Cooked

From the Streets to the Stove, from Cocaine to Foie Gras

By: Jeff Henderson

Narrated by: Jeff Henderson

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

This riveting memoir is the incredible story of Jeff Henderson's rollercoaster ride from high-stakes cocaine dealer, to prison inmate, to world-class chef.

Barely old enough to drink legally, Henderson was clearing $35,000 per week as one of the most successful cocaine dealers in San Diego. But when he was 23, he was indicted on federal drug trafficking charges and sentenced to almost 20 years. Hardheaded, Henderson held firmly to his gritty street morals, until the day he was assigned to wash dishes in the prison kitchen. He immediately took an interest in food preparation and eventually determined that when he was released, he would become a chef, no matter what.

An extraordinary tale of crime, punishment, and redemption, Cooked is a glorious testament to the power of the human spirit when faced with seemingly impossible odds.

©2007 Jeff Henderson (P)2007 Recorded Books LLC

Critic reviews

"Cooked is alive with the visceral energy of street life, the sober reality of prison, and the drama and intensity of working in top restaurant kitchens. With extraordinary poise and clever insight, Jeff relates the astounding obstacles he overcame to be recognized as one of the best young chefs in America." (BlackNews.com)

Easy Listen. Incredible Story.

Having heard Chef Jeff speak before, I knew this book would be fascinating. It was more than I expected and he kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire journey. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story of redemption. It’s authentic, motivating, and leaves you wanting to hustle harder!

Great book

great positive story we need more like these in today's times about being an overcomer

Amazing, inspirational love story

It was wonderful to listen to Jeff Henderson’s voice as he personally took me through his dramatic and inspirational life story. I cried with joy as the book came to a close- congratulations on your beautiful family, your relationships and your career.

Fantastic!

This book should stand as an inspiration to anyone who wishes to turn their life around! Jeff is eloquent yet real, and from leading the life he has, he is fascinating!

lived experiences

telling his lived experience, Jeff Henderson demonstrates the difficulty of breaking a cycle of street life to survive and generational poverty. he further provides encouragement for those who wanting to break their own cycle.

Awesome book

Awesome book love this story so many young black chefs and professionals can relate to this book and get some inspiration.

Inspirational - 2 lives in 1 lifetime

It was suggested that I read this book upon starting an Offender Workforce Development Specialist training course offered by the US Probation Dept. Chef Jeff's story has inspired me to complete the course with the confidence that I can make a difference in planning careers with ex--offenders!

Very engaging and inspiring

Who would think there is an ability from someone to completely turn their life around after 23 years on the streets to becoming a highly respected author, keynote and executive chef! Jeff’s story is fascinating and a must read for anyone who needs a bit of inspiration that anything is possible.

from the soul

This book is raw, if you do not like curse words then this book is not for you. You feel that Jeff is speaking from the heart and nothing but the truth. This is a story that needs to be told.

Twas okay.

My wife was inspired by one of his lecture, so I thought I would listen to his book. The author was very passionate about cooking. However the first part of the book he didn't show much remorse for what he did, it almost seemed like he was bragging.