‘The Lockdown Recipe Storytelling Book’ helps raise funds for Baxter Theatre

WHEN South Africans faced the first hard lockdown early last year, many conversations had to be moved online.

A Facebook initiative, The Lockdown Recipe Storytelling Book, curated by Ingrid Jones, created an unexpected community.

Initially a straightforward call for family recipes, the conversations that arose evolved into a celebration – not only of the food of preceding generations – but tales of a diverse heritage that reached and continues to reach far beyond the dishes that are served and enjoyed by many families today.

Stories of pride, of memories from a long time ago; some filled with pain, others joy, but at its heart, stories that honour and salute the simple legacies that are carried.

From cakes to koeksisters, bobotie to bredies and breyani, waterblommetjies to smoked-snoek smoortjie and pickled fish, all have found their way to families’ tables, and have brought with them the shared histories.

From these contributions, a cookbook, The Lockdown Recipe Storytelling Book, was compiled and published by Annake Müller Publishing at the end of last year.

It pays homage to and celebrates the people of South Africa, their food memories and their stories.

“I am extremely excited to celebrate the publication of The Lockdown Recipe Storytelling Book at the Baxter Theatre alongside a diverse South African community”, says Müller.

“It’s only by listening to one another’s stories, whilst seated around the same table, that we are able to gain somewhat of an understanding of the food culture shared among ourselves and the ones who came before us.

“That is the best type of conversation.”

As part of the launch of the book, a special event panel discussion will take place at the Baxter Concert Hall on May 4 at 6pm, when some members of the Lockdown Recipe Storytelling Book Facebook group share their experiences and heartfelt stories in celebration of this country’s diverse heritage, and the unique food culture that united ordinary citizens during lockdown.

The panel will be led by, among others, Jones; former editor of Oprah Magazine Samantha Page; foodie Sam Woulidge; communications strategist Phumlani Malinga; and part-time coach to postgraduate scholars at Hasso Plattner Institute of Design Thinking Lisa Joshua Sonn.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the Baxter, which is part of the group’s commitment to support the arts and other organisations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Seating capacity is limited to 250 people.

Patrons and audience members are advised to arrive at least an hour before the start of the performance to avoid delays.

Tickets are R180, including light snacks and drinks.

Booking can be made through Webtickets on 086 111 0005, online at www.webtickets.co.za or at Pick n Pay stores.