Name: Jon Gaines
Year: Sophomore
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jon Gaines is a sophomore offensive lineman on the UCLA Football team. What sets him apart from many is that he takes time out of his busy schedule to make home-cooked meals. Her Campus UCLA gets the rundown on how Gaines makes his famous Mac & Cheese and Buttermilk Fried Chicken and the importance of cooking comfort foods passed down from his family.
Jon Gaines: Geez that’s deep. My paw paw taught my mom how to cook, and she taught my brother and me. Overall, my brother and my father have always been examples of great black men, and my mother’s attention to detail in her cooking has always proven her undying love for our family.
HC: Why is it important for you to carry the cooking tradition you learned from your mom?
JG: Cooking is all about family and being able to provide for those that you love. And that’s really important in the growth of becoming a man and providing for a family one day.
JG: My best friend LA makes this fish fry. Catfish and gumbo. Man, oh my God.
HC: What’s your favorite meal to cook for your team?
JG: My teammate Tito is really the chef of the team. He’s a big dessert guy. But when I do cook for the team it’s usually fried chicken.
JG: It’s an opportunity to learn something new every time I step into the kitchen and the liberty it gives me.
HC: Overall, how have your first 2 years been at UCLA?
JG: It’s been really fun and having the independence to grow on my own and have a “home away from home” has been really rewarding. I’m thankful.
Mac & Cheese Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package of cooked penne pasta
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Heat milk in the microwave.
- Melt butter over medium heat and gradually add cornstarch while whisking.
- Gradually whisk in heated milk until the consistency becomes thick.
- Whisk in seasonings along with the shredded cheese.
- Put sauce over pasta shortly after.
- Transfer pasta into a baking dish. Heat in the oven for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Buttermilk Chicken Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
Chicken wings
-
Flour
- Frying oil
- Buttermilk
- Red cayenne pepper
- Onion powder
- Ground paprika
- Garlic powder
- Seasoned salt
- Red Rooster Hot Sauce
Directions:
- Season chicken with spices and flour.
- Cover chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce. “Specifically, dip the chicken TWICE.”
- Fry in oil as per usual.
