Jasmine Brooks

Meet Jasmine Brooks

Everything I know about cooking, I learned standing on a step stool in my Grandma Lucille's kitchen in Atlanta. She'd wake up at 5 AM on Sundays to start her famous collard greens, and by noon, the whole neighborhood could smell what was coming. Those memories—the sizzle of chicken hitting hot oil, the steam rising from fresh cornbread, the way everyone gathered around her table—shaped who I am today.

Grandma Lucille passed away when I was 19, but her recipes live on in my kitchen. I've spent years recreating her dishes, sometimes calling my aunts and mom to settle debates about whether she used one bay leaf or two in her gumbo. (It was two. Mom was right.)

Now I live in Chicago with my rescue dog, Duke, and I work as a high school English teacher by day. Cooking is how I unwind, connect with my roots, and keep Grandma's legacy alive.

My Cooking Philosophy

• Honor the Tradition: Soul food isn't just food—it's history, community, and love on a plate. I treat these recipes with the respect they deserve.
• Make It Accessible: Not everyone grew up learning these techniques, and that's okay. I break down every step so anyone can succeed.
• Season Generously: Grandma always said, "Bland food is sad food." I agree completely. We're not shy with flavor here.

What You'll Find From Me

I specialize in Southern and soul food classics—fried chicken, shrimp and grits, peach cobbler, and all the dishes that make a Sunday dinner feel like a celebration. I also love putting my own spin on comfort food, adding modern twists while keeping the soul intact.

When I'm not cooking or grading papers, I'm hunting for vintage cookbooks at estate sales, trying new restaurants around the city, or taking Duke on long walks by the lake.

Connect with Jasmine:
Email: