Jen Datka

Jen Datka

Jen is Dialogue's on-staff professional chef who is also our Director of Research and Special Projects.

Posts by Jen Datka

A Dialogue Classic: Five Thanksgiving Dinners for A Most Unusual Year

Updated 11/3/22: Thanksgiving 2020 was a most unusual year that we hope never to repeat again. The recipes Jen Datka created for herself that year, and subsequently shared with our clients and friends, however, can most definitely be repeat …

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2 min read
Nov 22, 2020 7:31:16 PM

Celebrating the Great Outdoors During the Pandemic

When pandemic panic buying started back in March, it was toilet paper and hand sanitizer that flew off the shelves. Then it was flour, yeast, and other baking staples as we turned to homemade breads and cookies for comfort. As the days grew …

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3 min read
Aug 24, 2020 4:11:23 PM

A Vibrant Salad Recipe for a Socially Distanced Picnic

I always enjoy eating as many meals as possible in the great outdoors, but now that the socially distanced picnic appears to be one of the safest ways to gather with loved ones outside of our own households, al fresco dining is more meaning …

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2 min read
Jun 22, 2020 8:01:13 PM

A Salad Worthy of My Grown-Up Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's the only day of the year that all of us--regardless of our religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds--join family and friends at the dinner table to enjoy an elaborate homemade meal and express grat …

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2 min read
Nov 22, 2019 6:13:48 AM

Don’t Call It a Vacation: The Value of a Career Break Spent on the Trail

If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, you know that nothing beats the simple pleasures you can find in forests, deserts, and craggy mountain landscapes. Skipping through alpine meadows, watching shy spotted fawns scamper through …

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4 min read
Oct 6, 2019 5:17:48 PM

Unplug : Blackberry Chocolate Ice Cream

Nothing soothes a hot summer day quite like ice cream and we think you'll be screaming for our blackberry chocolate ice cream! The third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day and you can find lots of deals at your favorite ice cream shop …

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2 min read
Jul 21, 2019 11:03:26 AM

Unplug : Indian-Inspired Spinach Saute

June 17 is National Eat Your Vegetables Day, so to celebrate, here is a recipe for a spinach dish so luscious and flavorful, you'd never believe you were eating something that was actually good for you.

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1 min read
Jun 17, 2019 8:51:17 AM

Unplug : Lavender and Lemon Chicken Recipe for Mother's Day

Need something to cook for Mother's Day, but maybe you don't feel confident in the kitchen?

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1 min read
May 4, 2019 7:41:54 PM

Unplug : "Beet the System" Cocktail Recipe

On tax day you deserve a cocktail, and the cheery hue of the Dialogue Beet the System Cocktail will lift your spirits. OK, the gin probably helps with that too.

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1 min read
Apr 15, 2019 10:02:00 AM