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Twist and Shout: Twist It Up Cookbook

Aspiring chef Jack Witherspoon cooks for kids and a cure for cancer. Read his inspiring story and try his original recipes for Caesar Salad Cups and Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells.

Chronicle Books

When a relapse of leukemia struck Jack Witherspoon of Redondo Beach, Calif., at the age of 6, he found the TV Food Network and his love affair with cooking began. First diagnosed as a 2-year old, Jack had undergone 3 years of treatment. The return of leukemia in 2006 forced him from school and into the hospital for intensive treatment.

“During my hospital stays for treatment I got hooked on watching the Food Network. That’s how this whole thing got started. It didn’t take long before I decided my dream was to be a chef just like the ones I saw on TV,” he says.

In December 2007, Jack and his family held a fundraiser for pediatric leukemia. Called “Cooking Up Dreams,” the event starred Jack as guest chef, and all the proceeds—some $36,000—were donated to pediatric leukemia research. Many fundraisers, $100,000 raised for research and countless recipes later, Jack and his mom, Lisa, penned Twist It Up, an inspiring book full of kid-friendly recipes. Each is a “twist” on one of his favorite comfort foods.

Leukemia returned again in June 2011, but 12-year-old Chef Jack is now going strong after finishing his treatment. Blogging, rock-climbing, visiting with his favorite Food Network stars and book signings keep him incredibly busy. And his interest in cooking is unflagging.

“Remember, 99 percent of everything we do depends on us believing we can!” he says. Shout it from the rooftops, Jack.

—Photo reprinted with permission from Jack Witherspoon’s Twist It Up: More than 60 Delicious Recipes from an Inspiring Young Chef (Chronicle Books, 2011).

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells from aspiring Chef Jack Witherspoon

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce

I first tried these stuffed shells at a tiny Italian restaurant. They were so tasty and such a treat, I had to learn how to make them myself.—Jack Witherspoon

Caesar Salad Cups

Caesar Salad is a classic, and I just love eating it in these cups. My mom made them once and I liked them so much, I kind of stole her idea.—Jack Witherspoon