Janina Uhse: This dish is reminiscent of her childhood

Janina Uhse (35) celebrated her breakthrough in the RTL series “Good times, bad times”, but even after her exit of series production, she remained loyal to the spectacle: In the past few years she was seen in films such as “The first name” (2018), “Beton Rausch” (2020), “Game Eab” (2024) and “The Name” (2024). At the same time, she built up a popular food account on Instagram, on which she shares her passion for good food. Overall, over 800,000 people are following her on the platform.

At the presentation of the new ice-bonbons in the Magnum Pop-Up store in Berlin-for which you created a bonboom taco with blueberries, marshmallows and cotton candy-the food influencer reveals where she comes from her recipe inspiration, which dish she will return to her childhood and what she prefers to cook with her almost three-year-old son.

Janina Uhse: For me, good food primarily means emotion. It is much more than just food – it is a feeling, a moment you share. Food can arouse memories, give security or simply give pure joy. I love to work with fresh ingredients and to bring a piece of personality to each dish. People who cannot do anything with food and enjoyment are suspect.

Uhse: Clearly: intuitive. I love to just get started, try, smell, taste. Of course I sometimes have a rough idea in my head – maybe a certain ingredient that I want to use – but then I let myself go. The best dishes often arise: in the flow, without a fixed plan.

Uhse: All of it! Travel is incredibly inspiring for me – other cultures, spices, cooking techniques. But memories from my childhood are just as formative. My grandma cooked a lot, and I still take this feeling of standing together in the kitchen. And then there are also these very spontaneous moments when I suddenly come to mind an aroma or a combination. I love that!

Uhse: Yes, definitely: beet feast. A typical North German dish with turnips, potatoes and carrots. That immediately reminds me of family. The fragrance alone brings me back to the lovingly chaotic family table – with all the anticipation and cosiness. For me this is real soul food.

Uhse: With my family and close friends. I love to cover a large table, light candles and then eat together, laugh and just enjoy the moment. For me, all of this belongs together: good food, good conversations and people who are close to your heart.

Uhse: Yes, definitely. I now pay even more conscious about what comes on the plate. Of course it should be delicious, but also balanced and nutrient -rich. At the same time, I would also like to give my child the joy of eating and preparing; that cooking is fun and is not stress. It can also be chaotic. The main thing is that it is made with love.

Uhse: A classic with us is pasta in all variants. Especially spaghetti with a simple tomato-garlic sauce all love-that always works! And it is a dish that also likes the little ones. It is uncomplicated, but full of taste.

Uhse: A fresh salad with melon, feta and mint – it is just part of summer for me. Perhaps grilled fish or a good vegetable curry with coconut milk. And of course ice cream as a dessert! Two or three of the new Magnum candies still fit in after each dish. I even created a totally delicious recipe with it: the Bonboom-Taco, with blueberries, marshmallows and cotton candy. Delicious!