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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
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
What happens when you take strawberries, raspberri What happens when you take strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and super tart red currants and turn them into a classic German dessert? Rote Grütze!
 This traditional red fruit compote is simple, vibrant, and the perfect taste of summer in Germany. I was especially curious to see how those tart red currants would work, and they ended up adding just the right balance to all that sweetness.
 The key? Getting the texture right. A little cornstarch is all it takes to turn all that beautiful fruit and juice into a glossy, spoonable compote.
 Serve it chilled with a honey cream sauce, on pancakes, ice cream, or however you like. 
 Would you try Rote Grütze?
 #RoteGrütze #GermanDessert #Germany #GermanInspiredRecipes #SummerDessert
I absolutely sounded like Google Translate in this I absolutely sounded like Google Translate in this video! Anyway… 
 I’m making Rote Grütze, a traditional German red fruit compote, and here’s what I picked up for the dish: strawberries, raspberries, cherries, red currants, and cherry juice. Plus cornstarch, which we will use as well. 
 The red currants were a first for me and wow, they were tart. So now I’m super curious to see how they work once everything comes together in the pot.
 And because no grocery haul is complete without a little something for my mom, I also picked up some German candy to send to her. 
 Stay tuned to see how we whip this dish up in the kitchen.
 #RoteGrütze #GermanDessert #Germany #GroceryHaul #LifeInGermany
Here are a few things I think are worth it in my k Here are a few things I think are worth it in my kitchen here in Germany and they might be worth it for you too! 1. Micorplane grater 2. Cookbooks (listed: Susana Villasuso, Sobremesa: Tasty Mexican Recipes to Spice up Your Kitchen & Natasha Feldman, The Dinner Party Project: A No-Stress Guide to Food with Friends & Food And Wine’s Annual Cookbook, 2014) 3. Aprons (I spill A lot) 4. Kitchen scissors for food 5. Ice cream maker 6. Honorable mention: Stainless steel mixing bowls 7. Honorable mention: a Dutch oven For a list of links to my favorite things, check out my bio. #worththemoney #kitchen #livingingermany #homechefs
A year ago I made these blueberry muffins for my s A year ago I made these blueberry muffins for my son’s birthday… but I made them with American butter.
 Now that I’ve lived in Germany long enough to know my grocery routine (and my favorite butter from @rewe ), I had to redo the recipe with all German ingredients and test what actually changes.
 Today’s 5‑min skill: butter fat content. Same recipe. Different butter. And the crumb tells the truth.
 If you’ve ever felt that moment where a place finally starts to feel like home, when you realize you don’t even have to think in the butter aisle anymore, this one’s for you.
 Full recipe is on the blog (link in bio).
 Have you noticed a difference when you bake with local ingredients where you live?
 Ingredients * 2 cups all-purpose flour * 2 teaspoons baking powder * ¼ teaspoon of salt * 1 stick of unsalted butter melted and cooled * ½ buttermilk * ¾ cup of granulated sugar * ¼ cup dark brown sugar * 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest * 2 large eggs * 1 ½ cups blueberries #localingredients #germany #baking #bluberrymuffins #recipe
When I flew home to Colorado this summer, I had on When I flew home to Colorado this summer, I had one mission: turn my mom’s house into a little café for our family and friends.
 I’ve always loved how food has a way of slowing everyone down. It gives us an excuse to gather around the table, try something new, share family favorites, and create memories that stick long after the last plate has been cleared.
 Some recipes were tried and true family classics. While others were new experiments. 

A few came from Costco (because not everything has to be homemade 😄). And, of course, I rated everything just for fun.
 Looking back, my favorite part wasn’t any single dish, it was watching everyone enjoy the experience together.
 If you could only order ONE item from My Sunday Café, what would it be? 
 (And yes... the strawberry matcha latte really was a 100/10. 🍓🍵) #CafeFood #PartyInspiration #Hosting
We are in Colorado for a mini vacation to visit fa We are in Colorado for a mini vacation to visit family. And yes, I am still packing lunch (for me and Gideon this time). Today’s Menu: 
*Ground beef with cheese *Lavash Flatbread *Croissant *Arugula *Cherry Tomatoes *Pink Lady Apple Packed in my @lunchbots box and Gideon’s @bentgo #LifeInGermany #EasyLunchIdeas #ToddlerLunchIdeas #ToddlerLunch
I think I have finally perfected this blueberry mu I think I have finally perfected this blueberry muffin recipe, and I had to share it with you! These homemade blueberry muffins are perfect for breakfast ideas, lunchbox additions, or easy meal prep recipes to keep on hand throughout the week. Baking from scratch can seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice and a bit of passion, you’ll be surprised by what you can create. There’s something so satisfying about pulling a tray of golden muffins out of the oven and knowing you made them yourself. I love that this recipe has officially earned a spot in my family’s recipe collection. It’s one of those recipes I find myself making again and again because everyone enjoys it, and they never seem to last very long. 🫐 Check out my blog for the full recipe and save this for your next baking day! #BakingInspiration #SnackIdeas #ToddlerMealIdeas #MuffinRecipe
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Grocery Guide

Browsing Tag

expat living

26 posts
Living in Morocco (A Typical Day In The Life)
Jasmine Okocha
  • September 11, 2023

UncategorizedLiving in Morocco (A Typical Day In The Life)

  • 9.6K views
  • 3 minute read
Hey there, fellow adventurers! I’m Jasmine, and I want to take you on a journey through my two…
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An Overwhelming Day In My Life As A New Mom Living In Ecuador
Jasmine Okocha
  • January 15, 2023

UncategorizedAn Overwhelming Day In My Life As A New Mom Living In Ecuador

  • 2.5K views
  • 1 minute read
Spend the day with me as I navigate life here in Ecuador with my baby! Let’s be honest,…
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BIRTH VLOG *Real & Raw* Labor & Delivery of Our First Baby
Jasmine Okocha
  • October 2, 2022

UncategorizedBIRTH VLOG *Real & Raw* Labor & Delivery of Our First Baby

  • 2.9K views
  • 1 minute read
Our baby boy Gideon has arrived, and I am beyond excited to share the process leading up to…
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Jasmine Okocha
  • May 19, 2022

UncategorizedWhat It’s Like Traveling Home to Prepare For The Birth Of My Baby?

  • 1.0K views
  • 1 minute read
It’s almost baby time! I am excited to share a few weeks in my life as I travel…
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Therapy For Expats Living Abroad
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Therapy For Expats Living Abroad

  • 4.0K views
  • 5 minute read
Although I love living abroad, being an expat has been challenging. I’ve now lived in India, Morocco, and…
Jasmine Okocha
  • April 14, 2022
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Jasmine Okocha
  • March 30, 2022

UncategorizedAmerican Foreigner Tries Snacks From Ecuador For The First Time

  • 1.3K views
  • 1 minute read
I try snacks that I picked up here in Ecuador in today’s video. Alternating between salty and sweet…
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Jasmine Okocha
  • March 23, 2022

UncategorizedReacting to Expat Life TikToks (Living Life Abroad)

  • 809 views
  • 1 minute read
In today’s video, I am reacting to expat life TikTok videos! I am always curious to see what…
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Jasmine Okocha
  • March 18, 2022

UncategorizedThings in My ECUADORIAN APARTMENT That Just Make Sense

  • 879 views
  • 1 minute read
I am excited to extend this series to my apartment here in Ecuador! I’ve been living in my…
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Jasmine Okocha
  • February 8, 2022

UncategorizedPregnant & Living in Ecuador: 20-Week Update

  • 987 views
  • 1 minute read
I am excited to share my 20-week pregnancy update with you! Today I discussed my latest appointment, which…
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How’s My Spanish? Spanish Language Update + Tips

  • 1.3K views
  • 3 minute read
Today, I am sharing an honest update about my Spanish progression and how I feel like I am…
Jasmine Okocha
  • February 1, 2022
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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.
Read my story
Featured Posts
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    RecipesLuscious Lemon Lime Coconut Bars – My Favorite Dessert
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    RecipesGerman-Inspired Käsespätzle 2 Ways: A Fun Taste Test
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    RecipesRote Grütze: The German Summer Dessert Compote Made with Red Fruits
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    RecipesThe Blueberry Muffins I Make on Repeat Living in Germany
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    RecipesThe Best Chocolate Cake
Recent Posts
  • Cheater’s Huevos Rancheros
    Cheater’s Huevos Rancheros
    • April 12, 2026
  • Thai-Inspired Coconut Ice Cream (Inspired by My Trip to Bangkok)
    • March 19, 2026
  • Easy Belgian Waffles Inspired by Our Trip to Brussels
    • March 5, 2026
The Best Currywurst At Home Two Ways 🇩🇪
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