Delicious and inventive recipes that remix the traditional flavors and classic dishes of Southern food and celebrate African-American culinary contributions to tables around the world—from the host of CLEO TV’s New Soul Kitchen

After growing up in Mississippi, Jernard Wells brought the familiar dishes and bold flavors of the South along on his culinary journey to chef, restaurateur, and TV host. With Southern Inspired, Jernard continues his journey—retracing the steps of generations of African American cooks whose creations contributed to global kitchen tables since slavery. Southern food defines American food at large, and Jernard takes it to a whole new level while still honoring its roots. Jernard also brings in flavors from the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, and Europe, always with his signature Southern flair. 
 
This cookbook shares 100 recipes that are approachable for both beginners and more experienced cooks. You’ll find dishes for busy weekdays, backyard barbecues, slow-paced dinner parties, indulgent brunches, and holiday feasts, including:  


  •  Blackened Catfish with Smoked Gouda Grits
  •  Sweet Tea-Brined Fried Chicken
  •  Oxtails and Bowties
  •  Creamy Collard Green Dip and Crostini
  •  Over-the-Top Lime BBQ Shrimp Tacos
  •  One-Pot Vegetable Caribbean Noodles
  •  Cast-Iron Skillet Creamed Corn
  •  Fried Green Tomatillos
  •  Chicken Cheeseburger Eggrolls 
  •  Georgia Peach Hot Chicken Sandwiches
  •  Cranberry Whiskey Glazed Pork Ribs
  •  BBQ Shrimp and Grits
  •  Granny Gwen’s Banana Pudding
  •  Mason Jar Raspberry Chocolate Trifles
 
Accompanied by beautiful color photography, Southern Inspired showcases Jernard’s American food: fresh, personal recipes packed with traditions and heartwarming family stories from an African American chef's perspective.

Jernard Wells is an award-winning TV host, celebrity chef, and  bestselling cookbook author. He is the host of New Soul Kitchen and New Soul Kitchen Remix on CLEO TV and is best known from numerous Food Network shows. Wells is also a contributor on The Best Things I Ever Ate on Cooking Channel and Food Fantasies on Oprah Winfrey Network. He has worked with Tyler Perry, TV One founder Cathy Hughes, NBA Allstar Brandon Ingram, Tom Joyner, Bobby Brown, and Bel Biv Devoe, to name a few. He has been featured on/in TODAY, People magazine, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Rickey Smiley Morning Show, ESSENCE, Daily Blast Live, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, HLN, and more. The James Beard House Honored Chef is a 2-time Telly Award winner and Taste Award winner. Wells is affectionately called “The Family Chef.”