Marley B' Jam'n Kickstarter Countdown! Believers and Backers Needed!

We are approaching the last days of our campaign on Kickstarter! Marley B' Jam'n needs Believers and Backers to reach our goal! Please visit our page for product information, funding needs, our Vegan Test Kitchen, and awesome rewards - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/marleybjamn/marley-b-jamn-help-us-jam-and-make-that-bacon-twer

Featured Jam of the Week! BAM (Bourbon and Molasses) Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders

What can you do with (1) Jar of BAM (Bourbon and Molasses) BBQ Simmering Sauce? You can create these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Sliders that will have your whole house Jam'n and doing "The Yummy Dance"! 

Make it Easy Breezy!

1 LB Roasted Chicken

Prepare your chicken by shredding to bite sized pieces

Get your oven ready at 350

BAM (Bourbon and Molasses) BBQ Simmering Sauce on the Scene

1 8oz Jar of BAM (Bourbon and Molasses) Simmering Sauce

1 (12) Package of Sweet Hawaiian Bread

You can really stop here but why.....

A Full Pantry of Flavor in One Jar

Empty the whole jar of sauce into the bowl of chicken.

You've just added a full pantry of flavors in one stroke! Applewood Smoked, Hickory, and Maple Bacon, Garlic, Onions, Spanish Paprika, Indian Cumin, Spicy Mustard, Coffee, Salt, Pepper, Chipolte Peppers, Adobo, Bourbon, and Molasses.

Mix It Up!

How you like your "Que" is up to you! Some people like a little sauce, some people like it dripping.

I'm in between, so I used a little more than 1 8oz jar and added an extra 1/4 cup of BAM BBQ Simmering Sauce.

Drop That Base

Prep your pan with oil so your buns don't stick

Slice a whole package of Hawaiian Bread in half and place in pan

Spread The Love

Evenly spread the chicken and cover the bread from corner to corner

Pile it On

You'll have a nice thick layer when you use a package of 12 rolls

Looks Oh So Good!

Say Cheese!

1/2 Cup of Sharp Cheddar

1/2 Cup of Colby and Monterey Jack Cheese

1/2 Cup of Mozzarella 

Combine in a bowl or just grab a handful of each and sprinkle like cray!

Get Creative and Play With Your Food

I chose to keep this simple but you can add, delete, or replace the  cheese to your personal preference.

You can even add BAM (Bourbon and Maple) Bacon Jam Chutney on top...Say What?

Perfectly Cheesy

Top Coat

Almost there! Place the top layer of Hawaiian buns evenly over your layers of chicken and cheese

Oh Yeah!

Glaze it with Goodness

3 TSP Melted Butter

1 TSP Mustard

1 TSP Honey

1 TSP Worcestershire Sauce

Whisk in a small bowl til blended

Brush with butter mixture and completely cover the top and exposed parts of bread around the sides

Glam it Up!

Sprinkle with sesame seeds to take your dish from plain to Funky-Fresh!

Cover and Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes (depending on your oven)

If It Isn't Love...

So sexy how the cheese and bbq chicken tease us with it's goodness blended and spilling over the sides

You Have the Power

Impress your family and friends with this yummy, cheesy, BBQ, bacon, bourbon, and chicken goodness!

Anywhere, Anytime, Any Place

Your new staple dish to take to parties

Your Friday night dinner

Your Saturday midnight snack

Your Lunch on Monday

Hnoi's Jam Session

Please don't judge!   This is my first time doing a video blog and it's pretty raw, explicit and real, but hopefully at least a little entertaining as you follow my jam'n process.  There are many shout-outs to people (of all lands) and places from San Francisco to Hawaii. This first trial run was created for my friend Hnoi, from Thailand and part of a family I've created during my travels as an Independent Event Producer, also know as a Travel Director (TD).  

As a surprise, I created a batch of BAM Bacon Jam Chutney with her name all over it, literally!  My girl, likes it hot, so this jam has an extra level of spice that sings her name, "Hnoi Hot".  Before leaving for vacation to Santa Rosa, Florida with my U-Family, I used all of the seconds, minutes, hours I could spare and jam'd and filmed with little time to pack. Somehow I pulled off a complete victory of processing, canning, branding, and packaging by 3am. But doh! no time to mail with a 6am flight!  Thankfully I've got a true "RODC" (Ride or Die Chick) in the LB Shizzle named Alison Bacon (Crazy, right? BACON!) who mailed the package to arrive at Hnoi's onsite location at Andaz, Maui, HI.  This session reflects the music, stories of Hawaii, and people from my previous gig (aka program or event) in Maui as well as connections made on the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is the birthplace of my friendship with Hnoi.  Along with a few others who are bonded by trust, respect, and accountability, love has no borders and crosses many seas, oceans, mountains and times to always hold us together.  There is no time like time spent with my "Road Warriors".  Shout-outs and "Departure Day Jams"  Included!

Upon completing the video, I took a photo of the USPS package and posted a weary eyed shout out that one of my Facebook friends would be receiving something in the mail from me.  Thankfully I've got a true "RODC" (Ride or Die Chick) in the LB Shizzle, who mailed the package while I was on vacation.  I sent another teaser post a couple of days later, I think a few people saw it but here is the original post...

Since I had an inside scoop to Hnoi's whereabouts, I enlisted my hotel contact Ashley at Andaz and alerted her to when the BAM Bacon Jam Chutney would arrive, warming instructions, and requested to have some tasting items on standby.  Too excited for when that package would arrive, I stood by FB and kept in contact our mutual buddies (Drew Kunkemoeller and Mitch Gabrielson) on location with her in Maui, but holding my tongue on the surprise to come.  

Upon it's arrival, I got a shout-out of wicked surprise from Drew who told me Hnoi wasn't around and hadn't been seen for a while.  I was super stoked but still anxiously anticipating her reaction.  Even though Hnoi and I recently spoke, bacon didn't come up and she had no idea of my depth of this BAM Jam other than a few posts I made on FB. 

After a few grueling hours, I got a text message and saw a Facebook post from Hnoi! In that moment, my heart warmed and I was satisfied she knew her worth and my love.

The extended version of Hnoi's Jam Session and could be painful for those who don't have an extra 35 minutes to spare. Seriously! who has that kind of time?  Here is a shorter version of the video, which includes her opening the package.  More versions on Marley B' Jam'n You Tube Channel.  

Marley B' Jam'n Intro and jam session for Hnoi Latthitham. Includes video of Hnoi receiving and opening package.

More versions on Marley B' Jam'n YouTube Channel.  

Shout-outs and "Departure Day Jams" included! These are explicit. 

Watch the full jam session on Marley B' Jam'n YouTube Channel!

Marley B' Jam'n Featured on An Appetizing Life

Marley B' Jam'n Featured on An Appetizing Life! Such an amazing experience being in the kitchen with my idol, Lisa Marie Todd! Lots of laughs, love, and tasty apps that you can make for the holidays or anytime of the year! 

Ode to the U - Fundraising Jam for Class of 88' Daniel Jordan and Family

On June 17, 2015, Daniel Jordan (University City High Class of 88') and his family survived a devastating fire that engulfed their home and consumed their material goods. We are THANKFUL and BLESSED that the most prized possessions, Daniel Sr, Candace, Daniel Jr., Drew, and Chantal, were spared from physical harm and that their positive Spirits remains in tact. 

Daniel and his wife Candace are remarkable in their face of loss by projecting a shield of faith, strength, and courage for their children, family, friends, corporate comrades and community.  

What sparks love? A connection of the soul. Friendship. In a Facebook Post, Daniel Jordan via Jon Katz laid out words that struck a cord in my heart. "“I think if I’ve learned anything about friendship, it’s to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don’t walk away, don’t be distracted, don’t be too busy or tired, and don’t take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff."

How can you help the Jordan Family?

Select the U. City Label - 88 Jams for Jordan. Place your Jam order by Wednesday, August 26th (aka 88!) and $2.44 of each jar's proceeds will go to the family. Marley B' Jam'n is matching your donation for a total of $4.88 on each jar purchased! Let's help one of our Indians and his Tribe get back on their feet!

Fundraising Jams will feature a "U. City Label - 88 Jams for Jordan" that will be placed on specially packaged 8oz size jars of BAM (Bourbon and Maple) Bacon Jam Chutney and BBQ Simmering Sauce.

Get your jam on by Wednesday, August 26th to support the cause! 

U. City Label Only. 

88 Jams for Jordan - Bacon Lover's Jam

88 Jams for Jordan - Jam'n BBQ Sauce

Welcome To My Home!

Dear Friends and Family,

I would like to announce my new multicultural lifestyle, food, travel, music, relationship, story exchange, paranormal, shout-out, all-about-the-people-I-know blog, in conjunction with Marley B' Jam'n!  It is a tribute to my friends, family, peers, road warriors, and "Bruhman" down the street, who make up the colorful world I live in.  Some of the material may not be for the frigid, timid, or of limited mindset. The jam and stories are as real as me, unfiltered and unashamed for having Funky Fresh Flavor.

As I began to travel the world, I realized that my ideologies on race relations and people in general, were different from almost everyone I came across. This foundation of understanding was created and nurtured in University City, a place I will never cease to tribute and glorify. God created this oasis of understanding and community that seemed to absorb us all. Preparing us for the world we live in today. What was our formula? How do we pass along what we just knew as natural, so that others can experience the wonderment of all people, communing, eating, dancing, and loving as freely as we once did.  Let's put that BS aside, ALL sit down, and Spread the Jam, Share a Tale, and Spark Some Love!

"Are Those Your Real Eyes?"

Some of you might find this to be a strange question but I'm asked this, on almost a daily basis.  “Are those your real eyes?”

Can you imagine being questioned about your nostrils every day? Is that your real nose? Maybe, maybe not, in that case, but you need to get it out of my kool-aid.  Why is it so unbelievable? Why is it so important? I can see, so they are working properly, that’s all that matters, right?  This question is just something I never understood.  

People think my eyes are beautiful, different, unique, and so strange to be attached to ME. I've grown up hating them, cursing them, blaming them for bringing me to the unwanted and unwarranted attention of strangers and any old passerby.  Simply put, I cannot fucking hide!  

It's been a rough ride to acknowledge how such a basic feature we all have, can set me on a course different from most people I know. My eyes have opened and closed doors. I've been complemented, gushed over, and on the flip side, hated because of them.  

One thing that’s universal about what I’ve experienced is the line of questioning, whether it be out of friendly curiosity or envious disrespect, comes to me from all races, genders, political alignments, economic backgrounds, dogs/cats.  I mean, if it's crossing my path, there's a possible encounter and no demographic stereotype to prepare me for who or what is coming at me.  

I am a target, a person who is limitless in my appeal both positive and negative. I sometimes feel like an interactive museum exhibit, whose doors are always open for study, critique and judgment.  

Mostly, I stand alone in my difference, relying on the teachings I've learned from my family, childhood friends, and trusted comrades I’ve acquired along my journey.  I’m blessed to be strong in my faith, gaining the courage to face the world but no longer with my eyes closed.

This page will follow stories of the understanding some of us have to deal with the world and all of the crazy questions we can laugh about.

Kimchi, Collards, Spinach, & Cornbread

My husband Mike grew up eating kimchi and spinach in his “Hapa” (half Korean, half White) household and I grew up with a regimen that included an almost daily dose of Mother's (my maternal grandmother) collards. Somehow, cosmically, despite the odds, two people who ate these different types of greens would meet and genuinely fall head over heels in love because we can both agree on cornbread.

Our perspectives on life situations are greatly influenced by the diversity in our household, extended family, within our friendships, and as we raise a walking Benetton promo piece in the form of a (now) 8 year old "Multiracian", Marley, who has no real clue of race or her unique mixture and is just a happy being.

Typically mommies and daughters have similar hair types and even donning the “Stepford” look with matching styles.  Marley and I?  Not so much and she just can't seem to figure out how/why my hair is short and "coily". Completely opposite from her beautiful long wavy "good hair" locks. Obviously, a deceptive fail on my part because up until she was 5, I don't think she ever saw my hair without a weave sewn, glued, or pinned into it.  

Marley was born into this world to some woman who had beautiful wavy highlighted hair.  I vividly remember my mom asking "You gonna let your baby meet you with that blonde in your hair?"

Now that I'm rocking mostly natural locks, the memory of that moment is making me think twice about what I'm teaching my daughter when she cocks her head and asks what I consider to be “white folk questions”...

1. "What the hell happened, Mommy?” Okay she didn’t say “WTH”, but she may as well with the tone of confusion in her voice.
2. “Can you put it back the one way you had it?  I liked it the other curly way...long...can it go back that way?
3. “How about when your hair looked like…?”
4. “Well, how did you get your hair to do that?”
5. “What about when it was straight?"

My mantra has now become" That wasn't my real hair. No, that wasn’t my real hair either…" Damn! And this, my friends can totally be considered a "Black Girl" moment. The irony is, I can't decide if it's sad or an achievement of excellence in weave-ology! 

Today at this precise moment, as I am sitting here writing this, a Bosley commercial airs on television and everyone is screaming “this is my real hair! I can do this! I can do that! This is my real hair!” and Marley casually mentions, as she plays a game on the iPad, “Mommy maybe you should get that so your hair can grow back.”   I can't believe this girl's timing!  “What do you mean grow back?! It hasn’t gone away, that wasn’t my real hair!  Jeez!"

Marley's presence in the world is a miracle and the result of two people who fought through negative racial stereotypes, anger, disappointment, and misunderstanding to keep a love we knew to be true.  It's overwhelming to think that one or a compilation of those encounters with ignorance and my continuous frustration with hate, could have kept us from creating the life we have today.  

Our lives are filled with all of God's racial fruits and smoothies. Our circle of friends and family embraces a slew of Blacks or African Americans (whichever you prefer), Asians (we have all kinds, Korean, Chinese, Pilipino, Thai, and Vietnamese), Whites or Caucasians (whichever you prerer), Indians, Europeans and any combination of the above. There are people of all economic backgrounds in our tribe.  

Most of us are on the hustle, trying to find a balance between paying the bills and kickin it.

Our network doesn't stop at the racial finish line, can't forget The Gays (2 of whom are Marley's Godfathers.  A Pilipino and an “Irish Negro” lovingly called “Fried Rice and White Rice” by my dad, Papa Tweeter.

Mike and I seem to be both magnets and seekers of the “GITO” aka “Gay in the Office”.  Titus, who we met while working in SF was our first “Fierce Adoption” and has helped school us ever since, giving us the education of understanding through his friendship.   Having one friend leads you to another and before we knew it we had scooped up more fabulous people into our world. 

I believe there is a shared struggle among people who date outside of their “barriers” whether it be religion, race, social background, political status, economic class or any other unnatural reason.  We dare to love without constraints, continuing the work of those that came before us and those in the here and now who are literally fighting and dying for their love to be accepted. It’s a courageous journey and not for the weak or timid.

The connection we have with our Gays is hugely important to us.  Being the "Breeders" that we are, there is a ton of Gay shit we don't know.  Who better to clarify than one of my Gays.  They are individuals, independent in their thinking, manner and dress.  It's great to have a variety of Gays to get a well-rounded perspective.  They also know I’ve got their back.  If they need “Black Girl Advice” (BGA), they can come to me with no judgments.  Maybe a screech and "aw hells naw" at the situation, but they (along with my closest friends) know I'm a safe haven to answer any question they don’t dare ask publically.  Through trust and friendship I can explain or clarify my point of view on the subject with love in my heart. 

Interracial, multi-cultural, and Gay couples know "that look" of disapproval all too well.  “That look” that burns through your soul, eyes of hatred, hating because they don't understand what WE obviously do...love is free and not meant to be contained in a bottle. Love yearns to exist and demands to be shared. To fight it is futile.  I’m no doctor or scientist but when love feels far away from me, my heart physically hurts like hell. If your heart has never ached from love then you need to check your pulse STAT! 'cause none of us are immune to its affects and wonderment.  

Through our careers in the Events Industry and travel, Mike and I meet some pretty amazing people on our journeys, as well as encounter some of the dumbest people God dropped on this planet.  What we’ve come to discover is most could use a bit more diversity in their lives.

Look around your life; your inner circle, the co-workers you share personal stories with, your family, where you shop and eat, and where you live. Does everyone look the same, listen to the same type of music, dress similar, and if you watch a show that features a gay couple, you keep it to yourself?  Are your beliefs about others based on what your parents taught you, what you saw on TV, and/or what you’ve interpreted from your peers and community?  Well, I’m here to tell you, some of it is true but most of it is bullshit. 

We're here to help you filter through it all by sharing our stories of pain, strength, faith in overcoming, and the bonding power of laughter, music, and storytelling. I mean, wouldn't it be great with some of the dos and don’ts of navigating through the waters of racial and cultural understanding and help guide you to create/maintain/nourish multicultural friendships.  

It’s an everyday journey for us and we’re more enriched because of it.

What if we start with understanding and compassion, then take the time to learn the difference between stereotypes, misconceptions, and real everyday people who simply dared to love?

I believe we can feed our souls by expanding our pallets to enjoy a variety of greens, whether it be collards, spinach, cabbage, kale, kimchi, or bok choy.  It all goes great with cornbread!