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. 

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You can now purchase the recipe cards online!

We currently offer 2 seasons of recipe cards(Spring and Summer), each with 12 recipes and a bonus card.

Purchase a single set for $8. Use the links below to purchase them online using Paypal. You can also find them at Sweet Earth downtown Sycamore or Duck Soup Coop in DeKalb.

Spring Recipe Cards - ($8)

Summer Recipe Cards - ($8)

Fall Recipe Cards - ($8)
SOLD OUT!

Winter Recipe Cards - ($8)
SOLD OUT!

All 4 Seasons - ($30)
SOLD OUT!

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Kishwaukee Community Wellness

To find out the latest class offerings and schedule, please visit the Kishwaukee Community Wellness website.

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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.