Food not only gives us sustenance; it plays a huge emotional role in our lives and family histories. Many of our favourite recipes and dishes come with layers of meaning and memories of special celebratory times.

With the festive feasts of the holidays (or the simple braais and salads of summer) still fresh in our minds, we invite you to join us for a workshop ‘Recipes and Memories’ to help you collect your family’s best-loved recipes, with their stories attached.

Artfully record your family recipes

Helen Moffett, veteran of the South African publishing and writing scene, will guide you through how to write recipes (it’s quite an art!), the different platforms you might like to use (blogs, diaries, even family newsletters), practical considerations (illustrations, measurements, acknowledging sources, and so on).

“We’ll also focus on how working with a recipe can prompt a unique memory or tradition. Does your dish have a special story? We’ll help you write those down, too,” says Helen. 

“This workshop is for everyone – no writing experience needed (beginner cooks welcome too!),” she adds. “The idea is to have fun, learn a little about food writing and the practical skills involved in producing a recipe, and record some memories attached to favourite dishes.”

“One goal you might like to set is to record one family recipe and memory a week for the rest of the year, collate them into an attractive folder – or even a book – to give as gifts to your family next holiday season.”

All you need to bring is yourself, pen and a notebook (or a laptop), and a favourite recipe to share with the group.