Marymead CatholicCare unveils unique cookbook blending recipes and creativity

Alex Jackson, Hands On Studio artist (centre), wrote one of the cookbook’s forewords, along with Abe Marsh, Mick Pettifer, Stephen Corsini, and Tilly Davey.

A new cookbook celebrating the joy of making art, growing food and cooking has hit the shelves this week, the result of a collaboration between participants of three Marymead CatholicCare programs.

Plate to Plate, bursting with recipes and colourful designs, was launched on Saturday at Megalo Print Studio alongside an accompanying exhibition.

Hands-On Studio manager Tilly Davey said participants from Hands-On Studio, mulch community gardens, and the Cook On Club had worked hard on the project over the past year.

As a collective, the programs partnered with Megalo Print Studio, local artist Robbie Karmel and Caren Florence to design and publish Plate to Plate.

“The result is a cross between an art collection and a recipe book,” Tilly said.

“It is a creative cookbook for people who want to cook simple and yummy food at home. The heart of it is that it was designed by our participants, who provided all the input, chose the recipes, and helped with the design.”

From a mouth-watering caramel slice to a hearty carbonara, participants tweaked their favourite recipes to ensure they were accessible and easy to make at home.

Food-themed artworks will be displayed in the exhibition accompanying the cookbook launch at Megalo Print Studio.

“I’ve tried all of them, and they are delicious,” Tilly said.

“The recipes aim to encourage our participants to share them with their peers and cook them at home. We hope that people will take these home and be able to cook things with their support workers.”

Some of the recipes incorporate fresh ingredients grown by the gardeners at the mulch program.

“The programs use a person-centred approach, which gives the gardeners and artists a voice in what they want to do,” Tilly explained.

“Everyone just started drawing food, and then the Cook On Club started coming up with the rest. We showed the mulch team, and they gave us a bunch of tips, tricks, and jokes about the recipes. So, there is an apricot chicken recipe, along with tips on growing apricots, for example.”

CEO Anne Kirwan said Plate to Plate served as a bridge, connecting various sectors of the ACT community and highlighting the strength of collaborative relationships.

“The cookbook will not only showcase the culinary talents and creative expressions of our participants but will also share the invaluable learnings and experiences with the broader public,” she said.

“Plate to Plate is more than just a cookbook; it is a celebration of community, creativity and the power of collaboration.”

• The limited-edition cookbook is available at Megalo Print Studio in Kingston. The accompanying exhibition by Hands On Studio artists runs until October 12. The publication was made possible by funding from the ACT Government and the support of Megalo Print Studio.