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January 29, 2025

Meet Your Local Chef: Sarah Jolin!

From a young age, Sarah Jolin was captivated by the art of food and its ability to bring people together. Growing up, she fondly remembers her mom pouring hot water from the kettle and stepping into the garden to pick fresh herbs for tea. Her childhood was filled with root cellars stocked with last season’s harvest and freezers full of the results of hunts and foraging trips. These ingredients were transformed into meals that nourished, comforted, and celebrated the family, sparking Sarah’s lifelong fascination with food.

A Journey to the Co-op Kitchen

Sarah’s passion for food led her to study holistic nutrition, but her heart was drawn closer to the cooktop. After gaining experience in commercial kitchens, she pursued formal training and enrolled in the culinary program at Gallatin College on the MSU campus. It was there that Sarah discovered her true calling, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Her culinary career has taken her through restaurants, catering, and even behind-the-scenes work in television. But Sarah longed for a kitchen home where local ingredients and community were at the forefront. That desire brought her to the Co-op kitchen, where she found exactly what she was looking for.

“After my very first shift here, I was struck by how kind and genuinely invested my coworkers and the customers are. And EVERYONE is a foodie! We have such fun, inspiring conversations about food and what we’ve been cooking lately,” Sarah shared.

While Sarah loves working with incredible local ingredients every day, her favorite part of being at the Co-op is the sense of community. “I hope my community members feel nourished, comforted, and celebrated every time they come in.”

A Peek into Sarah’s Home Kitchen

When Sarah steps into her home kitchen, she loves to make her favorite meal: tourtière with a spicy ketchup sauce. This French Canadian meat pie holds a special place in her heart, reminding her of family gatherings and the holidays. While she stays true to her family’s recipe, she’s added her own twist by sprinkling flaky salt on the crust.

“Salt is by far my favorite ingredient! I love playing with the balance of salt and acid in a dish — it can really make a simple meal shine,” she said.

Life Outside the Kitchen

When she’s not cooking, Sarah is an outdoor enthusiast. She enjoys hiking with her dogs, camping, skiing, and spending time on the river. Her connection to nature complements her love for local, sustainable ingredients and her commitment to strengthening her community’s food system.

Stop By and Say Hi!

Sarah Jolin’s journey to the Co-op kitchen is a testament to her dedication to food and community. We’re so lucky to have her as part of our team! Be sure to stop by and enjoy a meal crafted with care and passion by Sarah and the rest of our talented kitchen staff. You might even pick up a few tips for balancing salt and acid in your own cooking!



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