Oh, hey there! I'm Jennifer, the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Brunch and Batter. I've been a seasoned home cook (and nurse) for over 28 years, specializing in unique breakfast recipes, updated lunch classics, and simple, no-fuss desserts. I'm so glad you found me!
Jennifer's story
For as long as I can remember, I've loved food. I grew up in an Italian-American home where Sundays meant pasta, meatballs, eggplant, and dessert (lots of dessert). Food was a constant, but the real magic was the time spent in the kitchen with my family, making countless memories.
I come from a long line of cooks in my family. Several of my uncles owned restaurants over the years: a pizza stand, a gourmet Italian deli, and a homestyle Italian restaurant, to name a few. Before it closed its doors in 2016, my famous Italian pignoli cookies were featured on the menu of Gaetano's restaurant in New Jersey! I mean, how cool is that?
So why brunch?
As I got older, I discovered a crazy little ritual called brunch- a far cry from the traditional Italian Sunday dinners I was used to. What truly made me fall in love with brunch was the freedom of it all. Sweet or savory, breakfast or lunch- there are no rules. One minute it's pancakes, the next it's eggs, and somehow it's also completely acceptable to eat a hearty sandwich (my favorite) before noon. So naturally, I wanted to recreate this magic at home.
In 2018, I started Brunch and Batter as a place to archive my recipes and share them with friends and family.
Then came 2020. After a long, difficult year working as an ICU nurse during the pandemic, the blog became a much-needed creative outlet. I picked up a camera for the first time, started photographing my recipes, and before I knew it, I was knee-deep in food photography. I absolutely loved it.
Today, I still work as a nurse, but I spend most of my time developing new recipes and honing my food photography. And trust me, if I can teach patients how to manage complex medical conditions, I can absolutely teach you how to make a pancake!
My recipes and photography have since been featured on MSN, Kansas Living Magazine, Paradise Fruit Company, and numerous other food and lifestyle websites. If you love my food photography and want to learn more about collaborating, be sure to visit my Work With Me page.
What you will find on Brunch and Batter
At Brunch and Batter, my mission is simple: to provide easy-to-follow, brunch-worthy recipes for both novice and experienced home cooks, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here's a taste of what you'll find:
- Homemade muffins and other quick breads like this moist banana bread.
- Chai pancakes, waffles, and this stuffed French toast.
- Flavorful egg recipes that pack a punch.
- Dishes that can serve a crowd, like my popular zucchini pie.
- Unique sandwiches, like this Thai PB & J or this grilled cheese.
- Classic sips and boozy brunch favorites to kickstart any brunch party.
Every recipe is tested for taste, accuracy, and ease. You'll find clear, step-by-step instructions, as well as expert tips and tricks to ensure success every time.
Let's connect!
I love to hear from my readers! Feel free to leave a comment or question at the end of the recipe card. You can also email me at brunchandbatter[at]gmail[dot]com or reach out on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok.
And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, so you never miss a recipe.
I'm so glad you're here, and I can't wait to cook with you!
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FAQ
Many years ago, I created a binder filled with my typed-up recipes and named it: Jennifer's Baking Recipes (and Brunch Too). Brunch and Batter is a nod to those early recipe roots- batter for the desserts, and brunch… well, you get the idea.
As a seasoned home cook, I don't have formal culinary training. My experience comes from years of hands-on cooking, countless recreational classes, and learning from the incredible cooks in my family. I also read cookbooks the way some people read novels (cover to cover)!
I began teaching myself food photography in 2020 and instantly fell in love with it. I'm fully self-taught, with a few online classes to sharpen my editing skills. I shoot with a Nikon D780 using a 105mm macro or 50mm prime lens, in natural light, and edit all photos in Adobe Lightroom.
In 2025, my photo "Watermelon Beauty" was shortlisted in the World Food Photography Awards.
As a courtesy to our readers, nutritional information is provided using the Verywell Fit Nutrition Calculator or WP Recipe Maker and is an estimate only. Nutrition values may vary based on factors such as ingredient brands, measurements, and substitutions. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating nutrition using the exact ingredients and amounts you use, with your preferred nutrition calculator.
When I'm not covered in flour, you can find me "trying" to complete a crossword puzzle, watching 80's and 90's sitcoms, grazing at the farmer's market, traveling, and spending time with my wonderful husband, Gabe (and certified taste tester) of 15 years.