but its FANTASTIC!! I live in Oceanside š Im such a foodie. Cooking relaxes me and I cant wait to try your recipes. š Thank you for doing this blog!
Donna
Hi Donna! I live in north Carlsbad, so you are just up the street from me – so cool! I am so happy you stumbled upon my site – we can be neighbors and foodie enthusiasts together :)! I hope you find lots to enjoy on my blog!
Saw your Toffee Pecan Caramel Pound Cake on Pinterest and had to check it out! I can’t wait to make it. I read about you and your health ordeals and felt a sudden connection to what you have been through. I had a liver transplant a few months ago and am beginning to feel like cooking again. So glad that you are well and healthy. I love to cook for my family and especially my grandchildren and have really missed being able to do that for them. I think this cake is a great way to begin baking again!!! Look forward to more yummy recipes!
Congratulations on your liver transplant Donna! It must be exciting to be on the other side of that hurdle and beginning to feel well again! I am so excited and happy for you to be able to feel well enough to do the things you love – like cooking! Food and family truly are some of the greatest joys š The Toffee Pecan Caramel Pound Cake would be the perfect celebratory dessert! I wish you a very speedy recovery with lots of baking ahead! xoxo! Jen
Hi Jen!
We’d love to include a photo from your blog (with credit and prominent link to the recipe) in a BuzzFeed roundup of berry dessert recipes – http://www.carlsbadcravings.com/white-chocolate-chip-berrylicious-cheesecake-dip/
And potentially use photos from your site in other recipe posts in the future. Would that be OK with you? Let me know, and thanks!
Rachel
Hi Rachel, I would be honored for you to feature my Berryicious Cheesecake Dip as well as any other recipes from my site! Thank you so much!
Jen
Carlsbad Cravings
Love your Berrylicious Cheesecake dip. I’ve made it once but when I went to look it up again on your blog, I can’t get the instructions, the message says error. However, I can get the picture. That’s my new favorite dip. Can you share the instructions with me again? I would be so grateful!
Hi Gerri! I am so happy you love the dip! Sorry about the “error” you received. The dip directions seem accessible now. Are you still getting the same error message? If so, I can definitely send the you the direcitons but I am hoping it is all resolved. Thanks!
I love that Kiwi paddle boards with you!
Hi Chloe! Its my one time to “dress her up” in with a lifejacket š She loves sniffing the ocean air!
I just found you on Pinterest, I love to cook, I will be trying some of your dishes. I had a son with CF who passed away in 1991 at age 12, he also loved to cook. I was just in Carlsbad for our daughters wedding at The Crossing, it was beautiful. So to find you I feel a little connection. Keep up the good work, I love to hear happy stories from CF people…thank you!
oh Nancy, your comment gave me chills. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your son. There is nothing more painful than losing a loved one too soon. My brother also died from CF. He was 19 in 1998. I am so happy though for the celebration of your daughter – in Carlsbad of all places! We absolutely love it here. Thank you so much for reaching out. I hope you are able to find some foodie joy from my blog! God bless, Jen
Being a blogger myself I have to say that you are doing an AMAZING job with this blog. You recipes are so good, your pictures are professional and I’m constantly pinning your stuff. Keep it up my dear. You are adding value to my life and the internet as a whole! I can’t wait to make some caramelized pecans as gifts this year!
Kim, you are seriously so sweet, thank you for reaching out and for making my day! I just checkout out your blog as well and it is wonderful – useful EVERYTHING! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy lots of pecans :)!
Carlsbad lovers unite! I can”t believe it took me this long to find your blog! The only thing I love more than a good recipe, is woman with incredible strength. You clearly have both. I look forward to many more fabulous recipes!
Hi Maggie, I am so happy you found my blog – and love Carlsbad š I am honored by your incredibly kind words, thank you!
Just found your blog and love it! I also love Carlsbad. My husband has business in that area on and off and I love to join him. We live in NC on the coast. I look forward to visiting your blog. I also love the pictures of Kiwi, what a cutie! I am amazed as I read your story. It just goes to show what you can do when you are determined. Continued good health.
I am so happy you found my blog Cyndi! That is awesome you get to visit Carlsbad with your husband – not a bad place to come for business š It sounds like you get the best of both coasts! Thanks for your kind Kiwi comments – I would fill my blog with pictures of her if I didn’t think people would get sick of it – LOL! She’s as sweet as she is cute š Thanks for taking time to read about my story – it has been quite a journey and I feel humbled and blessed every day for all the miracles in my life. Health and blessings to you and yours as well! If you see a French bulldog in a life jacket on the lagoon next time you are in Carlsbad, make sure to say hi :)!
You couldn’t put enough pictures of Kiwi in the blog as far as I’m concerned!! *L* It is fun to come to the San Diego area in general. It is the best of both worlds. I would love to come back out but may not be for a while. My husband is having his own health challenges right now so it might be a while till we head west. But I’m confident that he will be ok again and we will be out your way. Will be looking for Kiwi in the lagoon when we do come back. Till then I will keep checking back at the blog. Take care Jen!
I am so sorry to hear your husband is having health challenges. My thoughts and prayers will be with you, your husband and family. God bless!!
Jen!
I am so happy I found your blog! I have been pinning your recipes all day and I’m making the cheesy nacho chicken tonight! Just wondering, do you have a copy cat recipe for the Beer Buddies that I love so much at Pizza Port? My husband is from San Diego (We live in Arkansas now) and took me to Pizza Port on our first visit together to San Diego! I’ve been looking for a recipe ever since! Can’t wait to see more recipes!!!
Hi Lindsey, I am so happy you found my blog and I hope you enjoy my recipes! I am sorry I don’t have a copycat for Pizza Port Beer Buddies – but that is a fabulous idea to add to my MAKE list! If I can get them right, I will let you know. In the meantime, you have a great excuse to make a trip to San Diego š
Dearest Jen, I am truly amazed by you. I have been cooking for 50 years and have amassed THOUSANDS of recipes, but I still try and cook something new every week. I LOVE that you are a foodie, and you seem to cook just the right balance of yummy in all the foods I like. Today I cooked the Swedish Meatball Soup and it was amazing. I cheated and used IKEA meatballs, and cut them in fourths to get meat in every bite, but the soup was almost the best I’ve ever made. I love food and the discussions about food. You are a gift of inspiration. I go to Pinterest nearly every day, but you are the first person I’ve ever contacted. I’m too busy cooking, You’ll be hearing more from me. In the meantime keep that fighting spirit your readers love.
Kindest regards, Juliette
Hi Juliette, THANK YOU so much for our super kind words! First of all, I love your love for cooking – you are my kind of women! Isn’t trying something new so fun?! I feel so honored that an experienced foodie such as yourself is enjoying my recipes and I honored that I’m the first you have contacted – thank you! I feel blessed everyday to not only be alive but to be doing what I love and sharing it with others. Comments such as yours make it that much more fulfilling. Happy cooking and more importantly, happy eating :)!
Hello, your website is wonderful, your photographs and story beautiful! I was wondering if you have, or will be doing, a cookbook?
Thank you so much Sheila, I so appreciate your compliments! I have not done a cookbook as I just started blogging last February. I don’t have plans to as of now but I am sure there will be one sometime in the future- just not sure how far in the future š I have been getting requests for cookbooks lately from readers though. As a reader, are you looking for the same recipes that are already on my site compiled into cookbook form or for new recipes in cookbook form? Thanks!
I am interrsted in both the recipes you have posted and new ones! Your cookbook would be beautiful with all the wonderful
Photos you take.
Jen, you are an inspiration to me….keep up the good work and God bless you always and ever!
I’m following you….
You are so thoughtful Janice, thank you so much! I am honored. My God bless you and yours as well!
Hi Jen. I love your recipes and more importantly your story. You inspire and humble me. I struggle many days with the care and stress of caring for my daughter of 32 years. Erin has special needs and has since the day she was born. I guess what I’ve learned these last few months from The Lord is gratitude and thankfulness. He’s my rock and my comforter. I find myself many times clinging to Him and crying out for forgiveness for my crappy attitude. He says His burden is light. But only if we quit carrying it ourselves and place it at His feet. Then I read your story and hear your continued gratitude and joyful spirit in every sentence and I’m renewed with what’s important. Thank You. May The Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and give you peace. Kim
Hi Kim, your comment gave me goose bumps. Thank you so much for your kind words and testimony. You are truly a hero in this world. Kim’s hero and no doubt a hero to many others. I don’t think you will know until you pass onto the other side the impact you are having. God bless you for your good works and for your faith and trust in Christ. I know you know He loves you dearly. I am so grateful for the Savior in my life who has literally become my Savior as I have cried unto him and he has saved me from fear and discouragement. Thank you again for your inspiring words. May God bless you with strength, fortitude, hope and happiness!
You are a true inspiration!! I love your recipes that I’ve tried so far……… thank you for sharing your story. Many blessings Jen <3
Thank you so much Elizabeth! God bless you and your family as well! Thank you for following my recipes and my journey!
Hi there… I was browsing Pinterest for a recipe for Fathers Day, and your site came up…and immediately put a surprised look on my face…my brother-in-law lives there…and our son is going to visit him in Sept…wow. It looks like a beautiful town. My BIL has 2 beautiful retrievers and a gorgeous house that they built.
And God love you for what you have to live with. I have many issues, but as my mom always told me “there’s always someone worse off than you”… you have tons more than me, but…remember “someone worse off that YOU”… God bless you !!!
Hi Mary, what a small world! I love living in Carlsbad! I’ll have to look for a man walking with two golden retrievers š We must be kindred spirits because I often think of a similar version of that quote that starts with a man who felt sorry for himself because he had no shoes until he saw a man who had no feet. So true for all of us. Being grateful for what we have is definitely the key to happiness. Thank you for reaching out and for the well wishes! God bless you and yours as well!
I’m having a hard time finding Chili Lime Chicken recipe, help, what am I doing wron?
I am not sure Debbie – sorry about that! Here is the direct link: http://www.carlsbadcravings.com/purpose-chili-lime-chicken-rub-marinade-recipe/ Hope that helps! Enjoy!
You are an incredible inspiration! I can’t wait to follow you, and I will forward your website to my neighbor and dear friend who is fighting the same battle as you.
Oh Cara, you are too kind, thank you! My heart goes out to your dear friend. She will be in my prayers! xoxox
I just discovered your blog. I guess I am excited because we have a few things in common. I live in Fallbrook, I am Mormon, and I have a food blog with my daughter. I look forward to more recipes from you and enjoying the next hour drooling as I look at your food recipes. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ellen! I totally know your daughter Aimee, we are in a few FB share groups together :)! I didn’t realize you lived in Fallbrook – what a small world! I love your blog and beautiful photography!
Hi Jen!
I find myself consistently Pinning your recipes, enjoy your posts and photography. I just wanted to say hello and let you know I really like your site here. Thanks so much.
Kevin
KEVIN! A reader told me about your site last week (she’s a huge fan of yours) and I found myself going through your recipe index and drooling over everything! I LOVE the creative spin you put on everything – simply amazing! I then noticed you in Nagi’s group and was so sorry to hear your page got hacked – nightmare! Anyway, I have been wanting to reach out so I am so glad you did! I would love to get together with you sometime as a fellow San Diegan š
Thanks for the kind words Jen. Definitely let’s meet up sometime. I work all over SD and Orange counties by day so let me know what’s a good day or we will definitely meet up in November I believe for the Food Blogger Central group. Are you involved with that? Nagi is putting it together with Meggan?
As for the site, it’s migrating to Media Temple as I type, no more HostGator. PLUS, they still haven’t fixed the evil pop up malware issue on my site (hence I am moving it) Media Temple said they can scan my site in a day and remove it before them migrate my site to their new servers. Hopefully the issues will be resolved and I can get back to my labor of love, Keviniscooking.
Awww, I came across you looking for a Korean stir-fry recipe.
Carlsbad, my old stomping ground? Curious I clicked, memories flood!
My first house, Harbor Pointe (off Poinsettia) bought for 120k imagine.
Hanging out with Big John at Tip Top, he loved me because I was a tall blonde of German descent.
My in-laws were German and they shopped there whenever they were in town (head-cheese? no thank you).
John is probably not around anymore, I assume…big lovable John.
Fireworks at the power plant…life goes by so fast, make the most of it, always.
Seems like you are Jen. Looking thru your recipes I am now a knew fan!
Thanks
Janene
New fan
Hi Janene, we love living in Carlsbad! I am just a few exits from Poinsettia – such a small world! and NO I cannot imagine a house, let alone a condo for 120K! I am so happy you found my blog and hope you have fun trying my recipes!
Your recipes all look and sound amazing. But I have Celiac Sprue. That is an allergy to gluten, and I can’t eat anything with wheat, oats, rye, bran barley, or malt. Do you have any recipes that don’t have any of these ingredients? I have some gluten free all purpose flour that I would like to try, but I’m not sure if it will work on your recipes.
Hi Judy, welcome! Many of my Asian recipe don’t have flour or if they do, gluten free flour would work wonderfully – just make sure to also use gluten free soy sauce, etc. Most of my Mexican recipes don’t have flour product either – and you can substitute corn tortillas for any flour. My mother-in-law is gluten free and she makes my recipes all the time just using gluten free ingredients as needed. I really think all of my recipes are gluten free adaptable, so I hope you can have fun exploring and trying new recipes!
Amazing is my first thought ~~ My sons’ best friend passed way too soon from C F & David was devastated, I plan to show him your inspiring story & hopefully this will ease his heart… Thank you for sharing “all”. My heart meets yours on the playing field of Kidneys. I have Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease…. But I will not let it get me down, my left kidney is shrinking & some day I may loose it, this does not trouble me. My Grandmother lived many many years with only 1 kidney… I was told early on that I had M.S. phooey not this girl not giving in. To the amazement of my docs. I drove a tractor trailer for 30 years before retiring, would not have stopped but my hubby passed away, and that kinda did for me as for the driving…. We had the gracious pleasure of either driving thru and or stopping in Carlsbad many times. We drove from Atlanta, Ga. to all points in California for most of the 30 years. I love it out there.
I truly think you are a precious, delicate flower for whom the bell tolls, and for whom the sky turns its colors to blue everyday. I applaud you and your endeavors. The foods are amazing, esp. the Carrot cake with the cream cheese I plan to try it very soon. May God bless you daily. Hugs
Oh my goodness Sharla, you are such a sweetheart! Thank you for you beautiful, kind words! It sounds like you have lived an extraordinary life and are an extraordinary woman, beating the odds again and again with your courage, determination and faith and positive attitude. I have no doubt you are a blessing to everyone around you. I wish you the very best with your Chronic Kidney Disease and in every aspect of your health and life. Much love and God bless!!! HUGS! Jen
Thank you Jen, that you would take your time to respond means the world to me… You, young lady are a very valiant fighter, one for whom I will pray daily that God continues to bless you and your journey…. Thank you for all you give to all of us. I know I must speak for others when I say THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER THANK YOU!! I will be checking in on you, not only your recipes, but you yourself. I write poetry, sayings, & small stories. I think you have inspired me to come up with one of these for you. hugs 100 times over.
Sharla
Hugs 100 times over to you! Thank YOU for the virtual big, warm hug with your beautiful, kind words. You truly are a light in this world who just made my day brighter! oxoxo!!
Jen,
I HAD to write to you after reading your interview on FBC. My mom was an extremely passionate cook and I like to believe that I inherited that gene from her.I started to blog about Indian and Indian fusion cooking just last year but have been developing recipes and cooking like a maniac for 30 years! And I am still constantly thinking of innovative recipes. (no exaggeration here:)
I lost my mom some years ago but I pulled my self together for my kids. Recently I lost my younger sister and my dad and it has been a struggle to pick myself up. Your story has truly inspired me because I feel the same way about sharing my recipes. We do not know how long we have so I want to share my passion and my best recipes with everyone, including my children.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It has truly inspired me and also taught me to be thankful fo rmy own health. God bless you, Jen.
Sandhya
God bless you Sandhya! What an emotional last few years, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, father and sister. I can only relate to your loss from losing my brother – but all three so close together would be earth shattering. HUGS to you! It sounds like we are foodie kindred spirits with our love of cooking. I am so happy you have your cooking passion to energize and inspire you – it is truly a blessing. No doubt sharing your recipes with your children and with the rest of the world will be a treasured legacy. Thank you for reaching out and for your kind words. I look forward to seeing more of your Indian/Indian fusion cuisine! xo
What an incredible story you shared with us on FBC. Love how you can use your story to inspire others. You’ve been through so much and yet you still have your joy. God is good. That’s where is, in the heart. (((hugs)))
Thanks so much for sharing. I had no idea what you’ve been through!
Oh Melanie, you are so sweet! Thank you! I completely agree – “God is good and that’s where its at” – the very reason for my joy š Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! HUGS to you!!
Hi there š I was on Food Bloggers Central last night and enjoyed reading her interview with you. However it left me teary all day today as we lost my step brother to Cystic Fibrosis 7 years ago. He was such a sweet person and I wish I had made him more carrot cakes……his fav! x
oh Tania, I wish I could give you a great big hug!! There is nothing like losing a loved one. My heart aches for you and my thoughts are with you!! xoxo
I am using your sweet & sour chicken, pineapple and peppers recipe. Question, do I put the X 13 casserole dish in the oven at 350 degrees uncovered? No temp was provided in the recipe. Seemed reasonable. Also can I make the sauce the day before and keep in refg till next day when making the chicken I’m kind of a newer cook and your site is good for me. Thanks.
Hi there! The baking temperature is in line 2 but it can be hard to miss – 350F degrees – so you were right on! I am happy you are enjoying my site – I hope you find lots of new recipes to love here!
I don’t know how I landed on you’d page but plan to keep looking!!! Saw some yum that I’m going to make. I have also been touched by amazing CF people. My sister only lived to 26, leaving us in 1988. A spirited spit-fire she was waiting for a heart-lung transplant, but it didn’t come soon enough. I pray you keep your strength and spirit in honor of those who are no longer with us.
Hi Donna, I am so happy you landed on my page – no matter how :)! Welcome! I am so deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your sister, I am sure she was an amazing, amazing woman. I too lost my brother to CF when he was 19, also waiting for a lung transplant and also a spit-fire! I am sure they are in heaven having tons of fun together and watching over us. CF takes way too many too soon but they are ever closer to a cure! May God bless you and yours! xoxox
I just spent the last hour or so going through some delicious looking recipes. SUPER excited to try some out. Thanks for posting so many flavors I love, with beautiful photos! Happy New Year from Alberta Canada.
Welcome from Canada Brittany! I am so glad you found my site and I am excited YOU are excited to try some of my recipes! I hope you find a lot of new favorites here! Happy New Year!!
Hi Jen, i absolutely love your recipes!
Thanks,
Frances from Bermuda
Hi Frances all the way from Bermuda! You are the sweetest, thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I am so happy you are loving my recipes – yay! Thank you!
I just found your site, and was so touched by your story, not to mention your photography and recipes are out of this world. We have a young man in our small town that has been battling cf for quite some time. His parents own a restaurant in town, and they have a big fund raiser every fall, where they close off the street to town. They have live music, and lots of food, and they raise alot of money to go towards research. He just recently got a long awaited lung transplant and seems to be doing well. Very encouraging reading about your journey. I wish you good luck and continued good health. P.S. I have a French bulldog also. I think Kiwi is adorable.
Hi Marijean, welcome to my site, I am so happy you stumbled upon it! As a fellow Frenchie lover, I love you already! Aren’t they the best?! Thank you so much for your kind, thoughtful words. What an amazing young man in your town and what an amazing town to rally behind him! I am sorry he got sick enough to need a lung transplant but thrilled he was able to receive a second chance at life! Lung transplants truly are miraculous! Along with your town, I pray for his health and strength. May God bless him, you and yours! xo
Hi Jen! Like so many others. I too stumbled upon your blog. As I began to read it. it didn’t take long to realize that you too are LDS!I just want you to know that through your beautiful words there flows a wonderful testimony of our beliefs. You are an awesome missionary and I thank you for that. Take care and who knows… maybe someday we’ll meet paddleboarding in the lagoon! I just live in Vista.Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi neighbor, welcome to Carlsbad Cravings! If you live in Vista and are LDS, then there is no doubt that we know some of the same people! Thank you so much for your super sweet, thoughtful comment. I am honored and humbled that my testimony comes through – seriously such a compliment, thank you! xo
I just found your site via a post on Big Mama blog. Your food looks fantastic and your story is inspiring. God bless you!
I am so happy you stumbled across my blog Danica, welcome! I hope you have fun exploring/trying my recipes! Thank you for taking the time to read my story, I feel so blessed every day š God bless you and yours as well! xo
Hi there!
I stumbled upon your site while looking for a recipe for ‘Black Bean Cilantro Lime Rice’ that I remembered having as a side dish somewhere in New Mexico. I was immediate;y impressed with your site. The recipes all look outstanding. and I can honestly say this is my new favorite recipe site. It is clear that you put a great deal of work into this site. Thank you for all that you do… it is sincerely appreciated.
What a kind, wonderful comment Joe, thank you! I SO appreciate your thanks and am honored you are enjoying my site! I hope you find many recipes to love and to become new favorites as you explore! welcome and many thanks!
My husband found your site when he was clicking around looking for something to cook for me on Mother’s Day. He ended up making the Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with grilled pineapple salsa. It tasted every bit as good as it looked, and we made it again when we had his lab (he’s a professor) over for an end of the year bbq. He asked that I make him something from your site for Father’s Day tomorrow (actually he said I can make him anything from your site) so I’m trying the Asian Hoisin burgers. Still pondering dessert … too many choices!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful personal story and for sharing your talents via your blog. You have fans in Oregon!
Hi Meredith, welcome from Oregon! I am so glad your husband stumbled across my blog and thrilled the Teriyaki Tacos were every bit as delicious as they looked! I am honored he asked you to make hims something from my site for Father’s Day – and the Asian Burgers are an excellent choice! As far as desserts go, you can’t go wrong with sugar, but a few of my all time favorites are the Caramel Toffee Pecan Cake, Mama’s Hot Lemon Poke Cake and the Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Creme Pies – if I had to choose š Thank you for taking time to share in my story! I hope you continue to enjoy exploring my site and trying my recipes! xo
Ok… I randomly clicked on a delicious looking recipe on Pinterest, and it came up to your website. I noticed the name and thought, “Hey! I’M from Carlsbad!’ (Although I live in Texas right now.) But I also notice you’re LDS! So I just thought I’d say hi and let you know your story is inspiring to find joy in life in all circumstances. Thanks for sharing it. My family is all still in Carlsbad, so if you know any of the Packards… Well, that’s my family (Mark and Bonnie are my parents… In C1). āŗļø Best wishes in all you do!
Hi Debbie, welcome to my site and a taste of home – and oh my goodness, what a small world – I DEFINITELY know Packards- haha! I have known Kristi and Lance for over 10 years (love them), Jared and Erin are in my ward and used to be neighbors and I love your parents! Thank you for saying hi and for your kind words! Best to you and your family as well! xo
Hi Jen.
Your Cream Cheese Stuffed Carrot Cake caught my eye on Pinterest and as Carrot Cake is my hubby’s favorite dessert, I made it yesterday and WOW!! It was amazingly delicious. I will never try another Carrot Cake ever!!
Then I checked out your blog and small world, we vacation almost every year in Carlsbad and my grandparents lived in Encinitas so I spent many of my childhood summers at Moonlight Beach, what a coincidence, right?
I’m a beach girl at heart and hope to make it a reality someday.
Looking forward to following you and trying many more of your recipes.
Hi Dawn, sorry for the delay as I have been moving and things have been crazy but thank you so much for your comment! I am thrilled you loved my Cream Cheese Carrot Cake enough “to never try another carrot cake ever” – the ultimate compliment – thank you! That is amazing that you vacation in Carlsbad and spent your summers at Moonlight Beach – I know that beach very well – what a small world! I hope some day you can make the beach your reality – even better yet Carlsbad š Thank you for saying hi and I hope you have fun exploring my recipes!
morning! what an amazing story.
I couldn’t believe your frenchie is named Kiwi, our boston is named Kiwi as well! How funny is that?!
I’m going to try your pizza crust for a client today. Thanks for sharing.
Home Cooking in Hillcrest š
Lyann
Thank you so much Lyann! and oh my goodness, I can’t believe your Boston’s name is Kiwi too – I have never heard of another pet named Kiwi – love it! I hope you loved thee pizza crust!
I found your blog through Pinterest while looking for recipes and went down the rabbit hole. It’s been hours that I’ve sat here looking at your blog, reading your posts. I remember reading the Ensign article … it touched me then, but probably more so now. Can’t wait to read your book. I also highlighted or copied so many lines from the talk you posted. Thank you for being such a light and for being so generous and faithful. You have touched so many. What a remarkable, beautiful and talented woman you are.
Hi Rachel, welcome to Carlsbad Cravings, I am so glad you found me through pinterest! That is amazing that you remember the Ensign article from 10 years ago! It has been and continues to be an incredible journey and I am so honored when lovely people such as yourself are touched in some way. Thank you for taking the time to read my talk and for ordering my book. It is a tear jerker but hopefully an uplifting tear jerker š Much love to you and yours! xo Jen
Jen,
I just watched your video, and I must say, you are a beautiful and wonderful woman, inside and out. What a heartwarming and inspiring story. Friends of ours have two children, both with CF, and although I can’t imagine what they, or you have gone through, I applaud you for your tremendous courage, perseverance, and positive attitude. God bless you! Oh, and I absolutely love your recipes! Please keep them coming! Thank you!
Hi Roger, welcome to Carlsbad Cravings! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch my video and for your kind, thoughtful, uplifting comment! I feel like everyone has a story/struggle of some kind and CF has been quite our learning curve š I am so grateful for wonderful people like you that brighten my day! God bless you and yours as well and your sweet friends with CF!
Wow, your story is pretty amazing! I, too, am a kidney transplant recipient and found your site by chance. I was looking for a good recipe to make carne asada on the grill, rather than on the stove with a flavor packet. I love to cook, especially on the grill. I use a charcoal grill and added mesquite chips to the mix. It turned out better than most mexican restaurants I have been too…and I live in North County too. So that says a lot!
I am eager to try out new recipes from your site!
Hi Rob, I am so happy you stumbled upon my blob and a BIG congratulations on your transplanted kidney! What a small world between that and that you also live in North County! I love that you love to cook (such a fun outlet!) and so happy you loved the carne asada recipe so much! I hope you have fun exploring and trying more recipes from my site! Have a great weekend and God bless your new kidney:)!
Hi, Jen. Kept clicking on fabulous looking, then tasting recipes on Pinterest (I call Pincrak) that came from Carlsbad Cravings. I had to look further. I grew up in So.Oceanside with the Carlsbad Lagoon at the end of our block in the 1950 – 60’s. Your paddleboarding on it gave me little pangs of jealousy. I spent spare hours surfing and basking in the sun on every beach from the O’slde harbor to Tamarack and the SRF and beyond north and south. Spent years in Carlsbad and miss it a lot here in Oregon. Your story is amazing. You keep fighting that good fight that has brought you what looks to be a great husband and the great outdoor wonderfilled life only available in that fantastic area of the world. Thanks for sharing so much of your self. Namaste’, Kathe.
Hi Kathe, I am so glad you found me through Pincrack š – welcome!!! I live right by the lagoon so we would have been neighbors! What a wonderful place to grow up. We frequent all of the same beaches that filled your childhood and feel so blessed to live an”outdoor wonderfilled life”- love how you worded that! Hopefully you can visit from Oregon! Thank you so much for your kind words! You sound absolutely lovely! All the best to you and yours!
I just printed like 10 of your slow cooker recipes. SO excited to try them. I subscribed to your e-mail also. THEN I read your bio and I am even happier! You have an awesome soul, thank you for sharing with us all.
You are the sweetest La Viola, thank you! Thank you for taking time to read my bio and for your kind, thoughtful words! I LOVE my slow cooker and recipes because they are so easy and yummy! I hope you have fun trying them! Have a beautiful week!
Hi Jen! I was just going through some of your recipes and plan to try your Cheesy Chicken and rice and Broccoli recipe – the one you said reminds you of Chicken Divan. That was my favorite dish growing up, as well. I thought you might try, sometime, adding a dash of mustard and some curry to yours. That’s how my mom’s dish evolved, and I found it added a really intriguing layer to the dish. I suspect that would translate really nicely to the soup as well.
YES! we are foodie kindred spirits! I can’t think of Chicken Divan without a fond memory from my childhood and craving it! š I am totally trying a dash of curry and mustard next time I make the soup or casserole – 2 ingredients I wouldn’t have thought of but sound delicious – thank you! I hope you love the soup and that it reminds you of your Mom’s Chicken Divan š Thanks Karla!
Dear Jen, would like to start receiving your recipes. Everything look great! I live in Ensenada Baja, Estero Beach Resort with my husband and our Frenchie Rudy he’s almost 11. We both grew up in San Diego. We love to cook and entertain. You sound like a very special lady.
Hi Margie, welcome to my site! It sounds like you live in Paradise! My husband heads down that way for surf trips every now and then and can’t get enough š I know we would be good friends with so much in common š Your Rudy sounds adorable! – aren’t they the best ?! Thank you so much for your kind words and for visiting my site! I will subscribe you to my email list right now. If you ever don’t want to receive my emails, there is an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom. All the best to you and yours!
Hi Jen, I stumbled onto your blog today by finding the chicken burritos on pinterest. I can’t wait to try them and many more of your recipes. My husband also has CF and he had a double lung transplant 7 1/2 years ago and a kidney transplant about 2 1/2 yrs ago. I delighted to see someone else who is thriving after all the things life has thrown at them. I look forward to browsing your recipes and meal planing. Hope you have an awesome day!
Hi Trudy, I am so glad you stumbled across my site! I am amazed that your husband also has CF, had a lung transplant and kidney transplant – the percentage of people with both is so rare! a big Congratulations to him for all he’s endured and conquered! And I have no doubt you are the rock at his side, his angel and his joy! God bless both of you with much health and happiness!
Congratulations on your transplants. I am a kidney transplant patient myself with 19 year and going strong! All before age 30!
Wow Lauren, that is amazing, congratulations! and 19 years – that is wonderful! God bless you with many years of health and happiness!
How cool is this? I was just looking up random recipes and came across your page. I am 24 years old with Cystic Fibrosis! I am struggling with gaining weight, trying drink supplements and eating fatty foods. Trying to find a balance between my husbands desire for healthy/light weight food for him and our son and me needing more calories. Do you have any high calorie recipes you can share? Thanks so much!
Hi Logan, so nice to “meet” you! I hope you are doing well – other than the battle to gain weight š I don’t have any specific high calorie recipes – in fact many of my recipes are “skinny” or “light” versions but that might be perfect for your family because you could make as directed for your family and add extra butter, heavy cream, cheese etc. to yours. My most caloric recipe though has got to my my Million Dollar Mac and Cheese I think your whole family would love it! My prayers are with you and your family and your continued health! xo
Hi Logan, so nice to “meet” you! I hope you are doing well – other than the battle to gain weight š I don’t have any specific high calorie recipes – in fact many of my recipes are “skinny” or “light” versions but that might be perfect for your family because you could make as directed for your family and add extra butter, heavy cream, cheese etc. to yours. My most caloric recipe though has got to my my Million Dollar Mac and Cheese I think your whole family would love it! My prayers are with you and your family and your continued health! xo
You are truly an inspiration! I admire your courage, creativity and can-do spirit so much!! I knew a girl with CF in high school. She was a cheerleader and had a lot of spunk. And I like your recipes very much….
Thank you so much Denise for your kind, thoughtful comment! Life is so much more fulfilling when you face it head on š Thank you for brightening my day! xo
The best sites comer unexpected . . .thanks for sharing your wonderful blog, planning to create most of them. My heart goes out to you as a survivor, a fifty year plus Cancer survivor myself. . .you have my blessing of a wonderful life with hubby and your “four-footed” daughter, Roberta at Whispers from the Past in Catskills, New York.
Hi Roberta, thank you so much for your kind comment and congratulations on being a 50+ year cancer survivor – yay! I hope you enjoy trying some of my recipes and I pray for your continued health and happiness!
I love your recipes and print out the ones I wish to try. I am disappointed that recently when you click the print icon that the recipes now print without a picture……when one is cruising though one’s recipe binder pictures are really nice to have and make it quicker to find recipes.
Hi there, so sorry for the delay as we just moved and things have been a lot crazy! I had to change it due to technical reasons but I have passed on your concerns onto my tech guy and I’m hoping he can fix them ASAP- I agree a picture is as must! Sorry for the inconvenience but thank your patience!
I am new to Carlsbad Cravings. I can’t wait to try your recipes, they look so amazing. I just watched your interview with Meg and read your bio on the blog. I will be purchasing your book, as your story inspires me. I am in my mid 40’s and became ill 3 years ago. I have lived my life always appreciative of the small things. Health was one thing I think we all take for granted. I like to listen to other people and how they deal with and continue to soar when faced with health challenges. Your family is beautiful. Such a blessing! Thank you for sharing everything. I love all food. If you any suggestions on some of your favorites I can try, I would appreciate it!
Hi Leah, welcome to Carlsbad Cravings! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you as we moved this weekend and things have been a lot crazy getting ready for the big day but THANK YOU so much for taking the time to watch my interview and read my bio! I am honored you are purchasing my book as well-it is near and dear to my heart, I hope it touches yours as well. I am sorry to hear you became ill a few years ago – health can be so unpredictable! It sounds like you have a wonderful outlook on life though which makes all the difference. I pray for your improved health and continued positive outlook! xo
I LOVE your site and am a big fan. But I must say that your new recipe format is not as good as your old one. It is great that you get everything on 1 page and that you are not too wordy. That is fantastic! But the new recipe format is harder to follow, the print is smaller and the space between the measurement and the ingredients is too far apart and just harder to follow. Thought you would want to know. Thanks, Jan
Hi JK, so sorry for the delay as we just moved and things have been a lot crazy. I had to change it due to technical reasons but I have passed on your concerns onto my tech guy and I’m hoping he can fix them ASAP. Sorry for the inconvenience but thank your patience!
Hi, I just made your Mexican chicken-well at least it is in crock pot. You are an inspiration. I am facing a double lung transplant due to PAH. I’m terrified. You look amazing and finding this love of food and sharing is just so uplifting. I hope I can find a new purpose soon. Staying positive is so important. ThAnks for the recipe and enjoy every day!
Hi Elizabeth, congratulations on your upcoming lung transplant but I completely understand how daunting/scary it is! I am excited though for your new life of feeling so much better than you have in a long time with newfound energy and new adventures to look forward to. Such an exciting, terrifying, hopeful time – all at the same time š My thoughts and prayers will be with you!!!! xo
Hi Jen
I’ve subscribed to your blog for around 3 months now and I love it! You are so talented and creative and I’ve enjoyed every single recipe I made. I’m a retired registered nurse and understand some of the health challenges you have had. I must say your courage and your faith are to be admired and example for all. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Kathy
Hi Kathy, thank you for taking time to write such a kind, thoughtful comment! I am so happy you found my blog and have been enjoying my recipes but most importantly a huge THANK YOU for all that you do! Nurses have been a big part of my life and I have no doubt that you uplift and brighten the day of so many in small and big ways every single day. I can still remember many of the nurses I had over 17 years ago during my lung transplant. You truly are angels on earth! xo
Hey Jen, so excited to find your site. We have a brother with CF and have spent many years working to raise money and awareness for the CF cause here in Utah. Where we also share a passion for Cf we also shares a passion for food! I found your blog looking for recipes and absolutely love the stuff you have posted. Thank you for sharing your story, your faith and your love of food. We will continue to follow you and your journey.
Many thanks!
Brandon and Jodi Ross
Hi Brandon and Jodi, welcome to my site! THANK YOU for all you have done over the years to raise money and awareness for CF. There has been so much progress in CF research and medications over the years only made possible because of you and people like you, we CFers can’t thank you enough! I hope you have fun exploring my site and hopefully find some new favorites! God bless you and yours!
So excited to find your blog through Pinterest! I was immediately interested because it’s so pretty to look at, and the writing is upbeat and encouraging. And then there was the Carlsbad connection: I served my mission in San Diego, and my first area was in the Carlsbad Stake. And you called your dog your four-legged dog; love that. And /then/ you have a link to one of my favorite talks by Pres. Uchtdorf? That did it–I was /desperate/ to sign up! Thank you for developing so many gifts and sharing them, Jen. Wishing you the best!
Hi Anne, what a small world, what ward did you serve in Carlsbad? We have been hear for over 10 years and love it! Thank you so much for all your kind words. I don’t pay too much attention to how I write, so I am glad it is upbeat and encouraging š I hope you have fun cooking and find lots of new favorite recipes here!
Hola!!! me emocionĆ³ saber de tu vida, tus bendiciones y tus logros!!! te encontrĆ© buscando recetas para la navidad. Gracias por tu grandez, por tu fuerza y por compartir este amor por la cocina!!
saludos y cariƱos desde Encarnacion, Paraguay, Sur america!!
Estoy tan feliz de haber encontrado mi blog – bienvenido! Me honra que leas sobre mi vida. Ā”Muchas gracias por su amable y atento comentario! Ā”Dios te bendiga!
What an inspiring life and love !!! PleasePleasePLease read the book Medical Medium by Anthony William it will change your journey, so improve all aspects of your health beyond the info and conclusions mainstream medicine provides. Thank you your amazing recipes and beautiful smile and energy !
Thank you so much Connie for you kind words and your book recommendation! I will have to check it out! I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year!
I’m from Omaha Nebraska, and dearly love your recipes! It was a cold snowy night,and I made your “One pot white chicken lasagna soup “ā it was awesome. It took me longer than expected prep and cook time, but it was oh so worth it!!! (And Carlsbad is my favorite place to be. ( since 1978!) )
Thanks, and I’ll be trying more of your recipes!!!
Laurie
Hi Laurie all the way from Nebraska! That is so fun that you know and love Carlsbad! I am so flattered you are loving my recipes, thank you so much! The One Pot Lasagna Soup sounds absolutely perfect for a cold snowy night – and I’m so glad/relieved it was worth the time! I hope it warmed you up! Thank you for making my recipes and for your kind words!
Hi Jen,
Brought to your website from a recipe on Pinterest and it caught my eye that you are a LUNG transplant recipient. Would love to learn more about that particular experience from someone who’s successfully received one. I have COPD/Bronchiectesis, and my doctor has discussed the possibility of a transplant for me. Would love to hear positive feedback on that experience. Is that mentioned in your book?? Thank you for being so open and inspiring to others. God bless you and your family!
Hi Liz, so nice to meet you! Yes, I discuss my process in the book but it will be different for someone who doesn’t have Cystic fibrosis. I will email you personally so you we can chat about it – let me know if you don’t get my email š Wishing you all the best!
Jen,
I just forwarded your info to a dear friend of mine. Y’all are soul sisters!!!. She too is a CF survivor and a lung transplant recipient. She’s one of the bravest ladies I know, and is now living life LARGE as it seems you do as well. Thank you for the inspiration, and the crazy yummy food along the way!
Also, my son is in Escondido in college… wish he could meet you. He’s a foody on a very poor college budget :o).
God bless and thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Shelley! What an amazingly small world that your friend is a CF lung transplant recipient and your son is going to college in Escondido! Thanks for forwarding my info along to her – it is always so nice to meet someone else with CF who has received a lung transplant – I feel like I already know them so well just by those two facts alone! I hope she is doing well! I hope your son is liking college in Escondido even though we have had 300% more rain than we usually do! You can tell him the rest of his college life should be more sunny š Thanks for reaching out Shelley! All the best to you and yours!
Just found your website and love, love, love your recipes! I can’t wait to try them this weekend. You now have a new fan in Calgary (Alberta), Canada.
You are so sweet Rachel, I am honored to have a new fan in Canada, thank you! I am excited to hear what you try first! I hope you have fun exploring and trying my recipes!
Hi Jen, just came across your blog through Pinterest..not sure what I was looking for but your recipes all looked so “yummy” !! I’ll have to read your bio soon (I, myself, am going through some health issues) and try your recipes as well ! I’d like to try that “Carrot Cake” recipe I read so much about in your comments !! Love carrot cake
Hi Maria, welcome so much to my site! We must be foodie kindred spirits and have the same definition of “yummy” š I think you will love the carrot cake and its finally feeling a little more like spring – and time for carrot cake! I actually just experimented with more of a traditional 3 layer carrot cake with Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting – it is to live for – posting next month so be sure to look for it š I wish you all the best with your health challenges – they can seem unpredictable and never ending but at leas we have good food to get us through it!
I came across your shrimp and asparagus recipe today, and in turn, and for the first time EVER, I came across a food blog that has recipe after recipe of foods that are right up my alley! Not only that, but I also deeply enjoy your blurbs! I am so happy I found you. So, now I am subscribed, excited to be a part of your food-ing adventures, and thought I’d drop by and let you know. My husband will be every so thankful as well. – Blessings!
Hi Hannah, I am so glad you stumbled across my site and thank you so much for saying hi! It sounds like we are truly foodie “kindred spirits!” I know how fun it can be to find someone who shares similar tastes as you – it makes cooking so much more exciting/enjoyable! I hope you have fun trying my recipes and hopefully find many new favorites!
Jen, I’m so happy to have found your site! Your story is such a courageous one! My husband and I both have been through the battle of cancer. Mine was stage 3 uterine cancer and he has stage 4 lymphoma. He is currently battling it for the third time. You definitely are living life the way everyone should, being grateful for today and living life to the fullest! I am honored to follow your site! You are definitely an inspiration to others!
Hi Anita, welcome to my site and thank you so much for your kind words! I have no doubt both you and your husband are an inspiration to countless others as well- I am in awe of all you have and are continuing to go through! My prayers will be with your husband and your entire family during this difficult time. God bless! xo
I discovered a few of your recipes thru Pinterest, just browsing and loved both of the ones I tried! Looking forward to making more of your delicious treats! BTW… Love the Frenchie!! I have a Boston named Chappy!!
Hi Jannie, welcome to my site! I’m so happy to hear you have enjoyed the recipes of mine you’ve tried! And thank you, we love our little Kiwi, she is such a sweet, fun, funny dog. I love Boston’s too – such fun personalities and the name Chappy – too cute!
Hi! I made your white chicken lasagna soup last night and it was so amazing that I shared your blog to a bunch of friends at work š
I tried to click on the instagram link but it didn’t work. Maybe it was user error but thought you’d like to know just in case others are having the same issue.
Looking forward to making more recipes!
Hi Nicole, I’m so happy to hear you loved the White Chicken Lasagna Soup and thank you for sharing my blog! Thanks for letting me know about the Instagram – I just checked it and it worked okay on my end so hopefully it was a temporary glitch. I hope you have fun trying many more of my recipes!
You are amazing!!! I just read your story about meeting and marrying Patrick. I think you are my hero. I love your recipes and have tried many of them with great success. Keep up the great work and know that you are great!!!
You are so sweet Sally, thank you so so much for your kind words! Thank you for taking the time to read our Love Story and for making my recipes. I hope you continue to find some new favorites!
Hi Jen! Glad I found your blog! I live in Carlsbad Springs, Ontario, , so your blog name caught my eye, then I got hooked on your recipes. I’m also a huge organ donation awareness advocate since a very good friend of mine waited on the heart transplant list for 3 years. He got his heart finally, but there are complications in recovery from having to wait so long. It seems we share a lot of life interests – or coincidents – but am happy to read of your successful life giving transplants and delicious recipes. I’ll be following from now on! Thank you and good health! (Carlsbad in Canada!)
Hi Brenda from Carlsbad Ontario! I actually didn’t know there was a Carlsbad in Canada, that is a great coincidence! I am so happy you stumbled upon my blog and are enjoying my recipes. I am sorry your friend had to wait so long for his new heart – that must have been the longest 3 years ever but I am so relieved he was able to finally receive a transplant. I so admire and am grateful for your organ donation advocacy. It is so true – the less time on a waiting list/in need of an organ the better. Just in our short correspondence, I know the world is a better place because of you! xo
Wow stumbled upon your blog impressed with your story, i am a nurse who loves to bake and cook!! Your health story is amazing!! God Bless so happy for those transplants!! Your honesty is refreshing. Wishing you great heath and plan to make your strawberry cheescake !!!
Thank you so much Geri for your kind words but more importantly all you do as a nurse! I know a kind nurse can make all the difference! That is awesome you love to bake and cook – I hope you love the strawberry cheesecake as much as us! May God bless you in all your service!
Love your site!! GREAT recipes.
Thank you so so much Susan!!! xo
I’m a neighbor from Encinitas and loved reading about your amazing journey. I am looking forward to trying some of your recipes. Keep up the good work.
Hi neighbor, so nice to “meet” you! I love Encinitas and and all the amazing restaurants (Hello Taco Stand!). Thank you for saying hi! I hope you have fun exploring my site and trying my recipes!
I come from a family that loves to cook, and loves to try new recipes. Recently, though, we’ve become uninspired…UNTIL I stumbled across your blog, “Carlsbad Cravings”. We have tried at least 10 recipes over the past few weeks and loved every one of them. Great combinations of flavors, textures and combinations we hadn’t thought to try before. So glad we found you!
What an awesome comment/compliment, thank you SO MUCH!!! I am thrilled you have tried at least 10 of my recipes and have enjoyed them – that seriously makes me so happy! I so appreciate you taking the time to comment and make my day! I hope you continue to feel more “inspired” in the kitchen as you try more of my recipes š
Hi Jen! I love your recipes and the way you express yourself is so inspiring. One thing that would be helpful to me (and probably others) is the nutritional breakdown. I have to watch carbs, sugar, salt (all the good/bad stuff). Calorie breakdown would be very helpful.
Hi Gwen, sorry for the delay as I am way behind after recovering from pneumonia, but I appreciate your comment! I don’t provide nutritional information but you can always calculate it specifically for your exact ingredients using http://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
I discovered you on Facebook as I scrolled through one day. It was about 1 month ago; I have made something new from you each week. So far, love, love, love. Your recipes are just yummy. Thank you for sharing these with all of us. I know that even though I love to cook I get in a rut of cooking the same things over and over. Now I have variety – and its because of your email with your new recipe post.
Praying for your health. Blessings to you:)
Hi Darlene, I am so happy you stumbled across my blog on FB! I am so sorry at my delayed response as I was in the hospital when I received it and have been so behind ever since but I SO appreciate your comment! That is awesome you have made so many of my recipes, I am so happy you are enjoying them and the weekly emails! Above all, thank you so much for your prayers, I know they make a difference! Blessings to you and yours as well!
I am so happy I read about you, I came across your Shrimp and asparagus recipe which was delicious. I’m from New Orleans and well I think, breath and sleep food – which isn’t a good thing because I live in Mississippi and we’ll there isn’t much variety here. Funny thing – Carl’s bad cravings, pictured you as the perfect husband who makes amazing, tasty recipes that don’t need to be adjusted. My taste buds are real snobs, I was so impressed with the first recipe I tried, that it had so much flavor and I didn’t adjust it at all!
So with that being said, It is nice to officially meet you And keep the recipes coming because our taste buds must be the same!
Hi Lacey, I am sorry for the delay as I am way behind after recovering from pneumonia, but I so appreciate your comment and am thrilled you loved the Sheet Pan Shrimp and Asparagus! I love big, bold flavors, so its sounds like you came to the right place! I hope you continue to enjoy my recipes!
Trying your potato salad for a family BBQ….looks yummy.Read your story ,Feel you are a strong woman…glad you’re here and feeling better. Keep up your recipes… Canadian Pintrest follower.
Hi Bernice, I hope you loved the potato salad! Thank you for your kind words and well wishes! All the best to you and yours as well all the way in Canada!
Hi jen..just found your blog this morning while searching for rib recipes. It made me cry….your site is beautiful to the eye and heart! You inspire me to look for the positive. I will not even list all the things which are wrong with me and the many days i am so depressed over things i USED to be able to do. But even in my wheelchair i CAN cook, and definitely do. Thank you for your special contribution to making my world happier this day, more colorful and hopeful. And my husband will thank you at dinnertime, and perhaps my pup too!
Sorry for the delay Debi as I am way behind after recovering from pneumonia but thank you so much for your beautiful comment! I am humbled your have found my blog inspiring and hopeful. It sounds like you have had a lot of challenges but I so admire your positivity and gratitude and determination to be hopeful. Thank you for making my own heart smile and I hope you are enjoying my recipes!
I keep seeing your recipes pop up on my Facebook page and had to check out your blog when I realized you are from Carlsbad. I am originally from Carlsbad and wondered if we knew each other as children. Are you originally from there? I’m sure it’s a long shot but I couldn’t resist sending a note!
Hi Maribeth, thanks for stopping over! I am originally from Poway and moved to Carlsbad about 11 years ago. We love it so much and so my blog name is insurance we will never leave š
Hi Jen,
Love, love, love your recipes! Such a flavor explosion each and every time I make something from your site. The layers and depths of seasonings are just perfection and always leaves my husband asking if there is any left. The Thai Orange Peanut Chicken is on the menu for his upcoming birthday party.
Would love to know if you are planning a cookbook!?!?
Thank you so so much Robyn for your awesome comment! I am honored both you and your husband are loving my recipes – it sounds like we share the same foodie palette for flaaaaaavor! š I hope you love the Thai Orange Peanut Chicken – it is one of my favs! I don’t have any plans for a cookbook at this time but if anything changes, I’ll let you all know!