Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The episode showcases:
- Chef Jernard Wells’ entrepreneurial journey in the culinary industry.
- His approach to building a brand through food products, media, and publishing.
- Practical cooking tips and recipes from his cookbook Southern Inspired.
- Encouragement for aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs to simplify their process and stay true to their vision.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Brand Building Through Culinary Products
- Chef Jernard started with a seasoning line and expanded into sauces and cookbooks.
- He emphasizes volume-based sales and quality ingredients to grow his brand.
2. Leveraging Media Exposure
- TV appearances (e.g., Food Network, Cleo TV) helped him build visibility.
- He uses media as a platform to drive traffic to his brand, not just for fame.
3. Simplifying Cooking for Home Chefs
- Chef Jernard advocates for —organizing ingredients before cooking—to save time.
- He debunks the myth that holiday meals must take 12 hours to prepare.
4. Cultural Roots of Southern Cuisine
- He shares the African-American origins of macaroni and cheese, tracing it back to Thomas Jefferson’s chef.
- Emphasizes pride and heritage in traditional dishes.
5. Signature Recipes from His Cookbook
Chef Jernard highlights three standout dishes from Southern Inspired:
- Creole Barbecue Shrimp: Jumbo prawns baked in a rich broth of garlic, Worcestershire, butter, and Creole seasoning.
- Whiskey Cranberry Glazed Ribs: St. Louis-style ribs brushed with a glaze made from cranberry juice and whiskey.
- Seafood Mac & Cheese: A decadent blend of lobster, shrimp, crab, and smoked Gouda, topped with breadcrumbs.
🗣️ Notable Quotes
- “Cooking is about bringing people into my world.”
- “You can’t win if you don’t understand yourself.”
- “We are refrigerator and pantry cooks… that’s why our kitchens look chaotic.”
- “We romanticize mac and cheese… but it’s all about the cheese.”
#STRAW #BEST #SHMS
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