WELCOME TO JAYA’S CRAVINGS

I am Dera, the girl behind all the delicious recipes. Jaya’s Cravings is my creative outlet, where I get to share recipes from my kitchen to your dinner table. I am Nigerian, a country filled with so many diverse cultures, food, and language. A Nigerian party is never complete without delicious food. My fondest memories are centered around food, family gatherings, weddings, parties, the list is endless. Personally, food is a language, a way to communicate, love, kindness, care, and peace.

My enthusiasm for cooking started at a tender age of 8, emerging from watching a BBC UK show “Ready Steady Cook” early on Saturday mornings. The show was so exciting and mind captivating. I watched as people being timed to create dishes that differ, paced back and forth in the kitchen, tensions rising as the clock ran out and yet, ending up with delicious-looking dishes. Everything about that experience I loved and cherished.

 Currently, I live in Lagos, Nigeria. Though I have lived in three 3 countries Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States and have visited over ten (10) countries, I would describe my food style as “world fusion” influenced by various styles and flavors of cooking from around the world. From the rich, flavorful spices of Nigeria, to the cooking technics of the International Culinary Center (Yes! I did go to Culinary school) and the comfort foods in America and the UK, that we know and love, I am sharing my experiences through food.

“Exploring Life through FOOD”, on this blog, I will be sharing flavorful, rich recipes that I eat in my everyday life, that my family loves to eat and from countries, I have visited or curious to visit.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire to cook, bake, try something new and share with friends and family. Become a chef in your own home with the delicious recipes I will be sharing with you.

It would be delightful to see my recipes coming alive in your kitchen and your own styles and twist.

Please tag @jayascravings on Instagram photos and stories.

LET’S JOURNEY TOGETHER…