Book Review: "The Jailhouse Cookbook" by Chef Artie Cuisine
Posted by Martin Gonzalez
Can Inmates Cook In Prison?
If you've ever wondered about the culinary adventures within the confines of a prison, "The Jailhouse Cookbook" by Chef Artie Cuisine is a fascinating, mouthwatering, and enlightening exploration of this uncharted territory. Chef Artie's biographical jailhouse cooking saga offers a unique and captivating perspective on what it's like to cook, survive, and thrive while incarcerated in a New York City prison.
A Journey of Resilience
Chef Artie Cuisine's journey is nothing short of remarkable. From being a seasoned NYC chef to finding himself behind bars, his story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt and overcome adversity. Here are some key takeaways from this gripping memoir:
- From Culinary Passion to Survival: Chef Artie's transition from the bustling kitchens of New York's finest restaurants to the stark reality of prison life is a captivating narrative. His passion for cooking becomes his lifeline as he navigates the challenges of incarceration.
- 110 Gourmet Recipes for Inmates: In his quest to ensure that inmates eat more than just basic prison spreads, Chef Artie shares a collection of 110 gourmet recipes. These recipes are designed for those facing limited cooking facilities, making them versatile for use in school dorms, RVs, camping trips, and even at home. The recipes come with detailed instructions, empowering readers to create delicious meals under unconventional circumstances.
- Cooking as a Survival Strategy: Within the prison walls, Chef Artie finds that cooking not only satisfies his culinary cravings but also serves as a means of self-preservation and earning protection from fellow inmates. His ability to whip up remarkable dishes becomes a form of currency in the prison hierarchy.
- Mastering the Art of Improvisation: Chef Artie's mantra, "No oven? No stove? No problem!" underscores his determination to craft gourmet meals with limited resources. His creativity in improvising cooking techniques is inspiring, and readers can learn valuable kitchen skills from his experiences.
- A Career Path in Cooking: The book offers practical insights into mastering Chef Artie's techniques for creating decent prison food. These skills are not only valuable inside prison but can also set individuals on a path towards a career in restaurant kitchens upon their release, making them recession-proof skills to have.
A Feast of Recipes
The book is divided into chapters that cover a wide range of recipes, from breakfast items to international cuisines. Notably, Chef Artie even includes a chapter on holiday menus, proving that delicious feasts are possible even during Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas within the confines of a prison.
Some standout recipes include Pineapple-Glazed Baked Ham, BBQ Fried Chicken, Roast Garlic Whipped Potatoes, and Cookie Crusted Pumpkin Pie, among many others. These dishes add a touch of flavor and comfort to an otherwise challenging environment.
Navigating Prison Cooking
For those intrigued by the prospect of cooking in prison, Chef Artie provides valuable guidance on essential equipment, food items available at the commissary, and how to receive food and utensils from outside sources. Additionally, he includes a glossary and tips on weights and measures, ensuring that readers can follow his recipes with ease.
Conclusion
"The Jailhouse Cookbook" by Chef Artie Cuisine is a must-have for anyone curious about the world of cooking behind bars. Chef Artie's storytelling, culinary expertise, and survival instincts make this book a captivating and informative read. It's not just a cookbook; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of cooking.