Happy Harvest!
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My name is Jennifer Winston, I go by Chef Jen. I do not call myself an Artisan Baker or Pastry Chef, but I have baked my entire life! My grandmothers were all cook’s and they are my inspiration. My Paternal Grandmother was a trendsetters, a Leather Neck, and a true Entertainer. She raised three amazing children, my father, also a Chef, my aunt who is the wife of a pastor and my uncle a Business Owner and Entrepreneur. My Maternal Grandmother was a devout to her religious path and was a true servant. She raised two strong fierce women~ She was always baking! I use her pound cake recipe (and pan) to sell pound cake. In her day, she ran a “soup kitchen” similar to Meals-on-wheels from her church.. My Maternal Step Grandmother took a small plot of land and gardened and canned vegetables, herbs and spices for every season with a 10x20 piece of land. They never bought vegetables or produce from a store. My Paternal Step Grandmother (that means my Stepdad’s Mom, for those counting!) She could cook Asian Cuisine like none other! She was a restaurant owner, operator, aficionado and embodied the term entrepreneur. She cooked from the heart to feed your soul! She’s the only woman I know that could show up to a catered event with better looking food than the catered food – and then make the Groom (my stepdad) carry it all from her car to the reception!
I say all this about my grandmothers; but, I could not do what I do without amazing parents, step parents, family and friends that have supported me and ,my businesses. I love them all with all of my heart!
My life and family: ! I have a plethora of odd health conditions which makes some of the things I do challenging! We work through them as a family. I have 3 children. My youngest is high-functioning autistic and my assistant baker. She is very talented in the kitchen. Her long time boyfriend is now “Fiancé”. He too loves food (eating; not cooking, though!). My oldest has given me three grandkids. She is an amazing artist as well! Her preferred medium is skin! One grandson is high functioning autistic and amazing at basketball and fashion. My oldest grandson is an amazing athlete. And my ONLY grandaughter is following in all our steps and is developing quit the talent for drawing Anime. Our middle “son” was just married and they have 4 children between them and just brought another one into the world! My husband has been a FireFighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, currently promoted to Assistant Chief, for several local Municipalities for over 30 years. He has an amazing palate!
My jobs: I run a Soup Kitchen again. I ran it for 3 years from 2018 to 2021. Took a sabbatical to complete Culinary School through the pandemic. I finished my Culinary Program in May of 2021. I finished my Pastry Program in 2022. I received my AOS in Pastry October 2022. I am now running the same Soup Kitchen, again! I am very passionate about helping our Veterans. I also run my small bakery and delivery service from home. I make a point to invite 12-18 year old kids from the community to help me cook for the community weekly. I believe that there should not be a child going off to college who cannot boil water! We teach knife skills and the basics of a home kitchen to all who help us.
Baking: Sweets and Confections are what bring me true joy and happiness. I have a passion for making Macarons! I believe that no matter how far you go in life, there is always something to learn. Once you stop learning – it’s over! The world of food is constantly changing and evolving, so if you sit still long enough – you’ll miss something important. So, now it is time to help myself and my clients. I am taking it up a notch and want to learn more about plant based diets, allergens and specialized diets. I am very excited about this new realm of food!
Post Education: Ideally, I would like to run a Pop-Up/Catering Business possibly operated through the kitchen that hosts our “Community Meal”. The profit feeds the Community Meal Program (Soup Kitchen) Or, even better to establish a second Community Meal site on the South end of town, by the Navy Base! I also do some catering for the church. I have also been blessed by being able to further help those in transition (post surgery) from hospital to home and people just down on their luck with meals once a week, as their circumstanced dictate. Recently, we have opened this part of the business up to paying customers who would like a weekly meal delivered. Their patronage helps fund the meals to those who cannot normally afford a meal.
We understand that each of our customers is unique in more ways than just their tastes.
We offer a variety of methods and ingredients that can help you enjoy the best we have to offer while abiding by dietary or religious restrictions.
Ask us today.
There are some businesses that will allow products or services that are "good enough" to be sold.
When you open your order, you can be absolutely certain we're giving you the best we can offer, and nothing less.
Don't worry - we have grandkids for the "almost good enoughs"
While we pride ourselves in using only the finest ingredients, we also understand the importance of ensuring those flavors are around for generations to come.
As such, we utilize only Responsibly Sourced and Fair Trade supplies, preferring those from small and local providers to mega-corporations.