About Me

Hello and welcome! I’m Jessica, a Certified Food Scientist and Certified Culinary Scientist. I’m also a culinary school graduate and a teacher at heart. 

Jessica Gavin in the kitchen

I love nothing more than unraveling the science behind better, healthier cooking and sharing that know-how with my readers.

Launched in 2012 as a place to document my food science knowledge, my food blog has grown to reach millions of people each month, with content featured on USA Today, The Kitchn, Food Network, Elle, Oprah Daily, NBC, Parade, Epicurious, and more.

Education

My passion led me to study Food Science for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California. During my studies, I learned about food technology and how food is delivered from “farm to fork”, putting the focus on providing safe and wholesome food and understanding the consumer.

  • Master’s Degree in Agriculture – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts – The Art Institute, Orange County
Jessica taking a picture of food

Professional Career

After college, I pursued a career in nutrition product development. I was a Senior Research Scientist with 10+ years in the industry developing healthy food, beverage, and children’s products for people around the world.

Culinary School

With the hunger to still learn about different aspects of food, I studied Culinary Arts at The Art Institute in Santa Ana while working full-time. In culinary school, I learned how to combine my food science knowledge with the products I produced in each class. I was finally able to demystify some of my fears in cooking and learned how to properly prepare some of my favorite foods.

How this all got started…

YouTube video

I grew up in the bustling cities of the San Francisco Bay Area. Northern California is a melting pot of various cultures and cuisines, and my curiosity and appreciation for food were embraced.

My fondest memories consisted of weekend visits to Oakland Chinatown with the family to shop for fresh vegetables, roasted meats, and special pink bakery boxes loaded with Chinese sweets. From a very young age, I noticed how food was able to bring people together and create bonds – I knew that food would have a very important role in my life.

Official Certifications

  • Certified Food Scientist (IFT)
  • Certified Culinary Scientist (RCA)

Published Cookbook

Jessica Gavin Scholarship Program

You read that right! I’ve been fortunate in my career to have been mentored by some incredible professors, and now I’m paying it forward. My passion for Food Science has led me to the creation of the Jessica Gavin Scholarship Program. Supporting the future professionals of our industry is one of my greatest rewards. I encourage all currently active college students to apply! Click the link above to learn more.

My Family

My husband Jason, son James, and me!
James and Olivia at the book store

I live in Orange County, California, with my husband Jason and two kids, James and Olivia. When I’m not in the kitchen, I’m likely on the hunt for the world’s best, most buttery croissant. Healthy may be the norm in my house, but who doesn’t love an exception to the rule?

If you have any questions or comments for me, you can visit my FAQ page or reach out to me using my Contact page. Also, if you’re interested in seeing where my recipes have been featured online, check out my Media Page.

Thanks for visiting!