An Indian Cuisine Weekend

There’s something beautiful about being in a kitchen with Jewels and Jill. It might have something to do with the fact that they are both so darn pleasant, or that Jewels has a habit of saying, “that’s beautiful” whenever she tastes something to her liking. It’s partially because of the mouth-watering aromas that pour from every pot, making you glad you ate before arriving so you stand a (small) chance of resisting the urge to devour everything in sight. Mostly it’s just watching two experienced chefs in their element, perfectly in sync as only sisters who have worked together for years could be.

It was no exception this past Saturday in the kitchen with Jewels and Jill as they prepared a special dinner for two clients and eighteen of their closest friends.

The clients' request: Indian cuisine.

As they are famous for doing, Jewels and Jill took the theme and planned a menu giving traditional dishes their own fresh, healthy twist.

Jewels’ and Jill’s Menu:

Chicken Tikka Masala

Curtis Stone’s Lamb Curry

Yellow Curried Cauliflower

Papadums

Raita

Yellow Lentil Soup

Potato Samosas

Vegetable Birryani

Throughout a daylong swirl of preparations and cooking, the dishes evolved. A tomato chutney was scrapped as a dip and used as a flavor enhancer for a lentil dish..it was just the perfect balance. Jill substituted a tiny touch of cream for yogurt to smooth out the flavor of her Chicken Tikka Masala... they had yogart Raita. Jewels decided she would, in fact, add the veggies to the Lamb Curry....Curtis Stone's recipe used as an easy guide...(he is full of goodness) but she always works off the written word... toasting both the black and green cardamon pods to add depth.

At all times the girls stayed focused on how to get the best flavors with the healthiest possible preparation. You don’t always need that much butter...maybe just a little more spice!

End result...people who loved and felt loved...

~ S. McKaig

New Book Release will be May 5th, 2009

The Family Chef

Here's a preview of the inside flaps.

With a sterling reputation and a string of A-list celebrity clients, private celebrity

chefs Jewels and Jill Elmore have created unforgettable food for such luminaries

a s Jennifer Aniston, John Travolta , and Kelly Preston.

Now it’s your turn.

Here, for the first time ever, Jewels and Jill reveal the secrets to their success both in business and at home with their own families. Included in The Family Chef are more than seventy-five stunning, savory, and satisfying home-cooked recipes, fully illustrated with easy-to-follow directions. The meals that have made some of the most famous people in the world take notice can now be enjoyed in your own home. But this book is not an exposé on the eating habits of the rich and famous—it is a book by two of America’s most accomplished private chefs, showing how you can capture the magic and beauty of the best fresh, healthy, nutritious cooking, and offer it to your whole family.

With a style that focuses on family as much as it does on nutrition and flavor, and a reputation you’ll have to taste to believe, Jewels and Jill prove that great home cooking is the foundation of your family’s health and happiness.

Jewels & Jill Elmore are sisters and acclaimed private-home chefs based in Santa Monica, California. As Family Chefs, they have spent most of their time cooking in the homes of Jennifer Aniston, John Travolta, and Kelly Preston. They have also worked with Wolfgang Puck on events such as the Oscars and the Grammys. They are also head chefs for their own two hungry husbands and two baby boys. 

Ann Marsh, a former staff writer with Forbes magazine and a columnist with the Los Angeles Times, has coauthored two other books. She is based out of Los Angeles. 

Petrina Tinslay is an Australian photographer celebrated for her diverse portfolio. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Travel + Leisure, Martha Stewart Living, Food & Wine, and Gourmet and in more than forty worldwide cookbook titles.

Let's start cookin'!

Let's start cookin'! We've got the main ingredients, the book is getting printed, the website is being built and special events are being scheduled. Now, all we have to do add the spice, Jewels and Jill!

....more coming soon. We are very excited!