Hope Cooke

Hope Cooke is a Certified Master Herbalist from the Trinity School of Natural Health and has 33 years’ experience in education as a teacher and librarian. She combined her passion for teaching, natural healing and enthusiasm for gardening into a desired goal of inspiring others to love herbs. In hopes, that they would start their own journey of herbal knowledge. She teaches herbal classes at the  Blackacre Nature Preserve. Hope has spent many years gardening and growing plants/herbs. She enjoys cooking, gardening, teaching yoga, hiking, biking, and anything outdoors. She believes that learning and researching is the best offensive tool for self-care & wellness.

Blackacre upcoming schedule, which includes two classes by Hope on April 23th and April 25th.

Janine Washle

NOTE: Janine Washle, former owner of CloverFields Farm & Kitchen in Big Clifty, Kentucky (Hardin County), is busy preparing to open her newest venture: 109 N. Mulberry in Elizabethtown — a German-American café coming soon. It’s never boring and always full of flavor when the Flavor Queen’s in town! See more here.

The beginning of the “The Flavor Queen” … Moving to Virginia from southern Germany when she was almost 6 and gaining her U.S. citizenship by 16, she embraced her new southern roots by creating menus with her sister and helping her mother cook the weeknight meals. Her love of food began at an early age when her mom would let her plant her own garden with whatever she liked if she learned how to cook and eat what she planted. Okra was one of her first choices. Neither she nor her mother had ever heard of it much less knew what to do with it. It was one of her first culinary adventures and a subsequent disaster after letting the pods grow to nearly 12” in length! This fueled her desire to learn about ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditions, especially those of the south. In fact, she will be the first to tell you that there are quite a few similarities between the cuisine of southern Germany and the southern United States – whether it is jowl meat, or dumplings! 

In 2020, Janine Washle purchased K’s Café & Catering in Clarkson, KY. She rebranded it as Flavor Queen’s Kitchen, and after a successful run serving up bold flavors and comfort classics, she felt it was time for a new challenge in a bigger city.

Known for her creative spin on Southern comfort food with a touch of German flair, bold ingredients, fresh herbs, and a heartfelt sense of community, Janine is ready to serve up something truly special to a whole new crowd.

“The Flavor Queen” Loves to Compete…Washles’ competitive side is reflected in her very notable awards in national recipe competitions. She has taken grand prizes in Hidden Valley, and Lawry’s Seasoned Salt competitions, along with several other recipe awards. Was coined “the flavor queen” by a judge on “Bakers vs Fakers” where she won! But she still gets the most satisfaction from showing people how to cook and entertain with creativity!

Visit The Flavor Queen Facebook page for recipes and more.

Interesting facts about Janine – “The Flavor Queen”:

• A self-taught chef, Janine’s passion for cooking was inspired by her mother and her German roots. Her love for bold flavors and comforting, soulful dishes started in the family kitchen and never stopped growing.

• In 2019, she competed on Food Network’s “Bakers vs Fakers”—and WON $10,000!

On the episode “Cream Puff Tuff”, she wowed judges with a Pineapple Ginger Cream Puff.

Judge Sherri Yard said, “I would sell this cream puff in my bakery,” while Zac Young crowned her the “Flavor Queen.”

• She’s a contributing food writer for Kentucky Monthly, where she shares stories, flavors, and food wisdom.

• Catch her on WAVE Country with Dawne Gee every Friday for “Fridays with The Flavor Queen”—a regular dose of delicious!

• As a regular cooking instructor at Cooking at the Cottage, Janine’s classes are always educational, engaging, and full of flavor.

Jason Walker Woodlief

Jason and I were residing in South Carolina when our curiosity about pursuing a farming venture reached its peak, especially since both of us had diverse career backgrounds. Growing up with farming roots through my grandparents instilled in me a deep appreciation for the achievements and pride that come from nurturing something to life. Together, we made the decision to embark on this journey.

Little Mount Lavender, Kentucky’s largest lavender farm! This locally owned lavender store in Simpsonville, KY, offers organically grown and locally sourced products, from lavender flowers and buds to jewelry and gardening items. Stop by the Little Mount Bakery for delicious lavender baked goods, coffee beverages, teas, and more. The bakery also features a full bar where you can enjoy refreshing lavender cocktails and a savory charcuterie board. Check out their boutique for unique gifts from local artisans, including pottery, artwork, and housewares. They have every lavender product you could dream of, from soaps and bath bombs to candles and oils. Right along the bourbon trail and all things to do in Shelby County!