Yani Recipes

Maria Jones, Chef & Founder, Yani Recipes.

Hello, I’m Chef Maria Jones. I’m excited to welcome you to Yani Recipes. It’s your go-to kitchen companion, where passion meets 15 years of culinary expertise. We create diverse, delicious meals for all, from meat lovers to plant-based eaters.

My Culinary Journey

My love for cooking started at 12 in my Lebanese grandmother’s kitchen. The smell of spiced lamb, herbs, and fresh bread filled our home every night. Helping with meals turned into a lifelong passion that shaped my career.
After the Culinary Institute of America in 2009, I worked in kitchens in New York and California for 8 years. I learned about flavor, technique, and feeding people well in different settings.
In 2015, I opened my catering business. Serving over 500 events taught me that great food crosses dietary lines. Whether it was a Mediterranean feast or a plant-based celebration, the key was understanding what makes food satisfying.
That’s when Yani Recipes was born. Our simple philosophy is that cooking should be an adventure that brings joy, not stress.

Our Mission

At Yani Recipes, we want every home cook to feel confident in their kitchen. That’s why we test every recipe through a three-stage testing process:
  1. Professional Kitchen Development – Each recipe is created and refined using professional techniques
  2. Home Kitchen Reality Check – We test everything using standard home equipment and ingredients
  3. Community Feedback – Our network of over 200 dedicated home cooks provides real-world testing
We aim to turn everyday ingredients into memorable meals that bring families together, no matter their dietary preferences.

Why Trust Yani Recipes?

Experience You Can Count On

  • 15 years of hands-on culinary experience
  • Graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (2009)
  • Former Head Chef at Marina Bay Restaurant (2012-2015)
  • Successful catering business serving 500+ events and counting
  • Over 1,200 recipes personally developed, tested, and perfected

Real Expertise, Proven Results

I specialize in cross-cultural fusion cooking and dietary adaptation. I know the science and soul of great food. Whether it’s a classic beef wellington or a vegan lasagna, I’ve got you covered.

Recognized Authority​

Complete Transparency

Every recipe comes with detailed nutritional info, tips, and honest difficulty ratings. If something doesn’t work, I explain why and offer solutions. No surprises—just reliable, tested guidance you can trust.

What Makes Our Recipes Extraordinary

Meat Recipes That Impress

Our meat recipes use a 48-hour dry-aged ribeye technique and Middle Eastern-spiced lamb shoulder that’s incredibly tender. Each dish comes with precise timing, temperature tips, and wine pairing suggestions.

Seafood Mastery

Growing up near the Mediterranean coast taught me to respect the ocean’s bounty. Our seafood recipes focus on sustainable sourcing and freshness indicators. They use authentic techniques from Sicily and coastal Maine.
From pan-seared salmon to French bouillabaisse, every dish celebrates the ingredient’s natural beauty.

Plant-Based Innovation

Our vegan and vegetarian recipes celebrate plant-based ingredients. Think cashew cream risotto with wild mushrooms and beetroot wellington with herb crust. Even meat lovers ask for seconds of our aromatic chickpea curry.

The Story That Changed Everything

Three years ago, my daughter Maya went vegan and my husband stayed a meat lover. Instead of cooking two meals, I saw it as a challenge.
One evening, I made Mediterranean stuffed portobello mushrooms and herb-crusted lamb chops. They were both a hit, thanks to the same aromatic blend and roasted vegetables.
This moment taught me that the secret is in the technique, seasoning, and care in preparation. It’s not about choosing sides.
This changed how I develop recipes. Now, most meat recipes have plant-based variations, and our vegan dishes suggest adding proteins for mixed households.

Our Promise to You

Cooking is more than following instructions. It’s about building confidence, creating memories, and nourishing loved ones. Whether you’re grilling on weekends or cooking for a family, I’m here to help.
Every recipe comes with a personal guarantee. If it doesn’t work, just let me know. I respond to cooking questions within 24 hours.

Join Our Thriving Kitchen Community

Over 50,000 passionate home cooks trust Yani Recipes for meal inspiration. We offer weekly meal planning guides and seasonal ingredient spotlights.
Our community is about sharing cooking joy, solving problems together, and celebrating kitchen wins.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Explore our collection of meat recipes, seafood dishes, vegan creations, and vegetarian favorites. Each recipe includes prep tips, storage advice, and creative variations.
Whether it’s a dinner for two or a party for twenty, you’ll find recipes that impress and satisfy.
Thank you for trusting Yani Recipes. Let’s create something amazing together.
Have questions? I’m always here to help