Southern Inspired

November 1, 2022

Wells's third cookbook (after Southern Modified) offers his take on Southern dishes, mixing in flavors from other cultures and emphasizing food made with love at the forefront. Meatloaf prepared with coconut milk and adobo sauce is just one example of his "take what you know," combine it with "what you admire," and create a dish that is a "familiar yet unique" approach. Wells was born in Chicago and raised on a farm in Mississippi; his family's influence on his cooking style is evident, with frequent references to mom, dad, and his grandmother, Lil Momma, and their fare. An entire chapter, "Bringing It Home," showcases these recipes, but the mentions of family continue throughout all 13 chapters. Among them are "The Main Event," foods that "take center stage"; "Let It Go One Pot Meals," cast iron preferred; and "Jernard's Bangin Backyard BBQ," barbecue as in grilling. Numerous eye-catching photographs enhance recipes, which are clear, easy to follow, and consist of accessible ingredients. Nothing is especially time-consuming, making this a book to grab on a weeknight or whenever. VERDICT Recommended for libraries with sizeable cookbook collections or regional interest.--P.J. Gardiner

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November 21, 2022
Chef Wells (Southern Modified: Southern Inspired Dishes, Modified for Today’s Healthier Lifestyle) celebrates Southern cooking in this heartfelt collection. His philosophy—“take what you know combined with what you admire to create unique flavors”—is evident from the first recipe, a four-cheese lasagna with barbecue sauce. Kitchen lessons from his parents and his grandmother inform the likes of blackened catfish with smoked gouda grits, as well as a meatloaf that uses coconut milk, vegetables, and a chipotle brown sugar glaze. Other cross-cultural standouts are a Texas toast crab cake burger with Cajun sauce, and arroz con pollo with Louisiana hot sauce. Fare fit for a party gets its own chapter, with such dishes as a saucy Creole shrimp and pineapple appetizer, and lollipop drumsticks with whiskey chipotle sauce. Vegetable-centric options include chunky buffalo cauliflower bites, fried green tomatillos, and arugula berry salad. Desserts and drinks round out the offerings, notably, Wells writes, his mother’s not to be missed strawberry lemon Bundt cake. For those looking for new spins on old favorites, this is a sure thing. Agent: Alan Morell, Creative Management.