About Joanie
Cook With What You Have. Waste Nothing.
Joanie in her element — cooking with the seasons
Joanie grew up in upstate New York, where she helped her dad run his children's clothing store — an early lesson in creativity, community, and persistence. After studying at Brandeis and the London School of Economics, she launched a fast-paced career as a bond trader in London and New York. But Joanie's path has always been full of twists, each one adding another layer of texture to her story.
She's raised two wonderful sons, run a carpet wholesale business, worked as an energy auditor, and now serves as a volunteer firefighter in Hastings-on-Hudson — where she lives with her partner, Masa, in a home nestled in the hills overlooking the Hudson River. When she's not cooking or tending her garden, you'll find her paddleboarding on the river or sharing glimpses of her life at @terracesonward.
Cooking has been her lifelong rhythm. Joanie began experimenting in her London kitchen, later trained in culinary school, and spent time as a professional chef. Her food is deeply personal — inspired by what's growing, what's on hand, and who's at the table.
Her love of growing things runs deep, too. When she lived in Dobbs Ferry, her small farm, Langdon Farms, was beloved by local restaurants for its famous tomatoes and vibrant produce. Today in Hastings, she and Masa cultivate an eclectic mix of tomatoes, ground cherries, eggplant, peppers, watermelon, squash, kale, collards, figs, cucumbers, and shiso — always enough to share.
Joanie is known for her "nothing in the fridge" challenge — the art of transforming a handful of odds and ends into an extraordinary meal. Her cooking is jazz-like: instinctive, improvisational, and full of heart. Whether it's her fiery tom yum soup, ground lamb in delicata squash, or silky mapo tofu, Joanie's food celebrates what's real, seasonal, and joyful — from garden to table.
"Cooking is like jazz — you just start with what you have, listen, and let it flow."
What You'll Find Here
This site helps you cook resourcefully with what you have. Browse 3,200+ flexible recipes where substitutions are encouraged, not exceptions. You'll find Joanie's personal favorites in Joanie's Collection — seasonal, adaptable recipes tested in her own "nothing in the fridge" challenges.
Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast, we hope these recipes inspire you to slow down, cook with care, and enjoy the ritual of making a meal from scratch. And if you try something, we'd love to hear about it.
Welcome to Joanie's Kitchen.
— Joanie
Moments from the Kitchen
Explore photos from Joanie's kitchen, garden, and table — where fresh ingredients become unforgettable meals.