Stephanie Alexander, one of Australia's most celebrated culinary legends, has marked a significant milestone with the release of the fully revised 30th anniversary edition of her iconic book, The Cook's Companion. This encyclopedic tome, often hailed as a kitchen "bible," first debuted in 1996 and has since sold more than 550,000 copies, earning praise from global chefs like Nigella Lawson, Yotam Ottolenghi, and Jamie Oliver as an essential resource for home cooks.
A Culinary Journey Spanning Decades
Alexander's passion for cooking ignited at the tender age of nine, inspired by her mother's vibrant cookery books. Over the years, she established several renowned restaurants, including the legendary Melbourne eatery Stephanie's, and authored over 20 books. In 2004, she founded the not-for-profit Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, which fosters a love for food among children and now operates in more than 1000 schools and preschools across Australia.
The Updated Edition: A Modern Legacy
Now 85 years old, Alexander dedicated two years to completing this comprehensive update. The new edition spans over 1100 pages and weighs 2.8kg, featuring nearly 100 new or revised recipes, updated advice on cooking techniques, ingredients, and appliances, and explorations of contemporary food issues. Alexander explains that these changes reflect the evolution of Australia's cooking trends since the book's original release.
"This is my legacy," she says. "I hope that readers of this 30th anniversary edition will be inspired to create their own food traditions to pass on to the next generation."
Top Cooking Tips from a Master
To celebrate the special edition's launch, Alexander shares her top five cooking tips, gleaned from three decades of culinary expertise:
- Start with Familiar Dishes: Choose to cook something you know you will enjoy until you gain confidence to explore unfamiliar recipes.
- Visualise Before You Begin: Read recipes multiple times to picture the dish in your mind before starting the cooking process.
- Prepare in Advance: Do as much prep work as possible, such as having ingredients like garlic, anchovies, olives, and capers ready to sizzle together, and cooked pasta on hand to add without delay.
- Maintain a Shopping List: Keep a running list in a handy notebook or on a board to avoid mid-cooking surprises, like discovering you need cornflour halfway through.
- Enjoy the Process: Depending on your personality, decide whether you prefer cooking with company or alone, and embrace the experience.
This anniversary edition not only honors Alexander's enduring influence but also serves as a timeless guide for aspiring and seasoned cooks alike, encouraging the creation of lasting food traditions.
