Chef Felisha Nicholson is a Tallahassee native and a self-taught home chef. With cooking influences from all over the world, Chef Fe takes pride and enthusiasm in the culinary opportunities presented to her.
In 2020, Chef Fe officially launched her business, The FE-Nomenal Cooking Experience, LLC. While her passion has always been cooking, she decided to launch her business during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide her customers with a private dining experience in the comfort of their own homes. She and her team would prepare in-home meals, create beautiful tablescapes, and even offer professional photographs if desired.
What started as private dinners quickly expanded into catering services and other culinary opportunities. In 2022, The FE-Nomenal Cooking Experience, LLC was recognized as Tallahassee Readers' Choice Awards' "Best Caterer of the Year." Since then, Chef Fe has continued to provide in-home dining experiences, catering, virtual and in-person cooking classes, as well as cooking camps for children.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become an author?
At first, I was hesitant to create a cookbook. I wasn’t sure how I felt about sharing my recipes with others because my recipes are a piece of me. However, I realized that God has given me the ability to cook and bring so much joy to others through food.
Who am I to withhold that gift from the world? So, I decided to share it. Now, I can reach more people, even in their own homes, and they can share my passion with their families and friends. It is a blessing.
What is your book about, and what inspired you to write it?
"Cooking with Fe" shares a plethora of recipe ideas that are simple, fun, and delicious. Every recipe is crafted to give readers a sense of home and leave them with a happy stomach. 😉
Many of the recipes in this book were inspired by my loved ones, and each piece reflects who I am and the love I have for cooking. This project allowed me to share my personal connection with food while also inviting others to create meaningful memories in their kitchens.
Are you a PurposePals author? If so, what did you enjoy about your PurposePals Publishing experience?
Yes, I am a PurposePals author, and I thoroughly enjoyed my publishing journey with Kimi Johnson and her PurposePals team.
There wasn’t a single moment where I felt alone throughout the process. Kimi was incredibly hands-on and encouraging, guiding me step by step. Her support made the entire experience not only professional but also personal and meaningful.
What was the most challenging part of writing or publishing your book, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging part of the process was getting all the recipes formatted, edited, and revised.
The revision process was tedious but necessary. As a chef, you become familiar with how you prepare your dishes, often cooking without exact measurements. However, explaining those steps clearly for readers required me to shift my mindset and be more detailed.
To overcome this, I had to step into the reader’s shoes, break down each recipe carefully, and focus on clarity. It was a learning experience, but ultimately, it helped me grow as a chef and author.
Who or what do you hope your book will impact, and what message do you want readers to take away?
I hope this cookbook becomes a resource that anyone can pick up, follow easily, and feel proud of the meals they prepare. The recipes are designed to be simple yet flavorful, making them accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
I also want readers to experience a culinary journey of flavors from around the world—just like my own cooking influences. My kitchen is a blend of experiences and inspirations from many cultures, and I want readers to feel that same joy when they cook.
What is your writing process like? Do you have any tips or habits you’d like to share with aspiring authors?
Writing a cookbook requires being meticulous with details. Often, I cook without measuring, so I had to adjust my process to ensure clarity for readers who would rely on specific measurements and instructions.
My Tips for Aspiring Authors:
Document Everything: Take time to note every ingredient and step as you prepare dishes.
Be Clear and Concise: Write instructions as if teaching someone with no prior experience.
Practice Patience: Writing a book can be long and challenging—give yourself grace.
Test Your Recipes: Verify that your instructions work for others, not just yourself.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their writing journey or planning to publish their first book?
Just start. Don’t overthink it. Don’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect idea. Start now.
The ideas and creativity will flow as you go. Begin with what you have—write down thoughts, concepts, or even rough drafts. You can always refine your work later. The key is to begin.
What’s next for you?
I have exciting plans for a few more cookbooks! There are ideas I’m already working on, and I’m excited to bring them to life and share them with you all very soon. Stay tuned for more unique recipes and personal stories in the near future!
Embark on a culinary journey filled with love, flavor, and simplicity with Chef Fe's latest masterpiece, "Cooking with Fe: Delicious Food Made with Love."
As a self-taught home chef, Chef Fe has crafted a collection of recipes that reflect her lifelong passion for cooking. From comforting classics to innovative culinary creations, each dish is infused with Chef Fe's unwavering love for the art of cooking.
In " Cooking with Fe: Delicious Food Made with Love," Chef Fe invites you into her kitchen, where she shares her favorite quick, easy, and fun recipes that anyone can cook. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, Chef Fe's approachable recipes will inspire you to unleash your inner culinary artist.
With a focus on fresh ingredients and straightforward techniques, Chef Fe proves that delicious meals don't have to be complicated. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring joy to your table and warmth to your heart.
Connect with Felisha Nicholson
You can connect with Chef Fe through the following platforms:
Website: www.fenomenalcooking.com
Facebook: The FE-Nomenal Cooking Experience, LLC
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