As I write this, fifty percent of my hands are covered in Psoriasis, my body is ravaged and I’m uncomfortable, to say the least. In 2018 I set out to write one blog a week for one year. This was a cathartic exercise, revealing my struggles with Psoriasis and mental illness and my love of…
Chef Jordan Wagman's Clean (Your) Soul Food Blog
Follow your Dreamz
I don’t know the exact date, but if I had to guess I’d say this story takes place about ten years ago. I was sitting on a bench at the gym, taking a quick break from my work out, when an old friend approached me to chat. I had known Michelle my whole life, in…
Need a Hand?
Anyone living with a chronic illness knows there are good days and there are bad days. Over these last few years I have enjoyed many good months with a few bad days sprinkled in, just to keep things interesting. Right now, I’m having a few bad days. Last week my son Jonah was home with…
The F-Word (Fond)
Inspiration comes from everywhere these days and social media is no exception. I live in an amazing community. One that has online groups to share important news of neighbourhood restaurant openings, local break-ins and general help when a neighbour is in need. Yesterday, a neighbour asked for some help with dinner and about 30 minutes…
It’s Freezing!
During the Christmas holidays Tamar and I traveled to Mexico for a week. We were with her parents, her sister and all our kids for some R&R and sunshine. At least once a year Tamar and I usually seek a reprieve from winter to allow my psoriasis a chance to heal. This year was different…
Unsung Heroes – Take Two
About two years ago I was introduced to Neal, the producer and brainchild behind Unsung Heroes Productions. Our connection was immediate and went beyond our mutual love for charity and music. In my blog “From Coal to Diamond,” I discussed my time at the “Jerome D. Diamond Centre” which is a school for children with emotional, educational,…
Thank you for holding my string
The other day I was watching a re-run of the 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. One of my favourite bands, Pearl Jam, was being inducted. During their acceptance speech, the lead singer, Eddie Vedder said something that resonated; “A kite can’t fly without someone holding firmly onto the string. If it flies too high,…
Ho Ho Holidays
Each week my wife Tamar and I have the same discussion; whose parents should we have dinner with on Friday evening, hers or mine? Often the answer is neither, because we’re too busy carpooling to our son Jonah’s hockey game, or driving and picking up our daughter Jamie from gymnastics. But we’re always well intentioned….
Chef Jordan’s Kitchen Tips and Tricks
Most recipes I create include tips and tricks. These are tidbits of information meant to save you time, provide you with ingredient options, and keep you safer in the kitchen. In my classes, before we begin cooking, we discuss key phrases along with these useful tips, which I emphasize often throughout my three-hour class. This…
New York State of Mind, Take 3
Aunt Trish passed away last July. At her funeral, I learned a couple of things about her that I had not known. Namely, that she had a love for 3D art and various charitable endeavours. I always knew of her passion for helping local youth, so the fact that she was philanthropic and gave back…