Jennifer Garner is back in the kitchen – and this time, she’s sharing a beloved recipe straight from her childhood while trading playful banter with her mom.
The 13 Going on 30 star delighted fans in her latest Pretend Cooking Show episode, where she and her mother, Patricia Ann “Pat” Garner, recreated the family’s classic chicken enchiladas recipe.
View this post on Instagram
The episode, posted to Instagram on October 6, features the actress hosting from her home in Nantucket, with her mom joining as a special guest. As the two followed Pat’s old, yellowed recipe card, fans were treated not only to a nostalgic cooking session but also to their warm and humorous mother-daughter dynamic.
At 87 years old, Pat Garner brought her trademark no-nonsense charm to the kitchen. She described the enchiladas as “mild,” and suggested, “If you want more heat, add it.” Jennifer, 53, nodded in agreement while doing her best to keep up with her mom’s confident cooking pace.
Known for her easygoing sense of humor, Jennifer offered to chop the vegetables – jokingly referencing her mom’s unique cutting techniques that have appeared in previous videos – but quickly stepped back when it came time to make the filling. Pat took over, explaining that she is “generous with the butter” when preparing the mix of shredded chicken, celery, and onion.
As the sauce came together, things took a lighthearted turn. The recipe calls for canned green chilis, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream, but while Jennifer admitted she doesn’t care much for canned chilis, Pat couldn’t resist adding more behind her daughter’s back. “We’re wasting so many,” Pat said mischievously, sneaking them into the bowl. “Oh, I love them.” Jennifer shot a pleading look at the camera, earning laughs from fans watching the clip.
The back-and-forth continued as the pair layered the enchiladas in the baking dish. When Jennifer questioned the order of ingredients, Pat quickly quipped, “I tell you and I tell you and I tell you,” before the actress double-checked the recipe card. “The recipe, in this case, happens to agree with my mom,” Jennifer conceded with a smile. “Who’s been making them for many years,” Pat added proudly.
Once the casserole was assembled, Jennifer gently slid it into the oven, giving her signature encouragement: “Do good.” When the dish emerged, golden and bubbling, the two admired their creation. Ever the experimenter, Jennifer suggested, “If you’re a cheese lover, you could put cheese inside of these and have a big cheese pull?” But Pat, true to form, replied firmly, “No.”
The sweet and funny exchange perfectly captured the charm of Pretend Cooking Show, which Jennifer began as a lighthearted project that has since become a fan-favorite series. Each episode blends real family recipes, cooking tips, and unscripted humor, giving audiences a glimpse into the actress’s life beyond Hollywood.
Fans quickly flooded the comments section, celebrating the pair’s chemistry and Pat’s comedic timing. For longtime followers, the episode served as another reminder of the close bond between mother and daughter – built on love, laughter, and a little bit of culinary chaos.
Whether you tune in for the recipes or the heartwarming family moments, Jennifer Garner’s Pretend Cooking Show continues to serve up joy – one homemade meal at a time.
- Dolly’s Locations in Cincinnati and Dayton Closing Early Ahead of Final Day - October 24, 2025
- National Guard Deployment to San Francisco Put on Hold After Trump Talks With Tech Leaders - October 24, 2025
- Mayor Eric Adams Backs Andrew Cuomo to Halt Zohran Mamdani’s Rise in NYC Race - October 24, 2025
