Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells.
Award-winning television personality, author, and entrepreneur, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss his journey from launching a seasoning line to building a successful culinary brand. Known for his hit shows New Soul Kitchen and New Soul Kitchen Remix on Cleo TV, he shares insights on branding, cooking strategies, and his bestselling cookbook Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
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Building a Culinary Brand
- Chef Jernard started his career selling seasonings, expanding into hot sauces and barbecue sauces using recipes passed down from his father.
- Landing a Whole Foods distribution deal was a major turning point, allowing him to scale his business and enter other markets.
- He believes in volume sales, ensuring his products are widely available nationwide while creating brand demand through media appearances.
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TV Appearances & Media Strategy
- Competing on Food Network Star and Cutthroat Kitchen opened doors for national exposure.
- He views television as a platform to direct audiences toward his products rather than just an entertainment opportunity.
- Hosting New Soul Kitchen gives him an avenue to teach cooking techniques and engage with viewers beyond a traditional chef role.
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Cooking Philosophy & Efficiency
- Advocates for organized cooking, reducing time in the kitchen by prepping ingredients in sections before starting.
- Encourages using quality spices and flavors to enhance dishes effortlessly.
- Believes that cooking should be about enjoyment, avoiding unnecessary complexity—especially for holiday meals.
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Essential Holiday Cooking Tips
- Choosing the right wood for smoking—hickory, cherry, apple, peach, or pecan—enhances turkey or ham flavors.
- Prefers injection-based seasoning for turkey, using Cajun and butter blends.
- Mac and Cheese Mastery – Uses cavatelli pasta, smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, and a touch of nutmeg for depth.
- Advocates for simplified candied yams, avoiding overly complex versions that extend cooking time.
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Signature Recipes from His Cookbook
- Creole BBQ Shrimp – Jumbo prawns baked in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, butter, smoked paprika, and lemon.
- Whiskey Cranberry Glazed Ribs – Uses cranberry juice, whiskey, brown sugar, and chipotle for rich, festive flavor.
- Seafood Mac and Cheese – Combines lobster, shrimp, crab, chicken, and sausage for a decadent twist.
📘 Resources & Contact Information
Chef Jernard’s work is accessible through:
🔗 Website: Jernard Wells
🔗 Social Media: @ChefJernard
🔗 Book: Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours (Available on Amazon & major retailers)
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