about chef jack

Some of my fondest memories of my early childhood was centered on food and the family table. Growing up in a rather large family in the 50's & 60's (I'm the last of 11 children) I always looked forward to Sunday dinner! Everyone came home with their families and the best food was put on the table. As our family grew, dishes were brought in to take the burden off my mother. Porter family reunions were a treat, as table after table was loaded with delicious foods and desserts. You knew you were at a Porter family gathering when there were more desserts than the main course! My father always said a meal was not complete without dessert. Another fond memory of growing up at the Porter house: Saturdays were known as cleaning day. The house was scrubbed until it was shining, everything in place, ready for Sunday company. We each had our designated chores and together we worked diligently until completed. We then would make cookies, puddings, s'mores, popcorn, you name it, and sit in front of the TV and watch The Grand Ole Opry. It doesn't get any better than that folks! 

I began cooking at the age of 14 out of necessity. My mother became ill and being the last child, I had to learn to cook or not eat. Little did I know that was the beginning of my love affair with food and hospitality. When I moved into my first home in 1974, as a single man, I began cooking for my family on Saturday's. Soon I was cooking for 20+ people and loving it. A few years later, I purchased and operated a restaurant, The Choice Cafe, in Nokomis IL, cooking, hosting, and serving up to 350 people a day. When I married Connie, we hosted many dinners and cook-outs for our families and for church functions. We cooked together for the holidays as our own family grew. Birthday parties, Graduations, School lunches. Our greatest challenge was to put together a funeral dinner at the last minute. In a matter of a couple hours, we hit the grocery store, each pushing a cart and piling in everything we could think of, preparing the food, and feeding over 150. 

A few years ago, I began (and to this day) hosting a weekly family meal which included children, grandchildren, and siblings. If you leave hungry, its your fault. Some family favorites include Meatloaf, Chicken & Noodles, Roast Beef & Mashed Potatoes, and the never ending desserts.. such as Red Velvet & Angel Food Cake, Coconut Cake, Saw Dust Pie, and Strawberry Heaven... that's right, make-you-feel-good food! Adding a 2nd kitchen to my home was a tremendous asset. My home has 4 ovens.. I'm serious about cooking! 

The recipes complied for our cookbook are the result of nearly 50 years in the kitchen. Most of my recipes are becoming a lost art that is fading in this fast-paced world. I hope you will find something here that you love. I pray the family will return to the dinner table, sharing great food, and making lasting memories! I hope you enjoy the stories and from the 500 family favorite recipes. I hope some of them become your favorites too. 

-Jackson Porter