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The host of "New Soul Kitchen" & "New Soul Kitchen Remix" on CLEO TV talks food and business, Chef Jernard Wells.
· 29 min
Episode The host of "New Soul Kitchen" & "New Soul Kitchen Remix" on CLEO TV talks food and business, Chef Jernard Wells.
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Chef Jernard Wells.
Known for hosting New Soul Kitchen and New Soul Kitchen Remix on CLEO TV, Wells discusses holiday cooking, healthy twists on traditional soul food, family traditions, his culinary philosophy, and how food serves as a powerful connector across generations and communities.
The conversation also highlights Wells' community involvement through the March of Dimes, his approach to making classic Southern recipes healthier, and the inspiration behind his cookbook, Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours.
Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of the interview was to:
• Discuss holiday cooking ideas and seasonal meal planning. • Promote Chef Jernard Wells' cookbook and television programs. • Share practical cooking tips and healthy recipe alternatives. • Highlight the cultural significance of soul food and African American culinary traditions. • Showcase Wells' philanthropic work with March of Dimes. • Inspire families to reconnect through food and shared meals.
Key Takeaways
1. Food Is About Family and Connection
Throughout the interview, Wells emphasized that cooking extends beyond recipes and ingredients.
For him, food represents:
• Family traditions • Shared memories • Community • Storytelling • Cultural heritage
His cooking philosophy centers on bringing people together around the table.
Key Point: Great food creates meaningful family connections and lasting memories.
2. Soul Food Can Be Healthier Without Losing Flavor
A major theme of Wells' career is modernizing traditional soul food while preserving its essence.
Through his television shows and recipes, he teaches viewers how to:
• Reduce unhealthy fats • Remove excess grease • Use healthier cooking methods • Maintain authentic flavors
Examples include finishing fried chicken in the oven and using air fryers to reduce oil consumption.
Key Point: Healthier cooking doesn't require sacrificing taste.
3. Thanksgiving and Christmas Menus Are Evolving
Wells noted that many families are moving away from large holiday turkeys and seeking simpler alternatives.
Some of his recommendations include:
• Fried Cornish hens • Sweet tea-brined fried chicken • Holiday brunch menus • Turkey and cornbread waffles • Creative leftovers recipes
He believes modern families want meals that are both delicious and manageable.
4. Cornish Hens Are an Underrated Holiday Option
One of Wells' holiday cooking suggestions was fried Cornish hens.
Benefits include:
• Easier preparation • Faster cooking time • Individual servings • Holiday presentation • Less stress than large turkeys
He encourages home cooks to experiment beyond traditional holiday centerpieces.
5. Air Fryers Offer a Healthier Alternative
Wells spent part of the interview explaining air-frying techniques.
His approach includes:
• Light battering • Olive oil application • Proper seasoning • Maintaining texture while reducing oil
He emphasized that many foods traditionally deep-fried can achieve similar results through air frying.
Key Point: Air fryers provide crispy textures while reducing grease and calories.
6. Simpler Cooking Often Produces Better Results
During the discussion, Wells explained a faster method for preparing cabbage.
Rather than boiling cabbage for hours, he recommends:
• Salting cabbage first. • Allowing natural moisture to release. •…
Links in the notes 4
Transcript
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