Hi, I’m Jenna Carraway

I’m a 38-year-old home-chef from a small town outside Springfield, Illinois, and the creator of Jenna Table, my warm and welcoming kitchen space where I share easy, family-friendly recipes meant to make everyday cooking feel simple, joyful, and completely achievable. Even though I grew up in the Midwest, where comfort food is practically a tradition, my path to becoming a recipe creator came from years of experimenting, tasting, failing, learning, and trying again with a smile.

How It All Started

I never set out to become a cook. When I was young, I was more interested in exploring the outdoors than hanging out in the kitchen. Everything changed the day I watched my grandmother roll out pie dough on her small farmhouse table. The way she dusted the flour and shaped the dough felt calming and almost magical. My first attempt at recreating that moment was awful. The dough was tough enough to scare off anyone, but my second try came out beautifully, and that tiny victory lit a spark I never forgot.

As I grew older, cooking turned into my favorite escape. During my college years, I learned how to stretch a tiny budget into flavorful meals. After graduating, I spent time exploring different cities in the United States, picking up tips from home cooks, market vendors, and friendly strangers. I never studied at a culinary school, and I appreciate that. My style is shaped by real-life experiences, lots of curiosity, and countless recipes that went through several do-overs before they were good enough to share.

What You’ll Find at Jenna Table

I created Jenna Table because I wanted families to have a place where simple ingredients and approachable recipes come together in a way that feels comforting and practical. I believe that cooking should feel relaxed and enjoyable, not overwhelming. If a recipe makes you smile or helps you get dinner on the table faster, that is a win.

What I love to cook

  • Cozy casseroles that remind me of childhood dinners
  • Fresh and colorful salads that brighten a table
  • Kid-friendly meals with ingredients you can find anywhere
  • Homemade treats that instantly lift the mood
  • Quick weeknight dishes that still taste special

What I believe in

  • Cooking should bring joy and not pressure
  • Mistakes are part of the experience
  • Simple ingredients can be incredibly satisfying
  • Recipes should adapt to your tastes and lifestyle
  • A shared meal brings people closer

Memories That Inspire My Cooking

So many recipes on my blog were born from moments that still make me smile. Burning my first pot of rice taught me patience. Discovering how garlic butter transforms everything made me feel unstoppable. Trying homemade salsa at a backyard picnic convinced me to experiment with fresh herbs. And watching kids light up when I rename vegetables with fun titles proved that food can be playful. My kitchen has seen its fair share of spills, surprises, and small triumphs, and I love sharing each part of that journey.

Let’s Cook Together

Whether you are searching for quick dinners, nostalgic Midwestern favorites, or easy sweets to brighten your day, I am truly glad you are here. I hope my recipes inspire you to explore, taste, and enjoy cooking at your own pace.

If you want to learn more or get in touch, feel free to visit:

Thank you for joining me at my table. I cannot wait to see the delicious memories you create in your own kitchen.