📖 Together – A Community Cookbook with a Heartwarming Story
With the recent announcement of Meghan Markle’s new cooking show, With Love, Meghan, I was reminded of a cookbook she helped publish that not many people talk about. While browsing my local charity shop, I stumbled upon Together: Our Community Cookbook for just £1 (originally £9.99) and decided to give it a go. I was not disappointed.
🏡 A Book with Purpose
This cookbook was published in 2018 with the support of the Royal Foundation after Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, suggested using cookbook sales to raise funds for Grenfell Tower victims. The book is a collection of recipes from the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen, a group formed after the tragic fire to bring people together through food.
🍲 Recipes from Around the World
One of the most wonderful things about this book is the diverse range of recipes. The collection includes flavors from different cultures, making it an exciting addition to any kitchen. Some standout dishes include:
- Breakfast Shakshouka – This has quickly become our family’s favorite breakfast!
- African Beignets – A sweet, airy delight.
- Egyptian Lamb Fattah – Rich and flavorful.
- Algerian Sweet Lamb – A unique twist on lamb.
- Persian Chicken with Barberry Rice – A beautifully aromatic dish.
- Russian Cake – A nostalgic treat.
- Indian Shortbreads – Perfect with tea.
Each recipe is credited to the contributor, adding a personal and authentic touch to the book.
📸 Stunning Photography & Easy-to-Follow Recipes
Every recipe is accompanied by a beautiful, Pinterest-worthy photo, making it not only a cookbook but also a source of inspiration. The recipes are clear and easy to follow, though some ingredients—especially spices—were new to me. I found myself Googling substitutes or visiting Middle Eastern and Asian stores to source authentic ingredients.
🤔 What’s Missing?
While Meghan wrote a heartfelt foreword, there are no recipes from her in the book. It would have been interesting to see a personal contribution, but that doesn’t take away from the book’s charm and purpose.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a project that supports a great cause and showcases the power of food in bringing communities together. If you enjoy trying new flavors and supporting meaningful projects, this book is highly recommended. It deserves more attention, and I’m glad I gave it a chance!
⭐ My Rating: 4.5/5
Have you heard of this cookbook before? Would you try it? Let me know in the comments!
Image credit: My own photo