Hi, I’m Chef Jenn Allen!
Dinner By Six is all about getting real food on the table for real families. No fuss, no trends, and no complicated techniques that don’t belong on a weeknight. Just dependable, family-friendly meals you can actually make and enjoy.
I’m Chef Jenn Allen, a retired professional chef, cookbook author, recipe developer, food photographer, and mom to a perpetually hungry young adult son and teenage daughter. I spent more than 15 years working as a professional chef and restaurant owner, followed by years creating and testing recipes for home cooks who need food that fits their schedules.
Cooking has been part of my life for decades, both professionally and at home. I bring that experience to every recipe on Dinner By Six. Each dish is developed, cooked, tested, and refined so you can trust it will turn out the way it’s supposed to.
I’m also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, a large digital food and travel publication, and my work appears across multiple food sites and media platforms. Over the years, I’ve written cookbooks, produced recipe content, and shared practical cooking advice meant to make everyday meals easier—not more complicated.
The recipes on Dinner By Six are inspired by the reality of weeknight cooking. I focus on meals that come together efficiently, use accessible ingredients, and still deliver big flavor. My cooking style is influenced by over 20 years living in Texas, where I developed a love for Southwestern flavors, along with a long-standing appreciation for Mediterranean cooking.
You’ll find the kinds of recipes my own family eats; dinners that don’t need explaining, substitutions, or a trip to a specialty store. Whether you’re a confident home cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, these recipes are written to be clear, reliable, and approachable.
Also check out Cook What You Love, Grill What You Love, Bake What You Love, and All The Best Spots.
Happy cooking!
~Jenn
