Family meal time has changed dramatically in the past few years. With hectic schedules and lots of distractions, very few families come together regularly to make and eat dinner together. However, there is no better way to spend quality time with the family than cooking and enjoying a meal together.
The couple behind one of the most popular restaurants in Glasgow’s southside, ‘Cookie’ at 72 Nithsdale Road, have put together a new cookbook in the hopes of bringing families together to make their own meals. Melanie McCallum and Domenico Del Priore’s new book ‘Cookie Cooks’, published by Kitchen Press and launching at Glasgow’s Aye Write festival next month, offers fabulous recipes that are popular and simple for family cooking. The book brings together Scottish and Italian cuisine to create fun, delicious, accessible recipes.
Family is the theme that runs throughout the book, which makes it really endearing and homely, especially to mums. Each member of Melanie and Domenico’s family has their own section and has contributed their favourite recipes. Included is pasta fagioli from Domenico’s father Bruno and Grandma’s venison stew. There are also great tips and ideas for busy mums, children leaving home, solutions for kids who love junk food, and tips for cooking for the little ones.
Melanie McCallum says, “There’s a lot of humour in the book. My mum’s not particularly happy with the illustration we’re using of her and our son Jacob thinks his recipes will put girls off because he comes across as unhealthy. But we really want people to think about the food that’s available on their doorstep. Good local produce doesn’t need to be expensive and authentic southern Italian family cooking is about making the best of what you have and reducing waste. It’s a very economical way to cook.”
At the launch of their new book, Melanie and Domenico will discuss their fusion of Scottish and Italian food traditions and give visitors the chance to sample some of their food and wine. ‘ Cookie Cabaret’ takes place at the Mitchell Library from 7.30pm on Friday 12th April and also features music from local bands, DJ sets and live art. The event is part of the official launch of Glasgow’s ‘Aye Write’ festival which runs until April 30th.
If you would like to purchase a copy of ‘Cookie Cooks’ or find out more about this lovely family cookbook, visit http://kitchenpress.bigcartel.com/
