About Jessica

Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight

Jessica Randhawa

Chef | Food Photographer

Jessica is the chef and recipe developer behind The Forked Spoon, where she shares over 1,200 well-tested, approachable recipes for cooks of all skill levels.

Credentials and Expertise

  • Over 14 years of professional experience in culinary recipe development, food photography, and food blogging (since 2011).
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
  • Specializing in creating globally inspired recipes influenced by extensive culinary travel experiences across Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.
  • Professional food photographer and recipe tester, ensuring culinary accuracy and clarity for cooks of all skill levels.
  • Founder and content creator at The Forked Spoon, a trusted resource attracting millions of monthly readers.
  • Jessica regularly engages in professional culinary training, international cooking classes, and workshops, continually expanding her cooking skills and knowledge.

In the Press

Jessica and The Forked Spoon have been featured in: CNET, Forbes, Women’s Health, USA Today, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Country Living, The Daily Mail, Al Jazeera, Redfin, and Better Homes and Gardens. My Buffalo Chicken Dip was featured on Fox News as a “Winning Dip” for the Super Bowl.

Logo of Country Living.
Logo of Parade.
Logo of Cosmopolitan.
logo of MSN.
Logo of Better Homes and Gardens.
Logo of Forbes.
Logo of Womens Health.

Starting a Recipe Website

My food blogging journey began in 2011, shortly after earning my Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Initially focused on medical research at Stanford University School of Medicine, life quickly shifted gears when my boyfriend (now husband) and I embarked on a six-month adventure across Asia. This transformative experience ignited my passion for exploring diverse cuisines and sparked the creation of my first blogs, including my original travel/recipe website, Lost & Found, and subsequently Coffee & Crayons, which eventually evolved into The Forked Spoon.

From sipping homemade Thai iced tea in cooking classes in Krabi, Thailand, in 2011, to discovering the art of the perfect slice of avocado toast back in California, each culinary encounter deepened my appreciation for global flavors.

After experiencing a life-altering stroke at 28, I refocused my priorities toward meaningful experiences, family, and health. Out of this clarity, The Forked Spoon was born – a platform dedicated to sharing approachable recipes inspired by cultures around the globe, carefully tested to ensure success in any home kitchen.

assorted vegetable skewers with glossy bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini on a white backdrop. To the right is the logo "The Forked Spoon” with a blue spork.

Battling Endometriosis

For the past five years, I’ve navigated the challenging realities of living with Endometriosis – a condition that affects millions of women worldwide yet remains poorly understood. Sharing my personal journey publicly through my Instagram Stories over the years has allowed me to raise awareness, offer support to others experiencing similar struggles, and highlight the importance of advocacy, community, and comprehensive healthcare.

Chef Jessica with her son, husband, horse and dog in a field with leaves falling in the fall
Holiday family photo, taken just weeks after my 2021 endometriosis surgery.

Getting Around

New here? Start with these helpful pages:

  • Recipe Index: Browse by category or use the search to find exactly what you’re craving.
  • The Inner Spoon: Discover how you can unlock ad-free browsing, exclusive recipes, and time-saving tools!
  • FAQ: Answers to common questions about recipes, cooking tips, and blogging.
  • Contact Page: Do you have a recipe question? Drop it in the comments section of the relevant recipe so others can learn too. Please reach out directly via our contact form.

Recipe Testing

Every recipe you’ll find here is rigorously tested multiple times in our test kitchens, with the help of my family and our dedicated team, to ensure consistency, accuracy, and exceptional flavor. We emphasize food safety, clear instructions, and reliable, nutritious results, making it easy for cooks of all skill levels to confidently prepare delicious meals every time.


Ownership

The Forked Spoon is proudly owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Jessica and Aaron Randhawa, who have built the platform from the ground up without outside funding. This independence enables us to remain true to our vision: delivering authentic, high-quality recipe content directly to our readers, free from external influence.

Our hands-on ownership ensures that every recipe, article, and interaction reflects our personal commitment to the culinary world and to the vibrant community we’ve cultivated. Jessica and Aaron’s dedication fuels the continued growth of The Forked Spoon, helping it remain a genuine, trusted resource for home cooks and food lovers around the world.

Chef Jessica and Aaron Randhawa dressed in local German clothing in central San Candido Italy with Dolomites in the background.
Jessica and Aaron in Innichen/San Candido, Italy – 2023.

Publishing Principles

As Jessica Randhawa, the creator of The Forked Spoon, my work is rooted in a deep commitment to sharing high-quality, informative, and engaging culinary content. From detailed recipes and cooking techniques to cultural insights and nutritional guidance, I write for a diverse audience, ranging from kitchen newcomers to seasoned home cooks, who share my passion for food and curiosity about the world’s cuisines.

Whether you’re learning to master the basics, exploring bold global flavors, or staying up-to-date with food trends, my goal is to inspire, educate, and empower you with content that’s well-researched, thoughtfully written, and beautifully presented. I want The Forked Spoon to be more than a recipe site – it’s a trusted companion in the kitchen and a community built around a shared love of cooking.

At The Forked Spoon, we are committed to maintaining high standards in our content and community interactions. Our Ethics Policy ensures transparency, fairness, and responsible culinary practices. Our Corrections Policy emphasizes accountability by promptly addressing errors or inaccuracies. Lastly, our Actionable Feedback Policy guides how we collect, respond to, and implement your valuable insights, ensuring our community actively shapes The Forked Spoon’s content.

Chef Jessica and Aaron with Thai Chef Lat in front of traditional Thai cooking equipment with Sign reading Island Organics Thai Cooking Class.
Jessica and Aaron with Thai Chef Lat at Island Organics Thai Cooking Class – Koh Samui, Thailand 2022

Keeping in Touch

Please stay connected with The Forked Spoon to get our latest recipes. Subscribe to our daily email below for all the newest updates:

5 grilled veggie kebabs on wood skewers
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Join our community! We attract millions of monthly page views and have a strong social media presence, with over 500,000 followers on Pinterest, more than 40,000 on Instagram, over 10,000 on Facebook, and over 100,000 email subscribers. I genuinely enjoy connecting with my readers and look forward to hearing from you!

Jessica’s Favorite Recipes

The Forked Spoon® is a registered trademark of The Forked Spoon LLC.