About Chef Marvin Woods

Spiced Chicken, Green Apple and Avocado Cottage Wrap

Sandwiches nowadays come in many shapes and sizes. Tortilla wraps are very versatile and are perfect for holding all different kinds of foods - especially when they are on the go. This is one of my favorite quick and easy wraps - great for a healthy lunch or an easy dinner.

2 spinach or whole wheat wraps
1 chicken breast (butterfly chicken breast if you like), skin removed
4 tb canola oil
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp paprika
¼ curry powder
1 cup cottage cheese
4 ounces cream cheese
2 tb honey
½ granny smith apple (skinned and core removed, cut into slices)
½ red apple (skinned and core removed, cut into slices)
½ lemon cut in half and juiced (seeds removed)
½ avocado (skin and pit removed)
kosher salt
black pepper

Place chicken breast on a flat surface. Sprinkle with cinnamon, paprika, curry powder, salt and pepper on both sides.

Place canola oil in a sauté pan over moderate heat. Put chicken breast in the pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on one side. Turn chicken over and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. If need be alternate turning chicken over on both sides until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165. Place chicken on the side to cool.

In a bowl, place cottage cheese and cream cheese and mix together. Add honey. Add apples and a pinch of lemon juice. Add chicken and gently mix together.

Place wraps on a flat surface. Add an even amount of the chicken mixture in a straight line to the front of the wrap. Take one of the wraps sides and fold it in to the middle. Roll wrap starting with the side that has the chicken mixture. Roll as tightly as you can without breaking the wrap. Serve.

Chef Marvin Woods

Emmy® Award-nominated Television Host, Chef and Author

Marvin Woods is an Emmy® Award-nominated television host, lauded cookbook author and celebrated chef. He is recognized by fans and peers alike for his infectious personality, signature bandanas and his wildly inventive take on food rooted in northern Africa, South America, the Caribbean and the Low Country.

Marvin is a 24-year veteran in the hospitality and restaurant industry. His first big break came when he helped Donald Trump open Harrah's at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. He then went on to New York City to build an impressive culinary pedigree, starting with The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center, and then on to the Windows on the World, Helmsley Palace, Quatorze and Arizona 206. He further cultivated his talent in London.

When Marvin took over as Executive Chef at New York's Cafe Beulah's, he won wide industry acclaim and caught the attention of publishers and television executives. Along with the restaurant accolades, came a book deal with William Morrow. His first effort, "The New Low Country," garnered national media attention, including appearances on CBS This Morning, Discovery Network and Lifetime. Publisher's Weekly proclaimed, "Woods' inventiveness makes him a chef to watch!"

With all the industry buzz, Marvin was tapped to lead the kitchens of Savannah Restaurant, The National Hotel, Hollywood Prime at the Westin Diplomat and M. Woods - all in Miami. His food was regularly featured in O magazine, Food & Wine, Southern Living and many more national publications. Oprah declared, "Chef Marvin Woods' dishes are light, sophisticated, exotic!"

In 2000, Marvin caught the attention of executives at Turner South who were looking for new talent for the newly created regional cable network. Marvin was selected to host, Home Plate. The show was the perfect vehicle to showcase his charismatic personality and lighter twist on traditional Southern cooking. It was a big hit, regularly attracting more than 7.2 million viewers. Home Plate successfully ran for four seasons until the network was acquired by Fox Sports in 2006. The show spawned a second cookbook, Home Plate Cooking (Rutledge Hill Press 2004), which was a big success. The book continues to sell on Amazon.com.

Marvin travels internationally for appearances and cooking demonstrations, and consistently draws audiences of 200+. He has made several appearances as a guest chef at the James Beard House, and has served as a featured chef at The Pillsbury Bake Off, the Miami Food & Wine Festival and Charlotte Shout, as well as a judge for The Southern Living Cook Off. Marvin has participated in special promotions for Food Lion Supermarkets and Publix; he currently serves as spokesperson for Char-Broil.

Currently, Marvin has been shooting interstitials for TBS and WPBA and has two new television show projects in development. He also has been developing a national kids' wellness program called Droppin' Knowledge with Chef Marvin Woods that focuses on a positive way to combat childhood obesity. In addition, Marvin just opened a new restaurant in Charlotte called "Woods on South," which showcases "Carolina Cuisine. In early 2008, Marvin will have a line of spice blends and sauces available online and in grocery stores. Marvin lives in Atlanta with his family.