Keep On Cookin': A Celebration of Life Through Cooking, Hardcover

Like people and recipes, every cookbook has a story to tell. Feast your eyes on this one

Chef Cardie Mortimer's love for food and cooking began early. He graduated from culinary school, moonlighted as a professional chef across the country, and his experiences have shaped his craft. Sound like every other chef's story? Not when you learn what flavors go into the "meat and potatoes" of it

Cardie relishes every moment of the therapeutic, social, and artistic experience of cooking, especially since he had lost access to it when he suffered temporary paraplegia in the 2000's. However, his hunger to cook gourmet meals again (and superb medical and emotional support), helped heal him. It motivated him during physical therapy and swapping food stories with other patients helped pass time, forge bonds, and lift spirits. As he expressed his thanks to the medical staff by cooking them an authentic, New Orleans lunch, he knew that joy and healing power of food had to be shared with people at disadvantage. But more on that in the book.

With a culinary resume of working with and learning from esteemed chefs, appearing on national television, and leading culinary therapy and reputable cooking classes across several U.S. regions (most notably, the tri-state area and deep South), it seemed natural to next share some of his most treasured creations with the public in a way that could also benefit others.

"Keep On Cookin' A Celebration of Life Through Cooking," invites you to indulge in Cardie's delicious recipes while challenging and empowering you to pay it forward.

This cookbook serves over 120 easy-to-make delights prepared with heart and soul. And you can taste it. Whether it is a meal filled with nostalgia, a classic with a twist, or one honoring a culture or custom, these recipes are peppered with warm memories and have been well-received by loved ones and strangers alike. Featuring tantalizing appetizers, salads, soups, sides, mains, and desserts for all occasions, there is a little something for everyone. Some signature recipes include:

Brined Roast Turkey

Chicken, Andouille, and Shrimp Gumbo

Chicken Napoleons with Veloute

Chicken, Vegetable, and Andouille Jambalaya

Marinated and Grilled Buttermilk Chicken with Garlic, Honey, and Raspberry Puree

Marinated Roast Leg of Lamb with Gravy

Slow-Cooked Pot Roast

Slow-Cooked Prime RIb with Au Jus and Yorkshire Pudding

Slow-Cooked Short Ribs in Tawny Port

New Orleans Crabmeat Dip

Beer, Cheese, and Potato Soup

New Orleans Clam Chowder

Pumpkin Soup

Banana Bread with Chocolate

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Bourbon Whipped Cream

Cranberry, Pumpkin, and Banana Muffins

Always caring about the reader's (and diners') welfare, Cardie walks you through his recipes in detail with tips to refine the process. Stress may remain on your plate, but his guidance will let you enjoy preparing the ingredients to interacting with those savoring the meal. Cooking is an accomplishment and a treat for yourself and others; have fun while making those memories

The cherry on top: ALL book proceeds are going to the Tennessee Valley Coalition for the Homeless to help them and affiliated organizations combat homelessness nationwide. Years ago, Cardie lost an acquaintance-turned-friend to the realities of homelessness. Since then, it has been his mission to help these people access the resources and support they need. The simplest act of kindness can change another's story for the better and create more goodwill. Whether your purchase is to help raise your kitchen game or contribute to a greater cause (or both ), it will enable and encourage you to confidently put your goodness into a world that needs more love and happiness