Welcome to Cook With Jane!
Hi there, and thanks so much for stopping by! I’m Jane McCarthy, the creator behind Cook With Jane. If you’re here, chances are you’re as passionate about delicious food and easy-to-follow recipes as I am. My philosophy is simple: anyone can make great food at home, and every meal—no matter how simple—should feel a little bit special.
My journey in the kitchen spans over 15 years and has taken me from tiny home kitchens to community cook-offs and collaborations with some of the best home cooks I know. I’m grateful to have been featured in regional cooking magazines, placed as a finalist in the “Family Table Challenge,” and partnered with leading brands like KitchenAid and OXO for recipe development. Every collaboration and competition has deepened my love for home cooking and my commitment to sharing recipes that truly work.
Along the way, I’ve learned that cooking isn’t just about following directions—it’s about intuition, joy, and a dash of creativity. The best moments in my kitchen have come from happy accidents, from trusting my instincts, and from sharing what I’ve learned with family and friends around the table.
How It All Started
My passion for cooking goes all the way back to childhood afternoons spent baking with my grandmother, where flour dusted every surface and laughter was the most important ingredient. One memory that stands out is making cinnamon rolls from scratch with her on a snowy Saturday morning—watching the dough rise, rolling it out together, and sneaking tastes of icing before breakfast. It was in these small, joyful rituals that I fell in love with the process of making and sharing food.
What I love most about recipes is their power to bring people together. Whether it’s a simple breakfast for two or a bustling dinner party, food has a way of creating memories and forging connections. That’s why I started Cook With Jane: to help others experience that same sense of togetherness and accomplishment in their own kitchens.
Documenting and sharing my journey was a natural next step. I wanted a space where I could demystify home cooking, share tried-and-true favorites, and connect with a community of fellow food lovers. Cook With Jane is my way of inviting you into my kitchen, one recipe at a time.
Why You Can Trust Me
With over 15 years of hands-on experience, I’ve cooked for my family, friends, community events, and even taught local cooking classes. My background spans everything from rustic breakfasts to elegant desserts, giving me a wide-ranging understanding of flavors and techniques. I’m not just passionate about food—I’m dedicated to making recipes that actually work, no matter your skill level.
Every recipe on Cook With Jane goes through a rigorous process of research, development, and testing. I’m meticulous about measurements, flavor balance, and step-by-step instructions so you can trust that what you see here has been perfected for the home kitchen. If a recipe doesn’t turn out right for me, it never makes it to the site.
Presentation is a huge part of what I do. Every photo you see is taken by me, in my own kitchen, under real-life conditions—no fancy studios or tricks. I believe that seeing what a finished dish really looks like helps build trust and confidence in the process.
Beyond my work on the blog, I spend a lot of time exploring new cuisines, reading cookbooks, and visiting local farmers’ markets for inspiration. My travels and research always find their way back into my recipes, and I love sharing those discoveries with you.
When I’m not cooking, you’ll find me gardening, hiking, or curled up with a good book and a cup of tea. I bring all of these influences—curiosity, creativity, and a deep love of learning—into every recipe I create.
Connect with Me
I’d love to get to know you! Whether you have a question, want to share your own kitchen wins, or just want to say hi, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me anytime at [email protected]. For daily inspiration, behind-the-scenes peeks, and even more recipes, join me on Pinterest at Cook With Jane.
Your feedback and stories mean the world to me. Thanks so much for being a part of this community—I can’t wait to cook together!
Meet the Team
Jane McCarthy – Founder & Recipe Developer
As the heart and hands behind Cook With Jane, I develop every recipe, style every dish, and handle all the day-to-day site work. My background in teaching, years spent in home kitchens, and ongoing curiosity drive the content here. I love connecting with readers, experimenting with new flavors, and sharing tips that make cooking approachable for everyone. When I’m not in the kitchen, I’m outdoors exploring nature with my family.
Sarah Bennett – Community Manager
Sarah keeps our online community running smoothly. With a background in food journalism and social media, she answers questions, moderates comments, and makes sure every reader feels welcome. Sarah is passionate about home-cooked meals and loves hosting brunches with friends. She’s the friendly face behind our replies and newsletters.
Carlos Ramirez – Photographer & Videographer
Carlos captures the beauty of every recipe you see on the site. With over a decade of experience in food photography and a love for storytelling, he brings each dish to life through his lens. Carlos enjoys experimenting with light and color, and when he’s not shooting, you’ll find him exploring new coffee shops in town.
Priya Desai – Test Kitchen Assistant
Priya supports our recipe testing, shopping, and scheduling. Her attention to detail and background in nutrition help ensure every recipe is balanced and easy to follow. She’s passionate about helping others feel confident in the kitchen. Outside of work, Priya enjoys traveling and discovering regional specialties around the world.