On December 21, 2020, JL Media PR hosted a Sips & Bites Holiday Cooking Demo featuring the vivacious cookbook author and award-winning Chef Jernard Wells for CLEO TV New Soul Kitchen moderated by the delightful Senior Publicist, Crystal Willis.
Chef Jernard Wells started the exhibition by saying, “This is the time of year where we’re always looking for those festive dishes. I know it’s a unique time because of course, we are in a pandemic and people are still sheltering in place, and not really going as much as they used to [do] so I’ve created several quick fix dishes that you could whip up for yourself or that special someone in your life, or if you’re having a small gathering, it’ll meet the need for everyone. It’s not that time consuming or expensive,” he continues.
Chef Wells layered the conversation with fun-facts about himself, while making his own version of Thai Chili and Gochujang [Korean] Meatballs with Ground Turkey in addition to a Vanilla and Caramel Bread pudding. For the connoisseurs that enjoy adult beverages, he whipped up some Apple Cider Moscow Mule and Cranberry Maple Tequila. He talked about customary mocktails, like his version of a virgin screwdriver and the virgin sangria.
Mocktails and Cocktails Recipes
It’s no secret that the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic caused undeniable mayhem in many forms, that prevented families from spending time with one another during the holidays. Instead of doing the traditional celebrations, people across the globe sheltered in place, while sourcing new rituals for basic communication thanks to novel technology and Zoom. Families connected virtually-- they attended holiday parties online, while social distancing with thoughtful concentration that safety comes first. Understandably, folks needed to tap into their creativity so they could enjoy the merriments without feeling the pits of cabin fever, guilt, boredom or seclusion. With that mindfulness, Chef Jernard Wells added a little razzle dazzle to his amazing menu ideas, and he called them "New Year, New You, a New Soul Kitchen Remix.” Its another way of keeping things light and fun so those that didn’t travel, could still enjoy a home cooked/ gourmet meal right from their own kitchen with less pressure during the holidays.
Chef Jernard Wells has a charming tableside manner, where he shares everything in precise timing. Viewers are enthralled with his knack for instruction and storytelling, which is neither rushed or longwinded. Observably, Chef Jernard Wells has a wholesome excitement for cooking, that he sprinkles like confetti when talking about food.
Tune-in to the for the season finale double-header of New Soul Kitchen! Chef Jernard Wells will return to CLEO TV with New Soul Kitchen Remix airing Saturdays beginning January 9th 9:30 P.M./8:30C.
Cocktail recipes on the house:
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
2 ounces Uncle Nearest Whiskey or any Whiskey of your Choice.
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
3 teaspoons, Maple Syrup
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar about two-thirds full with ice. Pour in the whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Shake well. Pour ice into your cocktail glass and strain the whiskey mixture into the glass. Enjoy! Apple Cider Mule Pour 1/4 cup vodka, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/4 cup apple cider 1/3 cup ginger beer Add Vodka, lime juice and Apple Cider to shaker with Ice. Shake well and pour into Cooper cup or glass, then pour Ginger beer over mixture garnish with lime and mint.