Jenni Ware’s love of cooking is anchored to a deep belief in getting people around the table.
“Cooking for me is a kind of love language,” said Ware.
“When someone invites you into their home and fixes you a meal, they’ve done a lot of work on your behalf. They’ve planned a menu, made a grocery list, gone to the store, maybe prepped ingredients a day or two before. They’ve cleaned their house, set the table. And they’re doing all of that for your satisfaction. I think people forget how special that is.”
In sharing a meal with family and friends, insists Ware, there’s an intimacy that’s hard to replace.
Ware would know – she does an awful lot of cooking. Ware and Sarah Stogsdill are the owners of Simply Delicious, a catering and concession trailer company founded in 2015. Over the years, it has gained a loyal following; their pulled pork sandwiches, peanut butter pies, and loaded Suzy Q’s are local favorites.
Ware grew up in the kitchen. “Mom cooked a lot,” Ware said. “And I grew up in a big family. My mom was one of six children.” Whenever family gathered, food was present. “I learned to cook by always being around the kitchen. And I’m still learning. I love to try new recipes.”
When it comes to hosting, Ware has learned her lessons over the years.
Her first piece of advice? Relax a little.
“When I was younger, I used to run around the house like a crazy woman during the holidays,” she said. “Everything had to be perfect.” She was so tied to the kitchen she couldn’t enjoy time with her guests. In fact, she’d be exhausted before they even arrived.
Now, she’s a lot freer. “If you forget something, no one will notice,” she says with a smile. “You’ll be the only person who knows.”
She picks a menu with the guests in mind. What are their favorite foods? What’s something simple that will allow her to enjoy time with them and avoid stress?
Beforehand, Ware always makes sure there are enough seats and table space. She insists on setting the table before guests arrive – and on using real plates.
“That doesn’t mean you need to use china or crystal,” Ware said. “But good food needs to be presented. You put your time, energy and love into something that you’re sharing with others.”
Serving dishes and platters can help elevate a dish, Ware notes, rather than serving it out of what it was cooked in. A table that’s set tastefully helps people understand you’re taking care of them and happy they’re your guests.
That seems to be a central reason Ware cooks at all: gathering around a meal does real good.
“When my children were young, we always ate at home because we had to,” said Ware. “But even then, we always set the table and talked with each other.” Between Ware’s three children, Emily, Danielle, and Buddy, and husband Danny, there were plenty of antics. But they’re memories she cherishes now.
“When I was younger, I didn’t understand it, but eating together is important.”
Lately, she’s noticed a change in her youngest daughter, Danielle, who has three young children. “She cooks a lot more now,” said Ware. “I sure hope that gets passed on.”
With food as good as what Ware whips up, and recipes sure to be passed down, how could it not?
