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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.
- Sautéing vegetables and seasonings.
- Adding stock at the end for flavor.
This method dramatically reduces cooking time while enhancing taste and texture.
Key Point: Understanding ingredients often matters more than lengthy cooking times.
7. New Soul Kitchen Teaches Practical Cooking
Wells explained that New Soul Kitchen focuses on helping viewers prepare classic soul food dishes using healthier methods.
Recipes include dishes such as:
- Oxtails
- Jerk lamb chops
- Sweet tea-brined fried chicken
- Southern comfort foods
The show's goal is to make traditional cooking accessible and healthier.
8. New Soul Kitchen Remix Is Built Around Viewer Requests
His second program, New Soul Kitchen Remix, takes a different approach.
The show:
- Features viewer-inspired recipes
- Focuses on quick meals
- Delivers dishes in 15 minutes or less
- Responds directly to audience interests
Many recipes originate from social media messages and viewer suggestions.
Key Point: Listening to your audience can become a valuable source of innovation.
9. Giving Back Matters
Wells discussed his involvement with a March of Dimes fundraising gala benefiting premature babies and food support programs.
The cause is personal because one of his own children was born prematurely.
His participation reflects his commitment to community service and supporting families facing health challenges.
10. Soul Food Is a Foundational Part of American Cuisine
One of the most powerful moments in the interview occurred when Wells discussed the historical significance of soul food.
He argued that soul food is not separate from American cuisine but a central part of it.
His perspective emphasized the contributions of African Americans who adapted traditional cooking techniques and recipes to available ingredients in America, creating many of the foods now considered staples of Southern cuisine.
Key Point: Food tells the story of culture, resilience, and history.
Memorable Quotes
Chef Jernard Wells
"The best way to show people you actually care is to actually care."
"A lot of people are getting away from the bigger birds."
"People want to cook great food, but they also want time for themselves and their family."
"Short on time, but you want all the flavor."
"Everything that I do on the show, I actually cook in real time."
"Soul food is really American cuisine."
"Food connects us."
"We're bringing it back to the way we cook, but in a healthier lifestyle sense."
Rushion McDonald
"The best things happen when people actually care."
"Cornish hens? I've never cooked a Cornish hen in my life."
"I thought I knew how to cook cabbage until you showed me your method."
"Some of the best tasting cabbage I've ever had."
"You truly are a star in the kitchen."
Overall Message
Chef Jernard Wells uses food as a vehicle for family, culture, education, and wellness. Through his television shows, cookbook, and public appearances, he encourages people to embrace the flavors and traditions of soul food while adopting healthier cooking techniques. His message is that food should nourish both the body and relationships, bringing generations together around meaningful meals while honoring the rich culinary history that helped shape American cuisine.
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