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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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/
Nancy Brownfield says
Thanks Jen. I came across your website as I was researching how to store mangoes. Also saw your recipe for mango salsa. Even though I have made mine before, thought I would check it out. I sounded delicious and then the Cajun salmon. I knew I needed to make that. Anyway, I haven’t made them yet but your description of the food makes me know it is going to be excellent! Then I checked out your about into…my nephew has CF and is also a lung and kidney recipient. And he loves to cook. So I shared the website with him. Just sharing my thoughts. I look forward to diving into more of your recipes!
Jen says
Hi Nancy, welcome to my site! Mangos are one of my favorite foods in the world so I hope you enjoy all my mango recipes! More importantly, that is AMAZING your nephew has CF and both a lung and kidney transplant as well – we are a rare breed – what a small world! Thanks for sharing my site with him – I feel like we are friends already. Thanks for taking the time to comment – I hope you have fun exploring my recipes!
Marsha says
Bless your heart! You’ve been through medical nightmares and I’m happy you are doing well. My son had a pancreas and kidney transplant 3 years ago and he is alive! I so feared losing him and it came close. The meds however are quite powerful and can cause other issues. Do you take tacrolimus also? I will check out your food ideas.
Jen says
Hi Marsha, I’m so relived your son was able to receive a kidney and pancreas transplant! Modern medicine is miraculous! Yes, I am on many immune suppressants meds including tacrolimus and prednisone and more.
James says
Greetings from northern Utah although I was born and raised in San Diego and know perfectly well where Carlsbad is. I am happy to have discovered your site and your delicious looking salmon Piccata with asparagus which is on the menu for tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it went. You are truly a survivor and have channeled much energy into your creative skills. Thanks for posting.
Jen says
Thank you James for taking the time to comment and for your kind words! I was actually born in Provo UT – looks like we’ve swapped locations :). I hope you love exploring my site and that the Salmon Piccata is a winner!
Amber says
My boyfriend and I have been eating nothing but your recipes for three weeks now and have yet to be disappointed, also we have lost weight in the process! I am beyond happy that I came across your blog. Thank you for giving me the tools and knowledge to live and maintain a healthier lifestyle. You are greatly appreciated
Jen says
Thank you SO much for taking the time to comment and make my day Amber! That is awesome you have have been making and enjoying so many of my recipes! I’m honored my recipes are being made in your home and helping you eat healthier! Best!
Trish says
Hi Jenny
Love your recipes, and your blog
Cant wait to read more recipes, the pictures always look so beautiful as well
And we are neighbors, I grew up in fallbrook, lived in oceanside for years,and now I’m in vista,have always lived in north county
Jen says
Hi neighbor, what a small world! Thanks for your kind comment, I love haring you’re enjoying my site and recipes!
Janina says
We just made your corn salsa for 4th of July (because of the MSN link!— congrats). It was a hit! Yeah!!!!
I am a kidney donor (October 2000) and I am inspired by your story. Keep cooking! I’ll keep following.
Jen says
Welcome to my site Janina, I’m so happy the corn salsa was a hit! And thank you for all you do as a kidney doctor! I know you help countless people in more ways than you know xo.
Kate Bremer says
Jen,
What an amazing woman you are!
I made the cilantro-lime chicken last week and it was the most delicious chicken I have ever cooked. I’m so excited to browse your recipes and make more delicious meals for myself.
Please be safe through this very difficult time with the COVID-19 virus making life unlike anything we have ever known. Be well and be healthy. Many thanks for your efforts and recipes.
Jen says
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment Kate and welcome to my site! I’m thrilled and honored the cilantro lime chicken was the most delicious chicken you’ve ever made! I hope you have fun exploring my site and find many new favorites! I am definitely hibernating during COVID – which means even more cooking 🙂 I hope your family stay safe and healthy as well!
Kate says
Hi,
I have a question for you. Since my last post, I have also made the Pineapple Glazed Chicken. It is also wonderful. My next venture will be the Chipotle Maple Chicken. The marindades are so tasty I would like to make them in bigger batches and freeze them. Is there any reason this would not be a good idea, and if is OK to freeze them, how long can they remain in the freezer?
Thanks so much.
Jen says
Hi Kate! Yes, you can absolutely freeze the marinades or even the chicken in the marinades for up to three months.
Heather says
Can your lasagna soup be made into traditional style lasagna? My husband would prefer lasagna baked, but I truly enjoyed your one pot lasagna recipe! Trying to make the best of both worlds. Lol
Jen says
LOL! I have an awesome lasagna recipe here: https://carlsbadcravings.com/lasagna/
Jesse says
Jen,
Thank you for all these wonderful recipes. My wife and I are loving them. We just had the Thai Basil Chicken and loved it.
Knowing that you’re a Christian made me say “of course she is” (since we are also) since in this time of staying home because of Covid we’ve been able to make many recipes. Which we’ve loved every one of them.
So thank you and blessings for you and your husband.
Jesse and Sheila
Jen says
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and blessing Jesse! I am honored you are enjoying my recipes, especially during this crazy time. May God keep you safe and healthy!
Kate says
Thank you so much! I have chicken marinating as we speak 🙂
Stay safe!
Jen says
Thanks so much Kate, enjoy!
Cathy Peterson says
Hi!! I have recently found your recipes and have loved the food we have tried. I just read your bio and cystic fibrosis caught me eye. I have 3 cousins here in Utah that have CF. I admire you and all that my cousins go through each and every day. Stay strong and keep the faith!!!
Jen says
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message Cathy! CF is definitely a unique journey and I feel so grateful for support from people like you!
Vicki Bateman says
Hi!
I love your recipes but I have such a hard time getting them to print out. I only have my phone and I hit print, nothing. I send the recipe to my outlook account and still can’t print it. I can’t print from Pinterest. Any help would be appreciated.
Jen says
I’m sorry Vicki but it’s working on my end so it is hard to troubleshoot from here. Can you get other things to print from your phone or is it a connection issue?
Guillermo says
Your recipes are plenty of flavor. But your story is plenty of live. Thanks a lot. You’re doing the very best and right. Once again, thanks.
Jen says
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message Guillermo! All the best to you and yours as well!
Nadz says
Just found your site. Looking forward to trying recipes. They look good! We love Carlsbad! Have been camping there my whole life and dream of moving there someday, and love paddling the lagoon too
Jen says
Welcome to my site Nadz! That is awesome you know and love Carlsbad – hopefully I will see you in the lagoon sometime!
Laura says
Hi Jen, I love reading your blog and have tried many of your yummy recipes. My 7 year old son, Matthew, has CF too and reading your posts always gives me hope for his future.
Jen says
I’m honored you’re enjoying my blog Laura! I feel like I already know so much about you knowing you’re a CF mother – strong, courageous, determined, selfless… and on and on. Thank you for being an angel on this earth and all you do for your son. There has never been a more hopeful time for CF research. I pray your son will live a long and healthy life! HUGS!!!
Joan Somers says
God bless you and keep you in good health! I love Carlsbad and been there many times. Rented a place on Pine Ave before our daughter’s wedding a few years ago. They got married at Wien’s in Temecula. Take care! Joan
Jen says
Thank you Joan, God bless you and yours as well! That’s awesome you’re familiar with Carlsbad, we love it! I grew up in San Diego and have lived in 15 years, my blog name is insurance so we can’t move ;)!