It is no secret that St. Augustine offers a wide selection of culinary delights. From gourmet ice pops in downtown to specialty omelettes at backroad diners, there is a little something for everyone.
One St. Augustine resident, Jennifer W. Jordan, decided to compile some of her favorite nooks and crannies for vegetarian treats in a brand new cookbook titled ‘Veggin In St. Augustine.’
The cookbook features many recipes from St. Augustine favorites, such as Serenata Beach Club, while also providing recipes from local food trucks and bed and breakfasts.
Michael’s Steakhouse specifically created two vegan recipes for Jordan’s cookbook, and told her that the delicious food options are now available on their regular menu in the restaurant, as well.
Jordan is no stranger to being involved in the St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach communities, having worked at places like the Lightner Museum and the Cultural Center in previous years. When the pandemic struck last spring, it gave Jordan a moment to pause and reflect on her life/career. She decided she wanted to change what she was doing, but still find a way to benefit the community, and thus the idea of a local cookbook was born.
As a vegetarian, Jordan knew this would be a good opportunity to feature the many incredible places in St. Augustine that offer vegetarian/vegan food options.
“I have met so many people, and made so many new relationships in this process,” she said.
One of the recipes Jordan says she is most excited to try is the Paneer Cheese, an idea provided by Punita Patel, owner of popular food truck BackYard Buffalo.
“It was important for me to represent the broad culinary experiences that St. Augustine has to offer,” Jordan said in a press release. “This book appeals to both local food adventurers as well as people who love St. Augustine and would like to take a taste of it home with them.”
Although she was nervous to publish the cookbook, so far she has found that community reaction has been overwhelmingly good.
“The whole community has been so positive,” she said. “It is wonderful!”
Jordan plans to create a vegetarian cookbook every year, where she will feature a new set of recipes from new locations within St. John’s County. With so many well established locations to go through, and so many new locations continuously popping up in the area, Jordan will certainly have her hands full for the next edition.
You can now purchase the ‘Veggin In St. Augustine’ cookbook on Amazon.
