It's Spring 2020 and like everyone, I've been dreaming of holidays, restaurants and big hugs with far-away loved-ones. The country, actually most of the world has been advised to 'stay at home' for several months, while we ride out a global pandemic.
The weather is wonderful, but lockdown life can frankly lack a bit of zest. After our umpteenth store-cupboard supper for two, I found myself deep in The Joyful Home Cook by Rosie Birkett, looking for kitchen adventures. Having lost some of my usual projects to work on, I had time on my hands, and I longed for variety. I found so much pleasure in reading and cooking along with Rosie that an idea came to me. I decided to get in touch to ask if we could collaborate and do a little good in these topsy-turvy times. I was delighted when she said yes and over the past weeks, we've cooked up a lovely way for foodie friends and family to keep in touch and have some stay-home fun.
Cards from the Kitchen is a cookery themed set of 12 correspondence cards bursting with Summery European dishes, reminiscent of happy holidays. Each card includes a recipe written by Rosie, along with my tablescape illustrations. We were both keen that the project should also give something back and so £5 from each box sold will go to the Trussell Trust, whose UK network of food banks has been so vital in recent months. The boxed set is delivered to you contact-free, through the letterbox and is made in Britain using sustainable materials.
Rosie and I hope you'll love these as much as we've enjoyed working on them.