Jesslyn's Bio: Cooking as a Way to Connect

Jesslyn backpacking in a secret location.

Jesslyn Parrish didn’t spend much time in the kitchen as a child. It wasn’t until Jess went to college, when a friend of hers taught her basic cooking skills, that her interest in cooking began. After college, Jess’s mom helped her build foundational culinary skills that Jess continues to use to this day. Jess and her mom began with simple recipes, and over time she grew her skillset and became more confident in the kitchen. Jess enjoys cooking (when she’s in the mood) and is proud to say that she hasn’t blown anything up in the kitchen (yet). She is one of the contributing writers and content editors on the Amanda’s Menu team.

Jesslyn's professional look/Tina Fey impression.

Academic & Professional Background

Jesslyn is a doctoral student in the Texts and Technology program at the University of Central Florida. She is a graduate research associate, with a focus on digital media and technical communication. Jess holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the New College of Florida, a Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics from Trinity College Dublin. She plans to work in the aerospace industry in central Florida.

Memorable Meals

Jess believes that the company around the table is one of the most beautiful parts of a meal. One of her most memorable meals is from the year that she was studying abroad in Europe. Jess was visiting a friend in Kraków, Poland, and the friend took them to one of her favorite restaurants in the historic city center. The meal, duck with cranberry, was not only mouthwateringly delicious, but also even more special because Jess was enjoying it in her dear friends’ hometown. She remembers looking around the table thinking, “I can’t believe I’m here.”

Jess was able to return the favor when her friend visited Florida. They went to Lam’s Garden, a local Chinese restaurant in Orlando. This has been a favorite in Jess’s family going back at least two generations! It is tradition to take company to Lam’s when they visit. Jess appreciates moments like this when she can share a favorite recipe, meal, or restaurant with a friend or loved one.

Jesslyn loving a sand dune sunset.

Jesslyn's Culinary Favorites

Here are a few more of Jess’s favorites:

• Chef: Nadiya Hussain

• Cuisine: Barbecue (Southern) and Mediterranean (Greek)

• Drink: Arnold Palmer (iced tea mixed with lemonade)

• Food: Gluten-free cheese and sausage balls

• Restaurant: Lam’s Garden (Orlando, FL)