Chef Jennifer Cruz

Personal Chef In New Paltz

I was that kid who came home from school and watched cooking shows on PBS. Julia Child, Marcel Desaulniers, Pierre Franey, Jacques Pepin, and so many more. I watched The Galloping Gourmet (Graham Kerr) - I wanted to be the one he brought down from the audience to enjoy the meal!

So I learned and practiced. Eventually I went to the Culinary Institute for formal education.

The kitchen is home.

For me, cooking is...

A family tradition. I cooked with my grandparents, mother, and daughter. My favorite smell remains the sauteed garlic and onions that start a meal.

I learned to cook at...

Home and later at the CIA. I have practiced all my life and then formalized it.

A cooking secret...

Butter/oil, garlic, and onion to start a dish. It reminds me of my grandfather's cooking, and also provides a strong base for a terrific item.

My menus

Mediterranean

STARTER

All inclusive

Burrata Bruschetta with Roasted Pumpkin

Seasonal Vegetable Tart with Goat Cheese, Carmelized Onions (can be GF)

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Fennel and Goat Cheese

Mediterannean Salad with Feta, Grape Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Airline Chicken Breast with Tomato and Black Olives, Lemon Sauce and Quinoa salad

Roasted Salmon with Artichokes and Fennel

DESSERT

All inclusive

Mhansha with Sliced Orange

Puff Pastry cup with Pastry Cream and Fruit

Brunch

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Assorted Muffins, Scones and Pastries

Charcuterie and Local Cheese Board with Hand Made Accompaniments including pickled vegetables, Mostarda, candied nuts

Cucumber Dill Soup (cold)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Mediterannean Salad with Feta, Grape Tomatoes, Cucumber

Heirloom Tomatoes with Burrata and Basil

Greek Yogurt with Handmade Granola, Honey and Fresh Fruit

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Classic Quiche Lorraine with Bacon Lardons

Quiche with Fresh Tomatoes and Spinach

Eggs Benedict served on Jumbo Potato Pancake

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Fresh Fruit with Whipped Cream

Apple and Pear Galette, Caramel, Oat Crumble

Seasonal Fruit Tart with Frangipane, Apricot Glaze

Italian Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Antipasti with burrata, marinated olives, tomatoes, mostarda, Crackers

Burrata Bruschetta with Roasted Pumpkin

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Crisp Salad, Pepperoncini, Shaved Parmesan

Classic Caesar Salad

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Chicken Francese with Capellini and Roasted Asparagus

Jumbo Meatballs with Papardelle and Vodka Sauce

DESSERT

All inclusive

Chocolate, Caramel, and Hazelnut Tart, Whipped Cream

Tiramisu

Intimate Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Chilled Seasonal Vegetables with Lentils, Vinaigrette

Individual Seasonal Vegetable Tart with Goat Cheese, Carmelized Onions and Creme Fraiche (can be GF)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Fennel and Goat Cheese

Heirloom Tomatoes with Burrata and Basil Puree, Crostini

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Deviled Cornish Hens with Seared Leeks and Wild Rice

Roasted Duck Breast with Three Red Fruit Wine Sauce and Rosemary Roasted New Potatoes

Pork Loin with Red Wine Carmelized Onions with Cannelini and Roasted Fennel

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Seasonal Fruit Tart with Frangipane, Apricot Glaze

Chocolate, Caramel, and Hazelnut Tart, Whipped Cream

Outdoor Grill Party

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Charcuterie and Local Cheese Board with Hand Made Accompaniments

Cucumber Soup (cold)

Mango Salsa, Guacamole & Chips

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Crisp Salad, Pepperoncini, Shaved Parmesan

Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Fennel and Goat Cheese

Salad tower with Seasonal Vegetables, Lentil, Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Lamb Kebab with Quinoa

Grilled Marinated Chicken and Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Bar B Que Pork Ribs with Grilled Corn

DESSERT

Choose 2 dishes

Seasonal Fruit Tart with Frangipane

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Amarene Cherries

Chocolate, Caramel, and Hazelnut Tart, Whipped Cream

Apple and Pear Galette, Vanilla Sauce, Oat Crumble

Mediterranean Blend

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Seasonal Vegetable Tart with Goat Cheese, Carmelized Onions and Creme Fraiche (can be GF)

Charcuterie and Local Cheese Board with Hand Made Accompaniments including pickled vegetables, Mostarda, candied nuts

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Mediteranean Salad with Goat Cheese, Grape Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion

Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Fennel and Goat Cheese

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Stuffed Airline Chicken Breast with Tomato and Black Olives, Lemon Sauce

Roasted Salmon with Artichokes and Fennel

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mhansha with Sliced Orange

Seasonal Fruit Tart with Frangipane, Apricot Glaze

Light Dinner

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Chilled Seasonal Vegetables with Lentils, Vinaigrette

Local Charcuterie and Local Cheese Board with Hand Made Accompaniments including pickled vegetables, Mostarda, candied nuts

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Roasted Golden Beet Salad with Fennel and Goat Cheese

Tri-Color Cauliflower Fennel Salad with Burrata

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Roasted Salmon with Seared Leeks and Roasted Fingerlings

Chicken Breast Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Herbs with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Seasonal Fruit Tart with Frangipane, Apricot Glaze

Puff Pastry with Pastry Cream, Seasonal Fruit and Apricot Glaze

Show me more

Chef Jennifer's reviews

4.28

•

22 services

Chef Jennifer provided delish breakfasts and lunch for our executive retreat. She accommodated the dietary needs effortlessly and was attentive to our group. She adjusted to some last-minute time shifts in our scheduling without hesitation and was a joy to talk with. Would work with her again in a heartbeat!

Jen was amazing! She made the dinner so fun and the food was AMAZING!! Highly recommend her and the take a chef experience!

Jennifer was great . Food and especially cake was amazing . Presentation was good as well as serving and cleaning. Would definitely hire her again.