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 TurkeyChicken, Andouille, and Shrimp GumboChicken Napoleons with VelouteChicken, Vegetable, and Andouille JambalayaMarinated and Grilled Buttermilk Chicken with Garlic, Honey, and Raspberry PureeMarinated Roast Leg of Lamb with GravySlow-Cooked Pot RoastSlow-Cooked Prime RIb with Au Jus and Yorkshire PuddingSlow-Cooked Short Ribs in Tawny PortNew Orleans Crabmeat DipBeer, Cheese, and Potato SoupNew Orleans Clam Chowder