Cooked Audiobook By Jeff Henderson cover art

Cooked

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

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Cooked

By: Jeff Henderson
Narrated by: Jeff Henderson
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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 Chef Inspiring Heartfelt

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)
Inspiring Transformation • Compelling Life Journey • Inspirational Narration • Raw Authenticity • Motivational Message
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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!

Easy Listen. Incredible Story.

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

Great book

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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.

Amazing, inspirational love story

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

Awesome book

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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!

Fantastic!

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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.

lived experiences

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Felt like it was all over the place with no real point. Homeboy’s friend died in the end after he quit the hustle. Life seems to burn him out. Restaurant industry, how many jobs did he have to figure out he wasn’t happy?

Pretty good for background noise

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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!

Inspirational - 2 lives in 1 lifetime

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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.

Very engaging and inspiring

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This is a lovely, honest, and entertaining listen. I appreciate that Chef Jeff made no attempts at code-switching or polishing his story.

I love how he still mis-pronounces foie gras, uses mf’ers to refer to folks who intentionally tried to impede his progress, and doesn’t make himself out to be a “hero.” He neither glamorizes thug/prison life nor makes himself better or different than the many street hustlers and prison inmates he talks about.

If I had the opportunity to meet this man for coffee—the cocaine dealer doesn’t drink (and never has) or do drugs—I would want to pay for it and say “thank you.” From what I’ve learned about him in his autobiography, he probably wouldn’t let me.

Authentic and Compelling Story

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