The Shared Apron

Hi , I'm Julie Jansen

Home Economist • Recipe Writer • Food Stylist • Cookbook AuthorTogether with my teenage son, I created The Shared Apron Cookbook to inspire confidence in the kitchen and show that anyone can cook delicious, nourishing food from scratch.Filled with more than 65 easy, approachable recipes using everyday ingredients, this cookbook is designed to help teenagers, young adults and beginner cooks build lifelong kitchen skills while creating meaningful moments around food.From comforting one-pot meals and family favourites to creative desserts and simple baking, each recipe is designed to be achievable, delicious and enjoyed together.The Shared Apron Cookbook is more than just a recipe book — it’s an invitation to cook, share and create memories around the kitchen bench.

About the book

Inside the book, you’ll find over 65 foolproof, easy-to-follow recipes designed to build confidence in the kitchen. From breakfasts and snacks to wholesome meals and sweet treats, each recipe is supported by basic techniques and helpful tips to guide young cooks every step of the way.With a focus on fresh produce and plenty of vegetarian options, these recipes are created for teens but loved by parents and beginners alike — a trusted companion for anyone starting their cooking journey.

a peak at the recipes...

Breakfast smoothie bowls

A fresh and vibrant start to the day, smoothie bowls are as nourishing as they are beautiful. Blend your favourite fruits and finish with toppings for a wholesome bowl that looks as good as it tastes. You’ll find this recipe — and many more delicious breakfast and brunch ideas — inside The Shared Apron Cookbook.

Green pea & mint hummus

A fresh green spin on classic hummus, packed with protein-rich chickpeas and green peas, and brightened with mint, lemon, and garlic for a smooth dip bursting with flavour. Find this recipe on page 48 of The Shared Apron Cookbook, alongside many more vibrant snacks and starters made for sharing.

Mixed berry muffins

Quick and easy to make, these mixed berry muffins are a reliable base recipe that can be adapted with your favourite fruits. Simple and bursting with flavour, they’re a confidence-boosting bake that any child can master. Find this recipe in the book, alongside many more beautiful bakes, desserts, and sweet treats.

Fish tacos with slaw

Light, vibrant, and perfect for summer, these fish tacos are filled with fresh Mexican-inspired flavours. Spice-marinated fish pairs with crisp cabbage slaw for a bright, satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is refreshing. Turn to page 104 of The Shared Apron Cookbook for this recipe, along with many more flavourful main meals to build confidence in your kitchen and expand your family’s repertoire

Created by a home economist and her son

Super-tested Recipes

The recipes in this book show how easy it can be to cook good, simple food every day. To ensure your success every time, each recipe has been tested over and over. Creative recipes for everything from one-pot butter chicken to Mexican black bean burgers, rustic apple raspberry pie to passionfruit cheesecakes. This book is filled with techniques to teach the basics with lots of tips and Ethan's ratings along the way, to build your repertoire of recipes. It's sure to become your new kitchen go-to!

Teach them to cook

Teaching our kids to cook is one of the greatest life skills we can pass on. Beyond simply preparing meals, cooking nurtures confidence, independence, and a lifelong appreciation for nourishing food. When children learn their way around the kitchen, they gain the ability to care for themselves and others — a skill that supports both their health and overall wellbeing for years to come. The benefits of teaching our kids to cook include:

  • Builds confidence and independence — creating meals on their own fosters capability and self-belief.

  • Supports health and wellbeing — understanding how to prepare nourishing, home-cooked food encourages better lifelong choices.

  • Encourages generosity and care — cooking is a meaningful way to nurture others and bring people together.

  • Strengthens family connection — time spent cooking creates conversation, laughter, and lasting memories.

  • Expands food knowledge — kids learn about ingredients, nutrition, and the importance of balanced meals.

  • Develops real-world skills — from planning and organising to creativity in the kitchen.

  • By teaching our children to cook, we’re giving them far more than recipes — we’re equipping them with confidence, connection, and a skill they will carry with them for life.

About the authors

Julie Jansen

Julie Jansen is a Home Economist, caterer, recipe writer, food stylist, Thermomix consultant, and proud mum. Her recipes have graced the pages of numerous cookbooks, food magazines, and websites, earning her a reputation for creating food that is both nourishing and approachable.The Shared Apron is Julie’s second self-published cookbook, following the success of Apricots & Apron Strings. She believes one of the simplest ways to support the future nourishment and wellbeing of our children is to place an apron in their hands and encourage the life skill of cooking — building confidence, independence, and connection along the way.

Ethan Jansen

Ethan Jansen is a passionate young cook who feels completely at home in the kitchen. Confident with a chef’s knife and skilled at preparing family meals, whipping up snacks for friends, and creating his own inventive recipes, Ethan brings a fresh perspective that will resonate with teens. Through The Shared Apron, he hopes to inspire other young people to discover just how simple and enjoyable it can be to prepare delicious meals at home.Together, this mother and son duo share a belief that cooking is more than putting food on the table — it’s a life skill that fosters creativity, connection, and confidence that lasts a lifetime.

The Shared Apron Cookbook

$40

Created and co-tested by a mum-son duo, this cookbook features over 65 easy and nutritious recipes using everyday ingredients.
Filled with techniques to teach your teens the basics with lots of tips along the way, these foolproof recipes are tasty for teens, their family and friends.

100% Cotton Apron

$30

Look and feel your best in the kitchen with our signature Shared Apron. Made from 100% cotton, this adjustable chef-style apron (85cm x 65cm) features two handy front pockets for everyday ease. Available in mint green, grey, or navy — simply mention your colour choice at checkout, or let us surprise you!

"Reconnecting with our teens and teaching them the life skill of cooking"

The Shared Apron cookbook

Order your cookbook...

(or just say hello)

Your copy of The Shared Apron Cookbook is $40 + postage.Postage is charged at Australia Post standard rates and calculated based on your delivery address.To order, simply send me an email with:- the number of copies you’d like
- your delivery detailsI’ll reply with the postage cost and arrange payment via EFT or PayPal before carefully packaging your cookbook and sending it on its way.