Spreading the Love From Alabama to California With Chef Lorious

Celebrity chef Lori Rogers tapped her southern Alabama roots and northern California upbringing to blend the traditions of jam-making and wine-making.

The result? An entirely new category of wine-infused jam that should be in your picnic basket this Summer. Aptly named Jam Vino, because it is jam-infused with and inspired by the flavors of some popular wines such as Merlot and Moscato. You can spread it on your favorite toast for an elevated brunch, and you can serve it as a fruit paste to go with your favorite cheese board. The flavors are next level. This is what we currently have in our fridge: Blackberry Merlot, Raspberry Moscato, and Strueberry Blanc. Now, these aren’t gloopy, like jams and preserves. These are firm fruit pastes that really work best with cheese. Blackberry Merlot has become our go-to with a triple cream brie, and we recently tried the Raspberry Moscato with a firm and nutty manchego cheese, and it was bliss.

In case you did not know this, Lori (Chef Lorious) Rogers is a celebrity chef and cookbook author, and like many kitchen improvisations, she happened upon Jam Vino when she was looking for a creative twist for a gourmet grilled cheese during a cooking demo at Williams-Sonoma. As Chef Lorious layered this one-of-a-kind homemade wine-infused jam into sandwiches during the demo, the crowd’s curiosity turned into delight. They kept asking, “What’s in this?” and Chef Lorious realized she had more than just a family favorite — she had a hit, Jam Vino! Five years later, Jam Vino continues to be a hit.

In September 2024, Jam Vino surpassed thousands of brands to win Walmart’s coveted “Golden Ticket” to be placed in stores and in December 2024, Jam Vino was recognized as an “Editor’s Top Pick” on Food and Beverage Magazine.

This made us want to know more about Chef Lorious, so we discovered her book Calibama Cooking. Discover the heart of southern soul and West Coast flair in 80 mouthwatering recipes straight from the kitchen of Chef Lorious. This collection is more than just a cookbook—it’s Chef Lorious’s heart on a page.

Each recipe is paired with a full-color photo, capturing the essence of dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re craving comfort food classics just like Grandma made or you’re in the mood for something with a creative twist, you’ll find it all here. The recipes are easy to follow, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making everyday cooking a joy, not a chore.

As you flip through the pages, you’ll feel like you’re right there in the kitchen with our family. The heartwarming stories woven throughout will make you feel like you know Chef Lorious and her family, like you’re sharing a meal together.

Calibama Cooking is for those who love everyday meals with big flavors—from the heart of Dixie to the sun-soaked vibes of California. Dive into the warmth of Alabama roots with a California twist. Let’s cook up something special, straight from my heart to yours.

And don’t forget some Jam Vino for your cheese plate, too! And your charcuterie platter. And your turkey sandwich. And your rotisserie chicken. Why not start the day with it on a fresh croissant, or even a bagel with cream cheese (the Strueberry Blanc Jam Vino is perfect for this). The possibilities are endless.

Find out more about Chef Lorious here and do stock up on some Jam Vino.