Inspired by her British roots and a lifelong passion for home cooking, Janette grew up in a large family where meals were made from scratch every night, which sparked her love of cooking at an early age. After moving to America in her twenties, she worked as a personal chef for families throughout Southern California before launching Culinary Ginger in 2013.
The blog features hundreds of recipes influenced by British food as well as global flavours such as Italian and Indian cooking. Janette combines her culinary training with a background in fashion design and art, which shapes the creative presentation and photography style of her recipes. She is also known for her focus on using fresh, unprocessed ingredients and for sharing approachable, comforting dishes for home cooks.
Here are some of the most popular recipes on Culinary Ginger. Cook them and you'll understand why.
Traditional Bolognese Sauce
The key to a truly authentic Bolognese lies in patience and the steady passage of time. This is how they make it in Bologna: swapping a rushed simmer for a steady, four-hour slow cook on the hob. By allowing the ingredients to gently bubble away, the beef, pork, and aromatics have the time they need to melt into a rich, deeply complex ragù. Find the recipe here.
Steak and Ale Pie
A British pub classic at its finest. This hearty dish features tender chunks of slow-cooked beef and savory onions enveloped in a rich, velvety gravy made with dark, malty beer. Topped with a crisp, golden-brown shortcrust pastry lid, it is the ultimate warming comfort food for a chilly evening. Find the recipe here.
Jammie Dodgers Cookies
Make these iconic biscuits in your own kitchen and enjoy a true British classic. Two layers of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread are sandwiched together with a peek of sweet raspberry jam through a signature heart-shaped cutout. Far superior to the shop-bought version, these homemade treats are a nostalgic afternoon tea favourite that tastes just as good as they look. Find the recipe here.
Mini Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding Bites
Capture everything you love about a traditional Sunday roast in one elegant, homemade mouthful.Tender slices of beef and a zesty dollop of horseradish cream, transform a hearty feast into the ultimate party canapé. They are a sophisticated way to bring those familiar, comforting flavours to your appetizer tray in a clever, crowd-pleasing format. Find the recipe here
Old Fashioned Egg Custard Tarts
These individual treats feature a buttery crust that gives way to a silky-smooth, filling, lightly sweetened and finished with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg. Baked until perfectly set, the contrast between the melt-in-the-mouth pastry and the creamy, golden center creates a timeless classic that is far superior to anything found on a shop shelf. Find the recipe here.
Minestrone Soup
Warm up with a hearty, vegetable-loaded bowl that’s perfect for a chilly day. Built on a robust tomato and beef broth, this soul-soothing dish gains a lovely savory flavor from diced pancetta and a clever kitchen secret: simmering a Parmesan rind directly in the pot. This releases an incredible depth of flavor. This makes for an easy one-pan meal. Find the recipe here.
Images courtesy of Janette Fuschi, Culinary Ginger