Cooking Superstar

In Johnna's Kitchen

Cook along with Johnna from In Johnna's Kitchen


Name:
Johnna Perry
Location:
Kansas City, Missouri
Occupation:
Culinary Coach
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When did you first get in to cooking and do you remember the first recipe you tried?

I've always loved being in the kitchen. There wasn't a lot of processed or packaged food in my home growing up, so cooking from scratch is what I know best. My high school home economics teacher, Sylvia Anderson, made certain all of her students know how many teaspoons were in a Tablespoon and had a good understanding of food science so we could all cook healthy meals. I wish everyone had the benefit of early food education!

What's your kitchen like and how do you keep organized when cooking?

My kitchen is currently a work zone! For the past 9 years, I've created in a cozy 1970s kitchen which I adored but it was time for an update. I'm excited for the remodeling to be finished! I keep my kitchen organized while cooking by lining up all of my ingredients and kitchen tools before I start and cleaning as I go...or working with my favorite fella in the kitchen, who is a great help with the cleaning part.

What tips would you give to someone wanting to become a better cook?

Don't be afraid of the kitchen! If a recipe fails, just move on and keep cooking.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party and what would you cook for them?

I love hosting dinner parties! I dream of hosting a dinner party for friends with food allergies and intolerances where everyone can eat and enjoy the same meal. I've been lucky to attend a few such dinners and know how wonderful it feels to be able to participate in the full experience of a mea.

Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?

In addition to my work in the kitchen, I'm a professional sculptor working with balloons. I would love to have more time for crafts outside of creating for a living! I enjoy traveling, dining out, spending time with my three dogs and backyard chickens.

Which cooking blogs do you love to read?

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I just really want to encourage folks who are trying to find a healthier way to eat, whether it be because of medical necessity or just planning for a long, healthy life, to get into the kitchen. It can be overwhelming, feeling like a whole new way of cooking and eating, but it is so worth it. And so delicious!

Johnna Perry
Crafts
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What's your favorite...

TV Show
Big Bang Theory
Band
There are so many! Last week I went to a Pixies concert, so that is my current favorite.
City
Kansas City! We have everything here: a wonderful food scene with healthy, plant-based restaurants, a thriving arts community, friendly people and we are only a three hour flight from the beach.
Movie
Like with bands, there are so many. This week it's the Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Cook Book
the stack of notebooks in my kitchen containing all of the recipes I've created in the past 4 years. One day I will put them into a format someone other than me can read.
Cuisines
If it's plant-based and gluten-free, I enjoy eating it!
Ingredients
kale
Kitchen Gadget
microplane