Jami the Kitchen Witch

Jami the Kitchen Witch Chef Jami loves to cook, but more importantly, eat! Follow her for recipes, inspiration and recommendations.

08/23/2026

🍜 Homemade Chicken Pho, with a little Chef Jami magic ✨

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a big bowl of homemade soup, especially when it starts with ingredients made from scratch. My chicken pho begins with a simple mirepoix and my homemade chicken bone broth, which is surprisingly easy to make in the Instant Pot!

For an extra boost of nutrition and a silky-smooth texture, I blend the mirepoix and bone broth together to create a rich, flavorful soup base. Then I add tender chicken and serve it up with all the fun, optional toppings that make pho such an adventure: fresh herbs, lime, jalapeños, bean sprouts, and whatever else your little pho-loving heart desires. 🌿🍋🌶️

Warm, nourishing, customizable, and made with love from my kitchen to my bowl. Sometimes comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be homemade. ❤️🍜

08/09/2026

🍅🌿 A Little Summer Magic for Winter 🌿🍅

One of my favorite things about having a garden is finding ways to bottle up a little piece of summer for the cold, dark months ahead.

I turned my garden tomatoes, fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary into a beautiful tomato & herb confit. I covered everything with garlic and olive oil, then slow-roasted it at 200°F for about 3 hours until the tomatoes were soft, rich, and concentrated with flavor. Once it cooled, I blended it all together and froze it for later.

Now I’ll have homemade goodness ready for pasta sauce, soups, and all kinds of cozy winter meals. 🍝🍲

But honestly, the best part is sharing it. I love taking care of my friends and family with homemade goodies, especially when the world outside is cold and gray. There’s something special about pulling out a little taste of summer in the middle of winter and putting something warm and homemade on someone’s table.

A little garden magic, saved for a darker season. ☀️🌿❤️

08/02/2026

Had SO much fun in New Orleans catching up with old friends, eating incredible food, laughing way too much, and soaking up all those NOLA vibes. 💜⚜️

At one point, someone asked me, “So what do you do for fun these days?”

And I had to pause.

Apparently, my current hobbies are working, cooking, going to work, thinking about cooking, and recovering from work. 😂

I guess I need to work on that whole “having a life outside the kitchen” thing. This video is for you, Jeff.

But honestly, getting to reconnect with people who knew me way back when reminded me how much fun life can be when you actually slow down and enjoy it. Maybe I need a little more of that. ❤️

07/25/2026

There are some recipes that don’t need fancy plating or expensive ingredients. They just need a family table and a little history. 🥔💚

Today I’m trying my mom’s famous green onion potato salad. It’s one of those recipes that’s been around forever, and every bite tastes like summer cookouts, family gatherings, and home.

Of course, I couldn’t resist putting my own chef spin on it. I’ll share Mom’s original recipe along with my tweaks in the comments so you can decide which version you’d make… or maybe create one that’s all your own.

What’s one family recipe you’ll never stop making? 👇

07/21/2026

Some cities leave footprints. New Orleans leaves flavor, music, and memories that stick with you long after you head home. ⚜️

I had the chance to attend a conference in one of my favorite cities, reconnect with old friends, walk the halls of my culinary school alma mater, and, of course, indulge in some incredible food. From iconic local dishes to hidden neighborhood gems, every meal was a reminder of why I fell in love with cooking in the first place.

This trip filled my cup in every way. Great conversations, lifelong friendships, inspiration around every corner, and a chance to soak in the culture that helped shape my culinary journey. Sometimes the best thing you can do is step away, recharge, and come home with fresh ideas and a grateful heart.

Until next time, NOLA. Thanks for the memories. 💜💚💛

07/13/2026

🧀 The secret to great mac & cheese starts long before the pasta hits the pot.

For this batch, I made my three-cheese sauce a day ahead to let the flavors come together. Since I knew it would be mixed with the pasta the next day and held warm in a crockpot, I made the sauce a little looser than usual. Pasta is thirsty and continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so that extra splash of milk helps keep every bite creamy instead of dry.

A little planning makes a big difference when you’re feeding a crowd. Creamy, cheesy, and ready when I need it… that’s a kitchen win every time!

What’s your must-have cheese in homemade mac & cheese?

07/03/2026

Sometimes the best spreads aren’t planned at all. 🧀🍇

I spent about 20 minutes pulling together a little charcuterie board using whatever I had in the fridge, and it turned into the perfect companion for an afternoon of snacks, good conversation, and movies with a friend. No shopping trip, no fancy ingredients, just a reminder that a little creativity can turn everyday leftovers into something that feels special.

You don’t need a picture-perfect pantry to make something beautiful. Just open the fridge, start arranging, and enjoy the moment.

06/29/2026

Sunday lunches are even better when they’re shared with great people. ❤️ Yesterday I had my bestie and his partner over for a relaxed afternoon filled with good food, great conversation, and plenty of laughs.

For dessert, I baked a homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream Bundt cake, and it was the perfect sweet finish to a wonderful meal. There’s something special about slowing down, gathering around the table, and making memories with people who feel like family.

Here’s to friendship, full plates, and afternoons that leave your heart just as full.

06/22/2026

Father’s Day dinner was a perfect reminder that some of the best meals combine chef-inspired flavors with family traditions. 🍽️❤️

At my dad’s request, I created an elevated Shepherd’s Pie featuring tender sirloin steak in a rich white wine and cream sauce, topped with a crispy layer of golden tater tots instead of traditional mashed potatoes. Paired with roasted asparagus and fresh homemade sourdough bread, it was comfort food with a little extra flair while still honoring Dad’s favorite version.

Good food, family, and plenty of memories around the table. That’s a recipe worth repeating.

🥔🍞✨

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Waterloo, IA
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