I’m Jo Cessna, a natural cook with a passion to empower people how to eat and prepare whole foods & ingredients through education. The techniques that I have created are simple, easy and fun to implement making every day eating enjoyable but most importantly healthy.

Learning happens so many ways. Reading, lectures, hands on, visual, but most importantly experiences. My work is not limited to one way. Maybe you run a company and want your employees to become interested in better food habits- yes I have worked from break room tables presenting my concepts. Stood in a library sautéing radish tops. Pickling vegetables in a farm market parking lot. Hospital administrators creating black bean dip to dollop on sweet potatoes to share with their colleagues. Children gathered around a table learning how to muddle mint to create a delicious summer drink. College buddies who played football together gathered to create a meal that there friend could "legally" eat who has severe heart disease to celebrate super bowl and much to their surprise they loved it. Cancer patients just looking for something they can enjoy and guiding their caregivers.

Moms, grandmas, retired farmers, nine year olds – there is not a specific audience that can benefit – everyone needs food for fuel and ANYONE can learn how to create simple good food. Non cooks learning ….hmmm maybe I can create simple good food. All ages and backgrounds gathering together to take the Healthy Lifestyle series and witnessing this beautiful bond created through exploration of ingredients, learning techniques and tasting new foods.

Monthly Snippets

Herbs Great for Cooking and Health           Parsley  wgreat for adding freshness & brightens a dish. This herb is a great source of Vitamin C and iron. Wash well, air dry, store in a mug of water loosely covered in the refrigerator.


Produce Wash - make your own
1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon baking soda, 20 drops grapefruit seed extract. Store in a spray bottle. Spray produce let sit a few minutes and rinse. Keep it near the kitchen sink. 

Brown Bar Header

The winter recipe card set has arrived! ($8)

12 recipes - this set includes a bonus card with produce information and veggie wash recipe.

The elves are busy helping me wrap them in time for Christmas giving - they are using a compostable earth friendly wrap. They will be available directly from me (I would be glad to mail them to you) also you will find them at Sweet Earth downtown Sycamore or Duck Soup Coop in DeKalb.

Click here to contact me and purchase the cards directly.

Brown Bar Header

Healthy Lifestyle Workshop: Part One

Four week session to be inspired and stay inspired to eat clean and naturally. Each session is filled with cooking instruction, shopping tips, organizational hints for the natural kitchen. Focusing on a different green, grain, bean, spice and cooking technique at each session.Cooking challenges that will help you create habits to cook and eat naturally. Investment foods that make your weekly food preparation easy and fast, an important aspect of the clean kitchen. Cookingdemonstrations and lots of tasting at each session.

Healthy Lifestyle Workshop: Part Two

Are you ready for more exploration of grains, greens, and beans? Four week session that builds on the skills learned in Part One. Each session will start with a specific lesson on natural cooking and eating and will include hands on knife skills, new cooking techniques, more focus on flavor, and applying techniques to create main dishes and daily menus.Cooking assignments and challenges to complete at home to help grow your skills. Cooking demonstration, hands on and lots of tastingat each session.

Click here to contact Jo to receive the current workshop schedule.

Classes will not be scheduled until late spring but private sessions will be held.

Brown Bar Header

Private Cooking Lessons 

Personalized approach- each lesson is created to meet your specific needs. Go at your own pace with plenty of time to master techniques. $75 per hour with a 2 hour minimum.

Private Classes with Friends

Gather a group of 5 to 8 friends.  Select from a menu of topics - lots of fun. Contact me for the menu of classes - the classes are 3 hours with lots of tasting and techniques.  $60 per person - as a thank you the organizer of the group attends at no charge.

Click here to contact Jo.