Actress Jennifer Garner has cultivated a dedicated following not just for her acting roles, but for her surprisingly relatable and delicious cooking videos. Garner’s “Pretend Cooking Show” has inspired fans to recreate her favorite recipes, and we’ve compiled 17 of the most popular dishes she’s shared.
From Comfort Food to Quick Bites
Garner’s recipes range from simple weeknight meals to indulgent desserts, often featuring family favorites or adapted classics. This isn’t a celebrity chef flaunting Michelin-star techniques; it’s a home cook sharing what actually works, and that’s why it resonates.
The Standout Dishes
Here are some of the recipes gaining the most traction:
- Chicken Enchiladas: Garner’s family recipe, though not strictly traditional, delivers a rich and comforting meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser for good reason.
- Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake: A Pioneer Woman staple that Garner loves, this cake is moist, fluffy, and easy to make.
- Fluffy Pancakes: Garner’s take on pancakes is buttery, fluffy, and ready in under 10 minutes. A perfect breakfast solution.
- Espresso Crumb Coffee Cake: The addition of espresso elevates this crumb cake to a new level of deliciousness.
- Scrambled Eggs: Simple yet perfect, Garner’s scrambled eggs use a generous amount of pepper and Pecorino cheese.
- Blueberry Mocktail: Garner’s go-to COVID-era treat remains a refreshing choice for any occasion.
- Morning Cookies: These breakfast cookies combine shredded wheat, lemon zest, and chocolate chips for a quick and satisfying snack.
- Chicken Tenders: Maple honey lemon chicken tenders come together in under an hour, making it an easy weeknight meal.
- Cinnamon Toast: Garner’s cinnamon toast is a grown-up version of a childhood classic, requiring only five ingredients.
- Big Salad: Garner’s daily lunch consists of a packed salad with green beans, broccoli, sweet potatoes, cheese, and nuts.
- Cloud Cookies: Made with superfine sugar, these cookies are light and airy, earning Garner’s approval.
- Blackberry Cobbler: A family favorite that Garner’s mom made repeatedly, this cobbler balances tangy blackberries with a buttery topping.
- Chocolate-Blueberry Smoothie: Garner’s signature smoothie combines chocolate protein powder, spinach, and blueberries for a healthy yet indulgent treat.
- Blueberry Buckle: Garner’s mom’s favorite recipe, this cake is light, airy, and perfect for sharing.
- Brown Butter and Sage Pasta: This 15-minute pasta dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Lemon Olive Oil Cake: Garner recommends splurging on high-quality olive oil for this lemony cake, which features a caramelized finish.
- Strawberry Chiffon Pie: This pie combines fresh strawberries, fluffy meringue, and a savory-sweet crust.
The Appeal of Authenticity
Garner’s cooking isn’t about perfection; it’s about practicality. She shares recipes she genuinely enjoys, making them accessible and relatable. This approach has turned her kitchen into a source of inspiration for home cooks everywhere.
Garner’s success proves that even simple, honest cooking can captivate an audience — especially when it comes from someone who doesn’t take herself too seriously. The recipes aren’t just delicious; they feel like something you could actually make, and that’s what makes them so appealing.
