Chef JD Stapleton learned how to prepare family breakfast before she learned how to ride a bike.  She spent many of years in the kitchen along side her aunt Dawn and great Grandmother Alice Walker.  It was then she fell in love with comfort food and knew the correlation  between family and food.  Food brought the family together.  It was great to see everyone sitting at the table eating smiling, talking and laughing.   

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She started cooking professionally 24 years ago and worked for various organizations as prep cook, sous chef, Kitchen Manager and Caterer.  As well as taught cooking classes at Union County Community College in Cranford, NJ. 

 Some of the Organizations and companies she has worked for are CNN Network, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, IFEL institute, Newark Public Library,  PHI Beta Sigma Fraternity and State Farm Insurance.

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In 2006 she Launched her first catering company with just herself and her husband and a few culinary arts students.  The company did well. 

 

However, the chef had a very risky pregnancy that left her bed ridden and a pre mature infant that had health issues. This led to the dismantling of the business. She and her aunt Dawn always planned on opening a restaurant together.  

" I pay homage to my the great women in my life that taught me how to cook with love and pride. My aunt Dawn taught me food is an expression of your love.   "Treat the people you cook for with respect by treating their food with love and respect.   

 

All of the  love of food and passion for family was born along with it.  Chef JD puts her heart in all that she does.  Dawn's Comfort Kitchen is here with love for people, family and good food.  

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