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.
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-“Carlsbad Cravings” 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 paddle boarding 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, 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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Thomas says
Hi Jen! Stumbled across your site and I’m anxious to try some of the great looking recipes, especially the Bolognese!
I also am a transplant recipient, of both a heart and liver, and I await a kidney transplant (dialysis isn’t great fun). I’m glad you are doing well! Thanks!
Thomas
Jen says
Hi Thomas, welcome to site! I already know you are an incredible person with all you’ve been through – isn’t modern medicine miraculous?! I will be praying for a successful kidney transplant – I am so excited for you to get it – the difference it makes is incredible!
Ranjini says
Hi Jen,
Thank you for all the delicious recipes. I just made your salted caramel chocolate cake. So good. I love that cake stand. Can you tell me where can I find one for me? TIA
Ranjini.
Jen says
Thanks Ranjini, I’m so pleased you loved the cake! Unfortunately, I can’t be much help because the cake stand was a wedding gift 15 years ago, sorry!
Laura says
Hi Jen and family !
I also just came across your site I think from Pinterest where the food there is just magical 🙂 I admire you greatly having survived cystic fibrosis (have also heard this called 65 roses..which is how kids say it I believe) nothing is more important than breathing…I have not had transplants nor any major disorders in life..I do thank God for this and send you angels of love and comfort, Prayers for millions of minutes of love and life, and your food here looks awesome 🙂 GOd bless
Jen says
Hi Laura, thanks for taking the time to reach out! My family was heavily involved in the CF fundraising chapter “65 Roses Foundation” growing up in which I spoke at many events – your comment brought back so many memories! Thank you for your prayers, I know they make a difference! xo
JOAN Q says
Good morning – I came across your site when a friend in Georgia recommended one of your recipes – turns out we are neighbors – I live in Leucadia. My daughter and I had been discussing Pozole – my mom was Mexican but her recipe did not have any proportions…and I made yours – it’s fabulous – thank you! I truly appreciate the research you’ve done to write about the history of the recipe. My very best, Joan Q
Jen says
Hi neighbor, we love Leucadia, I was just in your neck of the woods yesterday! I’m so pleased you enjoyed the pozole! I love Mexican food and post many Mexican recipes, so hopefully you’ll discover some new favorites!
Nikki says
Your recipes are amazing!!! My family thinks I am an amazing and it’s all because of your amazing food! Thank you for sharing your passion and story. You are truly an inspiration
Jen says
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment Nikki and for making my recipes! I’m so happy your family is enjoying them! And you ARE amazing – props to the cook!
Mary says
Hi Jen,
i have been trying to locate pineapple preserves but have been unable to find any. Can i use crushed pineapples in the frosting instead. i plan on making this cake for Thanksgiving. Thank you for your love of food.
Jen says
Hi Mary, crushed pineapple won’t have the desired texture and they aren’t as sweet, so I would just skip it. Your cake will still be delicious!
Jude says
Hi Jen, I’m so glad to find you and your recipes especially since I live in San Diego (Escondido) too! Your story is about true grit and tenacity. Very inspiring. All the best to you and your family.
My husband and I really loved your recipe for roasted butternut squash. I used your original recipe with maple syrup, brown sugar and it smelled so good while roasting. I roasted ahead of dinner then turned off the oven to keep warm. So good! I will definitely keep this in rotation since everything but the squash is in my pantry. Thanks and nice to know you!
Jen says
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to reach out Jude! My cousins (the Sabins) grew up in Escondido so we were there all the time! I’m so pleased you loved the roasted butternut squash recipe and I love the idea of keeping it on warm. I hope you find many new recipes to love here!
Katie says
Just wanted to drop in and tell you that you NEVER disappoint! LOVE LUV LOOOOOVVVVEEE your recipes- haven’t stumbled on a bad (or even mediocre) one yet. It just doesn’t seem possible. I don’t know how you do what you do, but keep doing it 🙂 Thanks for the deliciousness!
Jen says
Thank you for making my day Katie! I LOVE hearing you’re loving my recipes so much! Thanks for making them and following along!
Lisa says
Hi , Thank you for the awesome recipes
Stay strong
Jen says
Thank you so much Lisa! xo
Olivia says
Jen,
I’m sorry to post this here. I tried to send it through your contact tab but it would never send, so I hope this is okay…
I’ve read the article in the Ensign and your talk and can’t wait to purchase your book. All you’re recipes are delicious! And if I’m ever craving something your place is the first place I check for the recipe.
When reading a little about your life I can feel your strong love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. You’re truly beautifully tough. I’m not sure how you do it but I appreciate you sharing your experiences with others so we can have the chance to learn how to push through the trials of life (even if they’re not near as hard as yours), so thank you!
I’ve got two questions my two year old son has been trialing the vest therapy shaking thing for other health reasons than CF. I assume you’ve used one and possibly still do. Could you please tell me about the company you use yours from? Have you been happy with the customer service? How’s the warranty for your brand (as you may know they are not cheap haha)?
Also, I may have just missed it but I’ve been looking for some delicious Hawaiian chicken and sauce recipe as well with a side of the YUMMY macaroni salad. Here in Saint George Utah we’ve got this place called Island Grinds who makes this Pu Pu Chicken, name isn’t great but boy is it good. If you’re ever down here you’ll have to try it.
Thank you for your time and all you do!
God bless you,
Olivia
Jen says
Thank you for your thoughtful comment Olivia! I so appreciate you taking the time to read the Ensign article and the desire to read my book – you will learn more about me than you ever wanted ;). I love the phrase “beautifully tough!” – well, try! I was blessed to be raised by incredible parents with a positive outlook and eternal perspective. I know you are a special parent yourself and angel mother to be raising a son with CF.
As far as the vest, I have not used one since my lung transplant which was 21 years ago, so I’m sorry but I’m of no help to you there – sorry!
I don’t have a macaroni salad (adding it to my list) but I do have an awesome Hawaiian Chicken: https://carlsbadcravings.com/hawaiian-chicken/
Thank you for reaching out Olivia. May God bless you and our family with health and happiness! xoxo
Dean Smith says
My wife and I never cease to be amazed by your delicious and creative cuisine. We have acquired so many favorites from your website, we have lost count. Our foodie friends even know your website by name! Your enthusiastic descriptions of your recipes are a pleasure to read. Well done, and all the best to you from Kelowna, British Columbia.
Jen says
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Dean and make my day! I’m honored you have discovered so many favorite recipes from my blog and delighted you enjoy reading the descriptions as well! :). Wishing you and your wife a healthy and happy holiday season!
Cathy Lynn says
Love your recipes and tips. Is there any way you could make your recipe search function easier to access? I understand you want us to scroll down and see adds but it is really time consuming. Thanks for your consideration.
Jen says
Hi Cathy, my site is almost done with its redesign and the search function will be at the top of every page – yay! Hopefully it will roll out in January.
Cherylynn says
Jen,
I wanted to wish you and Patrick a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy new year to come.
Best wishes to you both,
Cherylynn
Jen says
You are so thoughtful, thank you so much Cherylynn! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!