PASS THAT RECIPE DOWN TODAY

WOW! It's been a while since I last blogged. My wife and I have been extremely busy focusing on our amazing and talented children’s activities and education. 

I am now working on a new book project called ("The America I AM Pass It Down Cookbook"), scheduled to be published by Smiley Books in 2010. This cookbook will be filled with pass it down recipes, accompanied by family food imprint stories.

If you are interested in having your family recipe considered to be a part of this book, go to www.passitdowncookbook.com to submit your recipe for consideration. 

Good luck to you all!

Bon Appétit-Chef Jeff

WHY NOT DREAM

I just returned from Walt Disney World with my family. It was a magical week. My children had a ball and I must say my wife and I were in “kid mode” as well as we held our breath on Splash Mountain. We weren’t just at Disney to enjoy the rides and see Mickey; we were also there for the 2nd year of Steve Harvey’s
Disney Dreamers Academy. Steve Harvey along with TV/radio personalities and motivational speakers such as Terrence J, Judge Mathis, Troy Beyer, Monique Coleman and many more joined together to mentor and inspire 100 at-risk inner city teenager from across the country. The “Dreamers” and their guardians convened on Disney for a weekend of networking, life skill workshops, culinary boot camp and great food.

We did a mini version of “The Chef Jeff Project” with the “Dreamers” culinary team at Disney. Eight youth who had an interest in the culinary arts where given an opportunity to help prepare the grand gala dinner. There were world class chefs on hand who taught kitchen lessons along with produce and product indemnification.

I had the pleasure of speaking to the “Dreamers” and my message was how dreams are born from purposeful thinking. I was moved by their response to my message and I learned so many things from them. Yes, I learned lessons from the “Dreamers”, children are blessing from God and they are filled with knowledge, you’d be surprised at what you could learn from them if you open your heart and mind to them. Then Judge Mathis hit them hard about making the right choices and took them through his life journey of how he over came a criminal lifestyle, graduated from college and eventually became a lawyer. Another amazing young man shared his compelling life story of being born addicted to drugs. He always dreamed of being a pilot one day. He over came great obstacles to rise out of despair and is now in pilot school in the US Military.

Overall, the Dreamers Academy was phenomenal and I know the “Dreamers” left with a new found passion for life and making their dreams come true. I left with the same feeling.

I know I have been off my blog for a while. I have been traveling the country working and laying the foundation for the next big “Chef Jeff Project”. Be back soon.

As Always Bon Appetite

HAPPY NEW YEAR

It’s good to be back on line with my friends and supporters from around the world. 2008 was a year filled with blessings. The launch of the Chef Jeff Project and full-scale scholarships for the crew was an amazing experience for everyone who saw the project and connected with all the crew members. Pray for them as they move forward in their lives and in the decisions they make.
On a personal note, I am striving hard to continue my efforts to be a better father to my children and impact the lives of others. I will be sharing some very important information with all of you in the next couple of weeks. Check me out on Tuesday January 6th on the Today Show. I‘ll be whipping up a pot of King Crab Gumbo from my new cookbook “Chef Jeff Cooks”.
Thanks again for all your support in 2008. Be safe and stay focused on the dream.

As always Bon Appétit

THE FINALE

I just wanted to thank everyone who supported the “Chef Jeff Project” from day one and the ones who came on board during the season. It was a life changing experience cooking, teaching and running a business at the same time. I gave my heart and my life for 28 days to impact the crew and those who watched. The most rewarding part of the experience was watching the crew grow.

I still believe that Adam has the potential to become a great Chef, but only if he can overcome the fear of success and the street life. I’ve been there, it’s hard to shake the streets, but if you don’t, the streets will take you down. As for the rest of the crew, they have the tools and information to make it in life. They have to keep grinding and never stop believing in the American dream. I wish them well and those who shared the experience in their living rooms, schools, and prisons. Life is what you make it. If you want that house on the hill with the white picket fence, you must change, build a personal brand and focus on the dream, destroying the dream crushers with your success.
Food Network: Thanks for allowing me to live my dream through the “Chef Jeff Project.” Who could ever imagine a guy with a story like mine would come so far and accomplish so much. All of you at the Network and production company helped me make a difference many people’s lives.

What’s next for me? I’m working on a self-help book that will focus on the Chef Jeff model for change and opening a restaurant. During the first week of December I’m going on a small tour in the south with Smithfield Foods. I’ll be giving away food to the needy and speaking to young people at high schools and colleges. When I return, I’ll be spending time with my family to rest, vibe with my little ones and focus on 2009. I will continue to blog throughout the week, more food, recipes and kitchen conversation coming. I will give all of you an update on a possible second season, the crew and my inspirational thoughts.

As Always, Bon Appetit

THE QUEEN OF SOULS

I’ve been blessed to meet many powerful and inspirational people from all walks of life. I’ve sat on the couch with Oprah Winfrey , spent a day on a movie set with Will Smith and chatted with Sidney Poitier on a street corner in Westwood…just to name a few. This morning I had a conversation about life, young people, dreams and food with the Renaissance woman herself, Dr. Maya Angelo.

I had gone over the radio interview with Dr. Angelou in my head. I paced my bedroom with high energy, wondering how our talk would go. What would her audience want to know about me? Well when the phone rang, the producer over at Oprah and Friends said “Are you ready?” holding my breath, I said “Lets go!” A few seconds later, I heard a low, raspy voice say “Hello, Chef Jeff.” I struggled to contain my excitement as I held a conversation with “The Mother of Hope”….the “Queen of Souls”, Dr. Maya Angelou on her radio show. The interview went much like a kitchen conversation with my grandmother. With the same eloquence she lends to her poetry and literature readings we talked about our shared love of cooking and eating along with her concern for our nation’s young people and some of their troubled paths. Her spirit filled my soul. I’ve never felt more inspired and the conversation only re-assured me that I must continue my work of making a difference in the lives of others.

The time is now! The moment has arrived. With less than one week until the finale, we must spread the word about the importance of shows like the CJP. It’s important that we work together to increase viewers this Sunday at 10:00pm on the Food Network. Its not about me, it’s truly about making sure we continue to assist young people with the tools to find their potential in life. WE MUST SEND THE RATINGS THROUGH THE ROOF!!!

If you love The Chef Jeff Project and you want to see another season of it encourage everyone you know to tune in to the finale this Sunday at 10pm. If you can’t watch it, set your DVR or TIVO to record it.

AS ALWAYS BON APPETITE

THE ROAD NEVER TRAVELLED....

Election night was an extraordinary moment in my life. I watched my wife and three children sitting on our living room floor watching history unfold. I stood in the kitchen, preparing to serve my seafood Gumbo to family and friends. I was overwhelmed with joy and hope as I watched the results. The odds were against him from birth; just being a man of color stacked the odds. Then add all the other obstacles and social misconceptions and you’re left with an amazing idea, that we really can be anything we want to be and we can achieve what seemed unachievable. Most said “he” would not and he responded “yes we can”. I was humbled. It reinforced the hope that I already had in my crew members and young people across the country. I pray each one of them find their voice and potential in life.

It took me back to 13 years ago when I walked out of prison. I never gave up on my dreams. I found my purpose through hard work and sacrifice. I ask all my friends, family and fellow bloggers to reach back and inspire someone in your life.

This coming Sunday on the “Chef Jeff Project” is the 5th episode. E-mail, call and text message everyone in your rolodex to tune in. It will be a testimonial of change and what life is truly about at the end of the day. Since the premier of the “CJP” I have truly become more inspired to make a difference in the lives of others.

Sometimes when we are traveling down life’s roads that are filled with pot holes, stop signs and accidents we lose focus on what’s truly important. Never give up your dream, never. This week we all got a lesson in “new roads”. Most roads we travel on have already be tried and tested. The road signs are there to protect and guide us. In the case of President-Elect Obama, he’s a trailblazer. He’s making the road as he travels; leaving breadcrumbs behind for others to follow. Who knows how long it will take for this road to be paved and road signs to be posted. Don’t be afraid to go on roads no one else has gone…you never know where it may lead you.

On another note, how about getting into the kitchen and cooking this weekend. Fall is in full bloom; mushroom, squash and beans are everywhere. I travelled a new road myself Tuesday, for the first time I made a “Banana Pudding Cheese Cake”, it was off the hook. I made the crust with vanilla wafers and sugared pecans, and layered the cake with cream cheese, banana pudding filling and vanilla wafers cookies. Everyone threw down. When you put family, friends and great food together, kitchen conversation is always in my mix.

As Always, Bon Appétit

THE "PROJECT" IS BIGGER THAN US...

Tonight on the Food Network, episode 4 of the “Chef Jeff Project” is airing. Shante will be faced with some tough decisions in her personal life as she moves forward to try and make a difference in her life.

The purpose of the “Chef Jeff Project” is not to just impact the lives of the crew members on the show but to impact lives all over the country. The show is important to everyone who has experienced personal and professional adversity. Though “the project” is my namesake, it’s not about me, its truly about inspiration and hope for anyone who needs a hand up in life. This show must continue on for many seasons and for many reasons.

The idea for a show like this came to me many years ago. I understood the power of food and second chances. I had first hand experience in both. When the opportunity came for my vision to be brought into living rooms, schools and prisons all over the country, I knew it would be amazing. To all the fans and supporters of the “The Chef Jeff Project” you must understand the importance of the business side of this groundbreaking docu-reality series. In television, a lot is riding on the ratings. I am asking you and your friends/family to rally behind me and the show in an effort to keep it on air. Copy and paste this blog and e-mail it across America. We must all ban together and build up ratings for this show.

On Sunday's we go all out for dinner in my house, tonight I am cooking gumbo, that’s right, at the request of my littler sister “Sugar”. It’s her favorite. We’ll eat some tonight and save the rest for Tuesday night as my family and friends gather to watch the results of, what I believe to be, the most anticipated presidential election in U.S. history. I’ve already cast my vote, make sure you exercise your right to vote this Tuesday.

In my new cookbook “Chef Jeff Cooks” there is a family tale about Gumbo and how it was my Granddaddy’s signature dish. If you haven’t purchased my cook book, now is the time to run out and get it….when you do, consider also baking some of my black pepper biscuits.

As Always, Bon Appétit

-Chef Jeff

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE COOKING

Can you believe episode 3 of “The Chef Jeff Project” is airing tonight? We are already half way through the series. I know everyone has their favorite crew member. They were all my favorites, each one different and talented in their own way. Keep watching as the challenges get tougher and see if the crew continues to rise to the occasion and show hope. Keep an eye on Maria tonight.

I am coming to the end of my month long book and TV tour. It has been a world wind tour with stops in Atlanta, Florida, Philadelphia, Detroit, New York, Texas and Chicago. I have met so many great people who encouraged me to keep pressing forward with my work. Thank you all for your support.

During my travels, with much of the hype built around my TV show, I truly hoped that many of you enjoyed my cooking demonstrations and tasting my food while I was on the road.

I did a demonstration while at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in front of a packed room of “Foodies” from around the world. While on an ABC affiliate show in Chicago I prepared “Striped Sea Bass” and my old school “Pineapple Upside Down Cake”. On “Good Day Atlanta” I prepared “Sweet Potato Soup w/ Collard Greens and S’ more Bread Pudding w/ Vanilla Ice Cream”. You can view many of my cooking demos online including the one on Good Morning America early this month. Check them out, its really all about the food!

That’s it, all this talk about food is making me hungry. Tune in every Sunday night and watch my crew put it down in the kitchen while making personal progress in their lives.

Hit me up and tell me some of your favorite foods and recipes. Also, pick up my new cookbook “Chef Jeff Cooks” on sale now in your local book store.

Many Blessings-CJ

AN ARMY OF ONE

The Chef Jeff Project premiered on the Food Network channel. It was a dream. So many of you sent emails and supportive blogs right after the show, it was overwhelming. To know that the show touched so many lives and so many people care about what happens to the crew after just one episode was amazing. I don’t want to give up any details for episode two, just keep watching, it only gets more inspiring from here. The six crew members truly touched my life during filming and as a result, I am even more committed to continue touching lives through the Chef Jeff Project.

Since my appearance on “Oprah”, my story on “My Life in Food” and now the first episode of my reality show the correspondence from parents, grandparents, children, teachers, organizations and people all over the world has increased dramatically. To know there are so many young people and adults out there who need a guide on life’s journey is tough. A mother or father expressing there anxiety about the future of their child.…so many stories come to my inbox daily, its difficult to read them all, as I try to advise and help as many people as I can.

One thing I’ve had to come to terms with, with the help of my family, is that I can’t help everyone at once. I’d love to change the world and come to each at-risk youngster/adult and help them…but I can’t. Its impossible. I am one man….an army of one. Yes, I am dedicated to using my journey to inspire and motivate but I am also have troops of my own, a wife and three young children that need me.

Through the Chef Jeff Project, I hope to provide the crew the armor needed to fight on their own. I hope viewers will see how far a hug, positive words and believing in a person’s potential can go in changing lives; I want to bring “the project” into homes across the country. Please make a commitment to build confidence in youngsters in need. Join my army. Make a difference and give back. These youngsters are in war for their life but they have to fight, become self motivated and once the boots are placed on their feet…they must tie them up and walk towards their own success.

Circle of Sisters in NYC was great last weekend. Thanks to all of the fans that showed me love in NYC!

Up next, I’m coming to the “A”, get ready Atlanta I am in your city today. Check me out on Good Day Atlanta (Tues./Oct 14) and I will also be signing books at Borders Books in Buckhead the same day.

As always, Bon Appetit!

TAKING A BITE OUT OF THE “BIG APPLE”

I hit NYC yesterday as I begin my six week media tour for the release of my cookbook and television show. As I boarded the plane from Vegas to NYC I had no idea that the “Chef Jeff Project” had reached the friendly skies….30,000 feet into the air a promo for the “Chef Jeff Project” came on the in-flight satellite TV on the Food Network channel. The lady sitting next to me said…”Is that you”, I was saying the same damn thing “is that me”…LOL.

That was just one of many eye opening experiences for me. I landed in NY and headed to my hotel in the village…another surprise. Right across the street from the Food Network HQ building, there it was…a huge billboard advertising the show, me and the 6 crew members from the “Chef Jeff Project” plastered on the side of a building, it was amazing. In my wildest dreams I never imagined this.

Pick up my cookbook “Chef Jeff Cooks” in stores today!

Follow my life’s journey Wednesday (Oct 8) on “My Life in Food” on the Food Network channel.

Come out to my book signing at Howard University on Thursday (Oct 9), contact the Howard book store for times and details.

Check me out cooking on “Good Morning America” this Friday (Oct 10).

NYC, come see me cook BBQ Shrimp Scampi at “Circle of Sisters” at the Javitz Center this Saturday (Oct 11)and meet my special guest who will prepare dessert for the ladies, you won't want to miss this!

I will also be coming to a book store near you, check the events tab on my website for dates and locations.

Until next time, Bon Appetit.

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

It has been 11 years to the day, October 2, that I was released from prison. On this 11th Anniversary of my release I can reflect on a long journey filled with many great stories and some set backs. No life is without set backs. Set backs are just small pieces to a large puzzle. Learn from life's lessons and use the knowledge you gain to improve yourself and the lives of the ones you love. .

On the bright side of things, I am at peace for the first time in my life. Today I am living a dream. My children are so special to me and touch me in ways I can't even explain. I watched my youngest daughter attempting to hit musical notes in her vocal class, she was so amazing. Soon after my middle daughter, with her bright smile and long fingers, jammed away in her piano class. All three of my children are fantastic and I sit back in awe of their talents. They are all so beautiful and as I watch and listen to them it makes me proud to be a real father…don’t take life lightly, find your purpose and live your dream your way.

WHAT'S COOKING?

First of all I want to thank those of you who have shown me so much love over the years. Your encouragement and unwavering support is appreciated. Secondly, I would like to thank everyone who supported my memoir "Cooked" taking me straight to the New York Times Bestsellers list.

I just wrapped on my new TV show The Chef Jeff Project and completed my first cookbook Chef Jeff Cooks. My promotional tour will kick off next month taking me across the US. I hope to meet many of you along the way. 

Have a cool weekend!

Much Love,

Chef Jeff