Fridge Voyeur is a virtual visit into the chill zone of the Spoon Crew — our team, our friends, and some of your favorite wellness gurus. We may eat a lot of plants, but you better believe there’s a whole lot of variety, and a bit of naughty, going on behind closed doors. We know you want a peek ;).

This week, we’re peeking into the fridge of acupuncturist and expert in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jen Fockler.

Splendid Spoon: Hey Jen! Tell us a bit about yourself.
Jen Fockler: I practice acupuncture, herbalism and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chicago. However, my first love is nutrition. I’ve been some form of vegetarian for over 25 years. I believe that health is about finding balance in all areas of our lives.

Modern life can be hard — the hustle is real! I had my own health scare with serious digestion pains that put me in the ER. I used acupuncture, herbs, and my diet to get me back on track. This experience has made me a better clinician — I trust that food is medicine.

SS: What are the 5 staples you can’t live without?
JF: Herbs de Provence, veggie stock, mirepoix [Diced and sautéed veggies and herbs — it makes up the base for many stocks, stew, soups, and sauces. — Ed.], olive oil, and cinnamon. (If I can sneak in one extra, I’d add sriracha!)

SS: What’s the weirdest thing in your fridge?
JF: Probably my giant bottle of Swedish Bitters [A herbal tonic. — Ed.]. It’s been an amazing help to my digestion.

SS: What’s your fave sweet and what’s your fave savory?
JF: Just one?! Savory has to be Herbs de Provence or herbal flavors in general. For sweet, I dig the classic cinnamon and vanilla combo (as I can’t eat much chocolate anymore).

SS: If you were one thing in your fridge, what would it be?
JF: Prosecco, duh!

SS: What food do you turn to when you want something comforting or nostalgic? Although we eat to keep our bodies strong and healthy, food also connects us to our past, to friends, and to different times in our lives.
JF: I miss my grandma’s home fries — pan fried potatoes and onions that get super crispy. I never realized that I was eating ethnic food (German and Eastern European), until I was much older. Now, I can’t get enough red cabbage and sauerkraut!