Meet Jo Keohane, a recipe developer and food stylist living in New Canaan. A busy mom of three, she is known for quick and easy under 30-minute meals. Her recipes feature simple ingredients and one-pan meals for busy families. Before starting her own recipe blog, The Family Food Kitchen, Jo worked for cooking magazines like Bon Ap, Saveur, Food & Wine and Good Housekeeping. For the holidays, she has created two delicious recipes to try! Read more to get the recipes for Jo’s Christmas Rocky Road (no nuts) and Honey Butter Roasted Carrots.
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have 3 children – 2 girls aged 10 and 7 and a boy aged 3.
When did you move to town and what are your favorite family activities in town?
We moved to town in August 2017 from New York City. We live in Silvermine and love that we can walk locally – we also love all the parks and green spaces here.
What led you to become a recipe developer, and then later start The Family Food Kitchen?
I started my career at the BBC in news production in London. I love writing but always had a passion for cooking too – so when I moved to New York I decided to go back to culinary school. After graduating I worked food styling and recipe developing in the test kitchens of some of America’s best loved magazines, like Good Housekeeping, Bon Appetit and Epicurious. I have learnt so much along the way it made sense to start my own recipe website to share all my best recipes, tips, tricks and shortcuts with other busy parents.
Please share your latest holiday recipes…
If you want a quick festive treat everyone will love, look no further than this adorable Christmas Rocky Road. It’s truly the fastest and easiest nut and gluten free tiffin to make. And once decorated, it’s a real holiday showstopper! Click HERE for ingredients and recipe.
Christmas Rocky Road (No Nuts)
With just 5 ingredients, these Honey Butter Roasted Carrots are a quick and delicious side which will compliment any meal. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal preparation needed, this recipe takes the humble carrot next level! Click HERE for ingredients and recipe.
Honey Butter Roasted Carrots
Favorite part about your job?
I love creating new recipes which are delicious but achievable! Also, it’s taken a long time, but working for myself makes me finally feel I have a better balance between home and work.
Tell us about your 30 Minute Meals and why they’re family friendly…
Every single recipe on my website is tested in my kitchen and if it’s not delicious and super easy it won’t make the cut. I know my audience is busy mums who don’t have a ton of time to cook. But they do want healthy-ish food they can get on the table ASAP which their family will eat. I make sure my recipes are easy to prepare, with simple ingredients and lots of ideas for substitutions. I also make clean up easy with plenty of one pot and sheet pan dinners.
Any special tips for entertaining this holiday season?
Keep it simple. Write a list, do as much preparation as you can in advance and don’t pick recipes which require a lot of work. You are there to enjoy yourself! Don’t worry about everything being perfect. It’s fine to mix and match homemade food with some bought from your favorite store or bakery. No-cook appetizers make things easy and charcuterie boards are always popular. I also like to have one or two festive cocktails ready mixed and then you can let guests serve themselves.
Best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
The New York Times food writer, Melissa Clark, who I admire hugely, advised me early on to just say yes to every opportunity. That really resonated with me, because as a busy mum you can always find a reason not to do something. Say yes and then figure out how you’ll do it.
We like to support local businesses. What are your favorite local places to do the following?
Have dinner: Elm
Grab a drink: Uncorked
Have a date night: Tavern at GrayBarns
Spend time together as a family: Grace Farms
Grab coffee: Roost
Workout: New Canaan YMCA
