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Trap Kitchen
Trap Kitchen: Bangin' Recipes from Compton
Jenkins and Smith, who once belonged to rival L.A. gangs, became friends and started a catering business marketed solely on Instagram. Media outlets took notice, as did Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart, paving the way for their debut cookbook - Publishers Weekly
When two former members of Los Angeles' most nefarious rival gangs decided to unite under one oven, they had no idea that they would be creating an empire. Trap Kitchen is more than just a cookbook. It's a glimpse into the meals that have now become famous in the LA streets thanks to the series of pop-up restaurants that continue to bloom throughout the area. Celebrities and residents alike flock to the locations for soulful meals, but it's more than that.
Having lost friends and family to violence, we learn how the masterminds behind Trap Kitchen sought to change the paths they were on, using cooking as their driving force. While other cookbooks may boast a level of urban-skewed appeal in their realness, this cookbook also delves into the stories of why they became involved in cooking in the first place.
It's both a heartfelt and stomach-filling experience to learn how two men changed their stars by seeking out peace and good food for themselves and their community.
When two former members of Los Angeles' most nefarious rival gangs decided to unite under one oven, they had no idea that they would be creating an empire. Trap Kitchen is more than just a cookbook. It's a glimpse into the meals that have now become famous in the LA streets thanks to the series of pop-up restaurants that continue to bloom throughout the area. Celebrities and residents alike flock to the locations for soulful meals, but it's more than that.
Having lost friends and family to violence, we learn how the masterminds behind Trap Kitchen sought to change the paths they were on, using cooking as their driving force. While other cookbooks may boast a level of urban-skewed appeal in their realness, this cookbook also delves into the stories of why they became involved in cooking in the first place.
It's both a heartfelt and stomach-filling experience to learn how two men changed their stars by seeking out peace and good food for themselves and their community.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2017
49 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 15, 2023
Malachi Jenkins and Roberto Smith once belonged to rival gangs; now they have put their differences aside and are cooking together and making lots of money! This is a great story that shows that there is hope once violence is set aside - that individuals who were once caught in a downward spiral of destructive behavior can work towards a common goal. Some really good recipes in here just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
April 15, 2023
( Format : Audiobook )
"Cook book"
Guess I'm just too old for this. The introductory section gives a brief background before moving onto the recipes, ingredients listed, but loosely..Sounds interesting but can't see me cooking any of it. An accompanying PDF repeats/ prints the recipes for ease of following. The narration is in a homey accent with a warm, pleasing rhythm but (for me and my elderly Englis ear) hard to follow. Good luck to the authors and others like them. I especially enjoyed the dedication which included thanks for being judged by their talent and not their appearance.
So say we all.
"Cook book"
Guess I'm just too old for this. The introductory section gives a brief background before moving onto the recipes, ingredients listed, but loosely..Sounds interesting but can't see me cooking any of it. An accompanying PDF repeats/ prints the recipes for ease of following. The narration is in a homey accent with a warm, pleasing rhythm but (for me and my elderly Englis ear) hard to follow. Good luck to the authors and others like them. I especially enjoyed the dedication which included thanks for being judged by their talent and not their appearance.
So say we all.
December 17, 2017
Not your typical cookbook (in a good way)!
The only negative comment I have is the random use of curse words. However reading their stories I can understand that their language is the least of their problems. Their gift has brought them out of a difficult life to say the least.
Recipes. If you want to be entertained when reading a recipe this is the book for you. I had a friend's grandmother who taught me recipes the same way- real and to the point. Nothing complicated, easy ingredients and great outcomes.
The only negative comment I have is the random use of curse words. However reading their stories I can understand that their language is the least of their problems. Their gift has brought them out of a difficult life to say the least.
Recipes. If you want to be entertained when reading a recipe this is the book for you. I had a friend's grandmother who taught me recipes the same way- real and to the point. Nothing complicated, easy ingredients and great outcomes.
April 20, 2018
This cookbook ain't your Momma's. It's full of foul language that might offend some. It didn't me. The recipes are a mess! They kind of give you the directions first and then kind of give the basic ingredients (examples: 1 box of small macaroni noodles. Is that a 1 lb box? 2 cans crushed tomatoes. Is that 14-16 oz or 28 oz cans?). If you're not an experienced cook who can toss meals together without recipes, this book is definitely not for you. Some of the recipes are very basic. Some are decent. But to be honest, I didn't want to make any of them.
October 15, 2019
Great cookbook and inspiring story. I had the great good fortune to attend a barbecue when the chef/authors visited Cleveland. Best. Sausage. EVER. Don't miss the chance to go if they visit anywhere near you!
Side note: If you're squeamish about curse words...try to set that aside and appreciate the playful spirit of the book, the authors' story and the recipes.
Side note: If you're squeamish about curse words...try to set that aside and appreciate the playful spirit of the book, the authors' story and the recipes.
March 30, 2022
Mad respect to these guys for their hustle and success. This is a cool book with some interesting recipes. There are a lot of curse words and adult material in the book, so be wary of that if you decide to read it.
April 15, 2023
Nice listen
September 14, 2023
Definitely enjoyed flipping through and getting inspired, I took some pictures of the recipes I plan on making!
January 6, 2025
I hate when I walk to the kitchen looking for food and all I find are Ingredients.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews