Welcome!  

My name is Erin Jensen and I am the photographer, food stylist, recipe developer and content creator behind The Wooden Skillet!  I created this space in October of 2015 because … I love to cook. I would pick out recipes from cookbooks during the week and then cook all weekend – just for fun.  I finally decided I wanted a place to explore and share my own recipes and creativity in the kitchen!

Fast forward nearly 4 years and somehow this “little” food blog is now a full digital media company and it is my full-time job!  I am beyond lucky to get to do this every day and to show up to work at a place that allows me to better people’s lives by delivering real-food recipes and resources (and to do something I love!!

Here is my blog about about running and growing a side hustle while working as a lawyer full-time. 

Here is my blog post about why I decided to go full-time. 

About Me:

I grew up in Northern Wisconsin and moved to Minneapolis to go to college, which is where I met my husband, Mike.  After college I earned my J.D. and M.B.A. and entered the workforce as a practicing attorney. We have three daughters and live in the Minneapolis suburbs.  I left my job as a lawyer in January of 2019, after 7 years, to run my company, The Wooden Skillet, full-time.  

When I am not in the kitchen or behind a camera/computer, you can find me reading (cookbooks and other things), playing outside, snuggling my girls, hanging out in Northern Wisconsin or out at the newest Minneapolis restaurant with the love of my life meandering our way through a 3 hour dinner. I also love staying active, working out, playing tennis, hiking and swimming! 

My Health Journey:

I didn’t start this blog as an outlet for “healthy” eating.  I started it as a place to put my creative energy towards cooking.  But, after having my first two kids I really started struggling with my energy levels and with some “gut issues.”  I had horrible acid reflux. I heard of this thing called Whole30 and, on a whim, decided to try it.

Well, in short, Whole30 changed the way I ate.  It made me really learn what REAL FOOD was (I now read ingredient lists religiously) and it freed me from dieting. I have your fairly typical history of dieting: counting calories, low-carb, etc. Whole30 allowed me to find that balance with foods that I know are good for my body and will help me be a better version of myself with foods that are “worth it” (like fresh from the bakery donuts and homemade chocolate chip cookies).  I never deprive myself of anything I REALLY want and love creating everyday recipes that are made of real-food ingredients to keep me balanced. When we listen to and take care of our bodies, it is amazing how good we can feel. And when we feel our best, that is when we can be the best version of ourselves!

If you are interested in starting a more real-food lifestyle and have questions about Whole30, check out my Whole30: Where to Start page!

The Wooden Skillet:

So what can you expect from The Wooden Skillet??  I love creating simple, real-food recipes for you and your family.  Sure there will be some more complicated recipes (weekend recipes as I like to call them) and yes, there will also be some healthy indulgences and the occasional cocktail (because you only live once and you have to have balance!) – but overall, you will find those simple, approachable recipes we all need on a daily basis.  And those recipes will be a fun mix of Paleo, Whole30, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free and Plant-Based.

There is no one way you should eat all the time (in my opinion), so all sorts of eaters are welcomed!  This is a no judgment zone and place for you to find your next favorite recipe!

Some of my favorite recipes include my Weeknight Salmon, How to Make Cold Brew, Ultimate Shrimp and Chicken Green Curry, Citrus Paloma Mocktail with Thyme  and Grilled Weeknight Cilantro Lime Chicken!

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Erin