About

My Culinary Journey

I grew up surrounded by the flavors and traditions of Southern cooking, and for the past 13 years, I've been deeply committed to mastering the recipes that define our region's incredible food heritage. My connection to Southern cuisine runs deep—I spent years assisting in my family's seafood restaurant kitchens here in Charleston, where I learned firsthand the techniques, timing, and care that go into preparing authentic Southern dishes.

Working in those restaurant kitchens taught me more than just recipes. I learned how to handle fresh seafood properly, how to scale dishes for crowds, how to maintain consistency, and how to balance traditional flavors with practical execution. Those experiences gave me a foundation that I bring to every recipe I develop today.

Beyond the family restaurant, I worked in restaurant operations, where I gained valuable insight into menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and the logistics of running a successful kitchen. That background helps me create recipes that are not only delicious but also well-organized and achievable for home cooks.

Why I Started JennyPlates

I launched JennyPlates.com in 2019 because I wanted to create a resource that honored Southern cooking traditions while making them accessible to today's home cooks. As someone who regularly cooks for extended family gatherings and holidays, I understand the importance of recipes that can feed a crowd, hold up well, and deliver the authentic flavors people expect from Southern cuisine.

Charleston's vibrant food scene and my family's restaurant heritage inspired me to share the recipes and techniques I've collected over the years. What began as a passion project has grown into over 480 recipes, all tested in my Charleston kitchen and rooted in the traditions I love.

What Makes JennyPlates Different

My Specialty: I focus on Southern food, fresh seafood, comfort dishes, and desserts that celebrate the culinary heritage of the South. From Low Country boils to classic biscuits, shrimp and grits to pecan pie, my recipes honor the flavors that have been passed down through generations while adapting them for modern kitchens.

My Cooking Style: Traditional Southern flavors with modern ease. I believe you shouldn't have to choose between authenticity and convenience. My recipes respect the soul of Southern cooking—the slow-cooked collards, the perfectly fried chicken, the rich gravies—while offering practical guidance that fits real life.

Who I Cook For: My recipes are designed for traditional American cooks who love Southern food and want to master classic dishes or discover new favorites. Whether you're cooking for Sunday supper, a holiday gathering, or just craving a taste of the South, these recipes will feel like home.

What You'll Find Here

• Classic Southern dishes with authentic flavors and clear instructions
• Fresh seafood recipes inspired by Charleston's coastal bounty
• Comfort food favorites that warm the soul
• Traditional Southern desserts from pies to cobblers
• Holiday and gathering recipes perfect for feeding a crowd
• Low Country specialties that celebrate Charleston's culinary heritage
• Time-tested techniques from years in restaurant kitchens

Every recipe on JennyPlates has been prepared in my Charleston kitchen and often served at my own family gatherings. Living in Charleston, one of America's greatest food cities, gives me access to incredible fresh seafood and a community that takes Southern cooking seriously. My family's restaurant background means I understand both the heart and the craft behind these dishes.

Let's Connect

I love connecting with fellow Southern food lovers and home cooks! Whether you've tried one of my recipes, have a question about Southern cooking techniques, or just want to share your own family traditions, I'd be delighted to hear from you.

Email: [email protected]
Pinterest: pinterest.com/jennyplates

Follow along on Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, Southern cooking tips, and a taste of Charleston's culinary traditions straight from my kitchen.

Thank you for being part of the JennyPlates community. I'm so glad you're here.

— Jenny Collins
Creator & Recipe Developer
JennyPlates.com
Charleston, South Carolina