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Jasmine Okocha, Founder of The Jazzy Nation
Real dishes, real places, no passport required.
I recreate the dishes I've tasted and fallen in love with in every place I've lived, starting with Germany. Every recipe comes with the real story, the testing it took to get right, and the swaps you'll need to make it at home, wherever you are.
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thejazzynation

🍽️ Recreating dishes from every place I've lived
📍Currently: Germany 🇩🇪
💌 hello@thejazzynation.com
⬇️ Recipes & More
My time living in Morocco left me with a deep appr My time living in Morocco left me with a deep appreciation for the local food culture, especially the daily staples. Today I am sharing my Moroccan bread recipe, known as khobz, which is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. It is a simple, comforting process that focuses on quality ingredients and that satisfying knead. If you’re looking to bake from scratch, this is a wonderful place to start. Whether you are a beginner or just looking for a reliable homemade bread to pair with your favorite stews, this Moroccan khobz loaf delivers that perfect crust and soft interior every single time. Check out the link in my bio for the full blog post and recipe. #BakingFromScratch #Morocco #LifeAbroad #Recipe
I had a vision for a German plum cake… and somehow I had a vision for a German plum cake… and somehow it turned into these Pflaumenkuchen-inspired plum cake bars. And thank you to everyone in the comments of my last video for helping me understand the differences between plums! 
 Traditional Pflaumenkuchen is usually made with a yeasted dough base, but I was craving something a little more buttery, crumbly, and cookie-like—so I made my own version.
 The plums get tossed with sugar and cinnamon until they’re beautifully jammy, then layered over a buttery shortbread-style crust and topped with even more crumble.
 And honestly? The experiment WORKED.
 It’s buttery, juicy, jammy, crumbly, and especially good with a little vanilla cream on top.
 This is one of those recipes that reminds me why I love cooking in any kitchen around the world. I can learn about a traditional dish while still making it feel like home. 
 The recipe is on the blog!
 Have you ever taken a traditional recipe and made your own version? #Pflaumenkuchen #Baking #livinginGermany #BakingExperiment
Living in Germany has taught me many things, but p Living in Germany has taught me many things, but pronouncing German words, especially food names confidently is apparently still a work in progress.
 Thankfully, my toddler is always available for moral support. And Google Translate? A very important member of this household. 😂
 But regardless of whether I can pronounce Zwetschgenkuchen correctly, I can make a pretty delicious version of it.
 So here’s a preview to my interpretation of the German plum cake: my buttery, crumbly plum cake bar version. 
 And yes, the recipe is on the blog if you want to make it yourself!
 What German word has humbled you? #Baking #FallDesserts #LivingInGermany
The Haribo Color-Rado flavor has nothing to do wit The Haribo Color-Rado flavor has nothing to do with Colorado, but I thought I would give it a try since I felt a bit of a connection to the name as someone from Colorado living in Germany. #TasteTest #LivingInGermany #Haribo
It’s been a while since I shared the dishes my fam It’s been a while since I shared the dishes my family and I have had in a collection like this so here is a look at the what we’ve eaten recently! Some of these dishes have recipes already on the blog or somewhere online but most were made from pure vibes and cravings. So if there is something you want a recipe for, just let me know! And leave a comment letting me know which dish you would try first. #WhatIEatInADay #FamilyMeals #EveryDayCooking #MealInspiration #LivingInGermany
Sometimes the best recipes come together with what Sometimes the best recipes come together with whatever you already have on hand. I love a well-planned dish, but life doesn’t always cooperate, which is why “go with the flow” is my favorite motto.
 Sometimes you just have to open the fridge, see what’s waiting for you, and make it work. ✨
 #TheJazzyNation #HomeCooking #CookingFromScratch #GermanKitchen
I tested two versions of this German comfort food I tested two versions of this German comfort food classic with the help of a couple of people in my community. And put each dish through the ultimate test: a toddler taste test. 😅
 Different recipes, simple ingredient swaps, and two very different results. So… which one would you choose?
 Head to the blog to see the recipes + find out which version came out on top. 
 #Käsespätzle #GermanFood #GermanRecipes #ComfortFood #FoodInGermany
I made Queso Fundido con Hongos Silvestres (Wild M I made Queso Fundido con Hongos Silvestres (Wild Mushroom Queso Fundido) from Sobremesa: Tasty Mexican Recipes for Every Day by Susana Villasuso, and this was my first time making Queso Fundido.
 I made a couple of small changes: chicken broth instead of IPA beer, plus a little mozzarella with the Gruyère for an extra cheesy pull. Otherwise, I followed the recipe and I’m so glad I did.
 The wild mushrooms were definitely the star for me. The larger mushrooms gave the dish such a meaty texture while still keeping it light enough that it didn’t feel like a heavy winter meal.
 I made also made homemade tortillas, too since they were an easy addition to the meal as a whole. 
 This is officially going into the “make again” rotation.
 What’s your favorite cozy dinner when the weather turns rainy?
 #QuesoFundido #CozyDinnerIdeas #FoodStories #CookingAtHome #LivingInGermany
Buttery shortbread crust, bright lemon-lime fillin Buttery shortbread crust, bright lemon-lime filling, a little coconut, and powdered sugar on top!
 These lemon lime coconut bars are one of those desserts that feel a little fancy but are actually pretty simple to make.
 The crust is my favorite part because it’s basically a giant shortbread cookie with that buttery, tender texture that makes the perfect base for the tart filling.
 I like adding coconut to the filling for a little extra texture and body, then finishing everything with powdered sugar once it’s cooled.
 Chill them really well before cutting. You can even freeze them for an extra firm, clean texture. Or… 
Eat one warm-ish from the pan because patience is overrated every time! 
 Either way, these are the kind of dessert I love keeping around for a little afternoon treat, a cup of coffee, or whenever I need something bright and sweet.
 What’s your true take on citrus desserts? (As you can tell I’m a huge fan!)
 #LemonLimeCoconutBars #LemonDessert #BakingAtHome #BakingFromScratch #LivingInGermany
Here are a few things I’ve learned about buying be Here are a few things I’ve learned about buying berries while grocery shopping abroad. 🍓🫐
 Here are three simple things I check:
 1. Look at the fruit.
Pick up the container and inspect it. Look for berries that are fresh and vibrant, without obvious signs of mold or spoilage.
 2. Check the moisture.
A little moisture is normal, but if there’s a lot of liquid pooling around the berries or collecting at the bottom of the container, I take that as a sign to look a little closer.
 3. Don’t overbuy when you’re trying something new.
These currants were completely new to me, so I weighed out just what I needed rather than buying a large container. That way, if I didn’t like them, I wasn’t left with a whole bunch of food I wouldn’t use.
 Small habits like these make grocery shopping a little easier and help reduce food waste. And yes… I did end up liking the currants and so did my little one.
 What fruit do you always have to inspect carefully before buying?
 #BerryPicking #GroceryShopping #GroceryShoppingAbroad #LivingInGermany
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Grocery Guide

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Travel & Food Guides

9 posts
Apartment Hunting in Germany
Jasmine Okocha
  • March 13, 2025

Travel & Food GuidesApartment Hunting in Germany: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Home Abroad

  • 4.3K views
  • 4 minute read
Apartment hunting abroad is always an adventure, and finding a home in Germany was no exception for us!…
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Jasmine Okocha
  • December 7, 2024

Travel & Food Guides48 Hours in Chicago: Things to Do and Eat

  • 1.7K views
  • 4 minute read
Join us as we spend 48 hours in Chicago, diving into the city’s iconic sights, enjoying quality family…
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Revisiting Cuenca, Ecuador
Jasmine Okocha
  • September 8, 2024

Travel & Food GuidesRevisiting Cuenca, Ecuador: A Special Trip with My Family

  • 2.9K views
  • 4 minute read
Our family recently traveled back to Cuenca, Ecuador, a city that holds a special place in our hearts.…
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Creating a Family Travel Bucket List for Summer and Beyond
Jasmine Okocha
  • June 18, 2024

Travel & Food GuidesCreating a Family Travel Bucket List for Summer and Beyond!

  • 2.1K views
  • 5 minute read
The busy travel season is upon us, and for those of you thinking about embarking on some fun…
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3 Days in San Cristobal: Our Family Adventure in the Galápagos Islands
    • Travel & Food Guides

3 Days in San Cristobal: Our Family Adventure in the Galápagos Islands

  • 3.5K views
  • 3 minute read
The Galápagos Islands are synonymous with adventure, nature, and exploration. As a family of three living in Quito,…
Jasmine Okocha
  • May 9, 2024
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How to Plan a Multi-Family Vacation
Jasmine Okocha
  • April 8, 2023

Travel & Food GuidesHow to Plan a Multi-Family Vacation

  • 6.6K views
  • 6 minute read
Have you ever wanted to get your family together for a fun vacation everyone will enjoy? Well, I…
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Singapore for First-Time Travelers
Jasmine Okocha
  • April 1, 2023

Travel & Food GuidesSingapore for First-Time Travelers

  • 1.8K views
  • 2 minute read
When I visited Singapore with my husband, we had the best time. We did some sightseeing, went on…
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Our Incredible Discovery at the Edge of an Ecuadorian Trail
Jasmine Okocha
  • March 24, 2023

Travel & Food GuidesOur Incredible Discovery at the Edge of an Ecuadorian Trail

  • 1.1K views
  • 3 minute read
Are you looking for something to do on a beautiful day in Quito, Ecuador? Do you want to…
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3 Affordable Days In New York City Full Travel Guide
Jasmine Okocha
  • August 25, 2021

Travel & Food Guides3 Affordable Days In New York City: Full Travel Guide

  • 4.5K views
  • 8 minute read
New York City is a place I’ve wanted to visit again ever since my husband Gozie and I…
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Hi, I'm Jasmine, the voice, face, and founder behind The Jazzy Nation. I've lived in Morocco, India, Ecuador, and now Germany, and I've turned tasting my way through each place into a habit of recreating what I loved most, one tested recipe at a time.
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Featured Posts
      • Snacks
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    SnacksHomemade Moroccan Bread (Moroccan Khobz)
      • Desserts & Baking
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    RecipesPlum Cake Bars (Pflaumenkuchen Inspired)
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    RecipesLuscious Lemon Lime Coconut Bars – My Favorite Dessert
      • Dinner
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    RecipesGerman-Inspired Käsespätzle 2 Ways: A Fun Taste Test
      • Breakfast
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    RecipesRote Grütze: The German Summer Dessert Compote Made with Red Fruits
Recent Posts
  • The Blueberry Muffins I Make on Repeat Living in Germany
    • June 14, 2026
  • The Best Chocolate Cake
    • April 22, 2026
  • Cheater’s Huevos Rancheros
    Cheater’s Huevos Rancheros
    • April 12, 2026
The Best Currywurst At Home Two Ways 🇩🇪
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