Danielle Kartes is the co-founder of Rustic Joyful Food, a boutique lifestyle, food, and photography company, and the co-founder of Florescence Grapefruit & Pomelo Vodka. Welcoming everyone into her life-loving, fuss-free, people-centered kitchen, Danielle’s passion is to help people connect through beautiful, nourishing food. She feels that “to feed someone is to love someone.” However, her culinary success began at a low point in 2012 when the restaurant she co-owned with her husband closed its doors. 

With a new baby and a lot of faith, Danielle immersed herself in cooking, finding healing and joy as she created new recipes and simple, wholesome foods for her family and friends. This led to the launch of Rustic Joyful Food, a company co-founded with her photographer husband Mike. Her career skyrocketed when a friend invited her to do a magazine cover shoot in 2013, launching her into spots on local TV shows as a culinary contributor. Since then, Danielle has shared her recipes and winsome cooking advice on the Rachael Ray Show, Hallmark Home & Family, and the Pickler and Ben Show. She is a regular culinary contributor on the Kelly Clarkson Show, a popular speaker, workshop presenter, and the author of thirteen books plus a memoir coming out next year. 

Danielle also enjoys sharing what she’s learned with other cooks and entrepreneurs, and part of that is to enjoy the moment, right where you are with what you have. Passionate about her faith, family, and food, Danielle spends her free time gardening, birdwatching, thrift shopping, and hanging out at the beach with her husband and two sons. 

Chef

class

The Le Creuset enameled cast iron Braiser is uniquely designed to provide steady, even heat to transform tough cuts of meat and hearty vegetables into tender, flavorful dishes. The wide base allows ingredients to be placed in a single layer for searing without crowding; once liquid is added, the domed lid circulates steam to lock in moisture and flavor. The versatile shape of the braiser also makes it perfect for shallow frying, steaming, stews, casseroles and serving at the table.Individually crafted by French artisans from the finest quality materials since 1925, Le Creuset enameled cast iron cookware is beloved for its perfected design and exceptional heat retention that produces superior results from stove to oven to table. Designed for generations of durability, the easy-to-clean porcelain enamel requires no seasoning, minimizes sticking and is dishwasher-safe. Features <ul><li>Enameled cast iron delivers superior heat distribution and retention</li><li>Ready to use, requires no seasoning</li><li>Easy-to-clean and durable enamel resists dulling, staining, chipping and cracking</li><li>Light colored smooth interior enamel allows easy monitoring of cooking progress</li><li>Tight-fitting lids are specially designed to circulate steam and return moisture back to the food</li><li>Ergonomic knobs and handles are designed for easy lifting</li><li>Stainless steel knob is safe at any oven temperature</li><li>Lightest weight cast iron by quart on the market</li><li>Compatible with all cooktops and oven-safe up to 500°F</li><li>Safe for dishwasher and metal utensils</li></ul>

The Le Creuset enameled cast iron Braiser is uniquely designed to provide steady, even heat to transform tough cuts of meat and hearty vegetables into tender, flavorful dishes. 

Le Creuset Signature 3.5 qt. Braiser 

Experiment with and discover new flavors and techniques when cooking with the KitchenAid 3-Ply Base Stainless Steel Nonstick Frying Pan, designed with an extra thick layer of heat-conducting aluminum to eliminate hot spots by distributing heat evenly from edge to edge. Heavy-gauge stainless steel pan features a heavy bottom base for lasting durability and features a dual-riveted handle for strength and comfort when moving around the kitchen. Fry pan is finished with premium triple-layer, PFOA-free nonstick that is strong enough to stand up to daily wear and tear. Curious cooks can investigate a wider range of recipes in the oven, where cookware is safe to 500°F.

KitchenAid Stainless Steel Nonstick Frying Pan

Your time is precious, so make it count. Ooni Koda 12 fires out jaw-dropping pizzas in 60 seconds flat. No assembly, no mess, no fuss. Cooking outdoors with gas has never been so simple (or so beautiful). Ready right out of the box, the super compact Ooni Koda 12 is good to go in seconds. Simply flip open the foldable legs, insert the stone baking board, and connect to a gas tank. Featuring instant gas ignition, Ooni Koda 12 is ready to cook in 15 minutes and can reach temperatures up to 950°F (500°C). Use the heat control dial to cook pizza in just 60 seconds, right through to roasted fish, vegetables and steaks. What's in the Box <ol><li>Ooni Koda 12 pizza oven body with folding legs</li><li>Cordierite stone baking board</li><li>Gas regulator and hose to connect to your propane tank</li></ol>

No assembly, no mess, no fuss. The gas-powered Ooni Koda 12 pizza oven bakes fresh, authentic, and awesome pizzas in just 60 seconds.

Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven 

World-class performance meets minimalist chic in the GreenPan Padova collection. These eye-catching blush pans are designed to stay beautiful— the collection’s duoforged hard anodized aluminum construction makes each of the pots and pans extra tough and scratch-resistant while also promoting even heat distribution for consistent cooking. Each pan features our Thermolon healthy ceramic nonstick coating, reinforced with diamonds to make it ultra-durable and heat responsive. Our ceramic nonstick coating helps you make any meal healthier because it’s free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium and will never release toxic fumes, even when overheated. Durable glass lids give you an easy view of your meals and the matte stainless steel handles make each pan easy to take from the stovetop to the oven. Dishwasher safe. Oven safe up to 600°F. This cookware set includes 8” and 11” frypans, 2QT saucepan with lid, 3QT casserole with lid, 2.5QT skillet with lid, and 5QT stockpot with lid. Limited lifetime warranty.

GreenPan 10-Piece Reserve Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set

Staub rectangular stoneware bakers gently retain heat and won't absorb moisture, producing a delicious result for all of your favorite dishes. The stackable 2-pack rectangular dishes measure 7.5" x 6" and 10.5" x 7.5" and are perfect for lasagna, casseroles, desserts, as well as roasted meats and vegetables, and transition beautifully from oven to table.

Staub 2-Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set

If you're looking to upgrade your cooking essentials, this curation by Chef and Author Danielle Kartes is for you. 

Chef and Author Danielle Kartes' Cookware Curation 

Whether you need 9 dozen of your signature chocolate chip cookies or shredded chicken for Taco Tuesday with friends and family, the KitchenAid® Artisan® Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with premium touchpoints has the capacity for every occasion. This durable tilt-head stand mixer was built to last, and features 10 speeds to gently knead, thoroughly mix and whip ingredients for a wide variety of recipes and comes in a variety of colors to perfectly match your kitchen design or personality. Get creative and make more with your mixer with over 10 optional hub-powered attachments, from food grinders to pasta makers and more. Key Features<ul><li>The Power and Durability to Take It All On</li><li>5 Quart Capacity for Small or Large Batches</li><li>Easily add Ingredients with the Tilt-Head Design</li><li>10 Speeds for Nearly any Task or Recipe</li><li>10+ Attachments Available to Make More with your Mixer</li></ul> What's in the box<ul><li>(1) 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl with Comfortable Handle</li><li>(1) Coated Flat Beater</li><li>(1) Coated Dough Hook</li><li>(1) 6 Wire Whip</li></ul>

KitchenAid Artisan® Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

All the Power You Expect, without the Cord. Go where ambition takes you with the Cordless Hand Blender from KitchenAid. Designed with a powerful rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery, the new cordless hand blender delivers optimal run time and performance, so you can cook wherever*, whatever, and however you choose. Blends 25 bowls of soup on a full charge.** *Indoor use only. **Based on 12-ounce bowls (354 ml), 7 batches, Tomato Basil Soup. All the power you expect, without the cord. Key Features <ul><li>Blends 25 bowls of soup on a full charge</li><li>Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery</li><li>Easy to Charge</li><li>Removable 8" Blending Arm</li><li>Variable Speed Trigger Switch</li></ul> What's in the box<ul><li>(1) Blender Arm (dishwasher-safe)</li><li>(1) Blending Jar with Lid (dishwasher-safe)</li><li>(1) Pan Guard (dishwasher-safe)</li><li>(1) Charger.</li></ul>

KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender

Cuisinart® makes cooking for crowds easy and fast with the Custom 14™ 14 Cup Food Processor. Made from brushed stainless steel, this sleek kitchen workhorse is a breeze to use and will whip through prep and cooking with ease. Whether you are making a weeknight meal or a weekend celebration, the large capacity work bowl will hold everything as the 720 watt motor makes quick work chopping fruits and vegetables, shredding cheese, or kneading dough.&nbsp;The large food tube precisely slices and shreds whole fruits and vegetables. Features <ul><li>﻿14 Cup Work Bowl with Handle</li><li>720 watt motor</li><li>Work Bowl Cover with Extra Large Feed Tube</li><li>Large Pusher and Sleeve Assembly</li><li>Small Feed Tube and Pusher</li><li>Stainless Steel Standard Slicing Disc (4mm) and Medium Shredding Disc</li><li>Stainless Steel Chopping/Mixing Blade</li><li>Detachable Disc Stem</li><li>Spatula</li><li>Instruction/Recipe Book</li><li>Full 5-year Motor Warranty</li><li>Limited 3-year Warranty on Entire Unit</li><li>BPA Free</li></ul>

A Cuisinart® specialty, the Custom 14™ 14 Cup Food Processor does it all with ease and speed. Learn more about the ideal prep tool for any task.

Cuisinart Custom 14-Cup Food Processor

<ul><li>Dishwasher Safe | Material: Glass</li><li>Suitable for contact with food. Suitable for storage in the refrigerator and freezer (-20 ° C -4 ° F). Suitable for use in the microwave oven (+ 70 ° C + 158 ° F). Suitable for washing in the dishwasher.</li><li>1 Rectangular container cm 7 x 10 x 5. 0 h - Capacity 15 cl / 5 oz.</li><li>1 Rectangular container cm 10 x 13 x 6. 6 h - Capacity 40 cl / 13 1/2 oz.</li><li>1 Rectangular container cm 13 x 21 x 9. 4 h - Capacity 300 cl / 101 1/2 oz.</li></ul>

Bormioli 5-Piece Frigoverre Classic Compact Set

The Pro collection by Zwilling J.A. Henckels combines their 280 years of knife-forging experience with the simplistic, yet innovative, design of renowned Italian architect Matteo Thun. An angled bolster helps you cut with enhanced precision, safety and comfort, and encourages a professional pinch grip. The optimized blade shape reduces hand and wrist stress to prevent fatigue with prolonged use. Using Zwilling’s exclusive Sigmaforge process, knives are precision-forged from a single piece of Friodur ice-hardened high-carbon German stainless steel, laser-cut for optimal blade angles and finally polished by hand. This results in a sharper blade with a 57 Rockwell hardness for excellent edge retention and superior resilience. Beautiful, all-new design features an angled bolster that allows the entire length of the blade to be used for chopping, slicing, dicing and more. This unique feature also permits the entire length of the blade to be sharpened from bolster to tip. Dynamic handles feature rounded edges and ultra-ergonomic design to reduce fatigue with extended use. The classic triple-rivet handle has a full tang for impeccable geometry and perfect balance. Exclusive special-formula steel and sturdy polymer handles ensure a lifetime of use. This authentic German chef’s knife is the ultimate, all-purpose knife you’ll use every day. Use it for chopping, slicing, dicing and mincing just about any ingredient. Lifetime warranty. Made in Germany.

Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro Chef's Knife

This curation features Cookbook Author and Recipe Developer Danielle Kartes' list of kitchen tools that every great cook must have.

Chef and Author Danielle Kartes' Must-Have Kitchen Essentials 

Learn more about Chef, Author, and Founder of Rustic Joyful Foods Danielle Kartes. 

Meet the Pro: Chef, Author, and Founder of Rustic Joyful Foods Danielle Kartes

Classes

How-Tos

Staub 2-Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set Review with Chef and Author Danielle Kartes

GreenPan 10-Piece Reserve Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set Review with Chef and Author Danielle Kartes

Ooni Koda 12 Gas Powered Pizza Oven Review with Chef and Author Danielle Kartes

KitchenAid Stainless Steel Nonstick Frying Pan Review with Chef and Author Danielle Kartes

Coravin Timeless Six+ Wine Preservation System Recommended by Sommelier Matthew Kaner

Product Reviews

Articles

Ivorie Jenkins is a seasoned wellness expert and yoga instructor who transitioned from a 15-year career as a professional dancer, including five years with Cirque du Soleil, into the world of yoga and meditation. During her time as a dancer, Ivorie discovered yoga as a powerful healing practice, which eventually led her to teaching full-time. She has since deepened her expertise through travels to India and the completion of a yoga therapy program at Loyola Marymount University.

Today, Ivorie runs her own business, Ivory Jenkins Yoga, and teaches classes both in studios and privately. Her areas of expertise encompass wellness, meditation, yoga therapy, and motherhood, and she is a senior teacher leading retreats and teacher training programs. Ivorie is also a contributor to digital wellness platforms, helping to make yoga accessible to a broader audience.

With a personal philosophy that links yoga practice to overall wellness, Ivorie emphasizes meeting her students’ individual needs, seeing yoga as a personal prescription for health. Looking forward, she aims to expand her impact by leading more international retreats, developing teacher training programs, and creating wellness initiatives for schools and companies. In her personal life, Ivorie enjoys spending time with her family and balancing her wellness practice with the joys of motherhood.


Dancer

Fitness Expert

Fitness Expert - Yoga/Yogi

Ivorie Jenkins is a Yoga therapist and E-RYT 500 who has dedicated herself to the practice, study, and teaching of Yoga since…

Chef Halee Raff graduated from Johnson and Wales in 2014 with a Bachelor of Business in Food Service Management. After receiving her degree, Halee returned home to Chicago in high demand; lending her talents to well-known Chicago hot spots like Tru, Sixteen, and Naha/Brindille (all Michelin stars). She soon worked her way up to Chef de Partie and thereafter won the coveted position of Sous Chef at Band of Bohemia and then Momotaro (Boka Group). Her last position was as an Executive in the 4c Group before starting her own company amid the pandemic, Hardbittenn. At Hardbittenn, Halee offers customizable in-home dining experiences, cooking & baking classes, and offerings such as custom cakes and full lines of baked goods and pop tarts!

Chef - Pastry

"David Odom, DPT, CSCS spent his whole life being active and playing sports. Inspired by this passion for health and wellness, he went to Georgia Southern University to earn a B.S. in Kinesiology, Major in Exercise Science. In 2010, he acquired his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Georgia State University. Upon graduation, he worked in an outpatient orthopedic PT clinic. His work at the clinic transformed into a traveling endeavor when he was hired as an onsite therapist to a professional men’s soccer team. From here, his reputation for getting his patients healthy and performing to their maximum potential, landed him residencies with various Broadway Shows, Touring Musical Productions, and High Profile Concert Tours.
This work has taken him all over the world and exposed him to a vast array of healing techniques. In turn, he integrates both eastern philosophy and western medicine to create a more balanced healing experience. Whether the client is in need of pain relief or high-level performance training, David is committed to making everyone feel happy and healthy. David is the founder of Flux, touring physical therapy services. "

Physical Therapist

David Odom, DPT, CSCS spent his whole life being active and playing sports.

"Michael Chaturantabut or Mike Chat is a Thai/Thai Chinese-American actor and stuntman, best known for his role as Chad Lee, the Blue Ranger in Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue. He was born in Rayong Province, Thailand, and is the owner of XMA (Extreme Martial Arts). Chat represents a new wave of Kung Fu, with over 14 years of experience, combining Okinawan Shorei-Ryu as a 4th degree black belt, Tae Kwon Do, Chinese Wushu, Kickboxing, yoga, ballet, dance, and acrobatics. Mike was inducted in the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1992 and has captured over 50 National and International Forms and Weapons Championships. Chat has trained many celebrities for their roles in major box office films including Jaden Smith for Karate Kid, Taylor Lautner for the Twilight Saga, Willow Smith and Boo Boo Stewart for X-men, and many more award-winning professionals around the world. He’s been an actor and stunt double in numerous movies and television shows including Fight Zone, Mortal Kombat: Conquest, Little Manhattan, The Rookie, and many more. Mike was inducted in the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1992 and has captured over 50 National and International Forms and Weapons Championships. His popularity really exploded after winning gold at the 1995 ISKA World Championships. He won more gold medals that year in Germany and in 1996. These skills spawned his television career and he also appeared in a video clip from Cirrus; ""Back on a Mission.""

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Actor/TV Personality

Athlete

Athlete - Martial Arts

Michael Chaturantabut or Mike Chat is a Thai/Thai Chinese-American actor and stuntman, best known for his role as Chad Lee, t…

Danielle Kartes

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Chef and Author Danielle Kartes' Cookware Curation

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