Iona Abbey Cookbook

Iona Abbey Kitchen provides nourishing food for the Iona Community, with recipes that are easy to cook at home and will nourish your soul. Anja Jardine, Abbey Cook for over 17 years, has collected people's favorites, including soups, salads, vegetarian main courses, fish and seafood, meat, sandwich spreads, bread, sweet treats, drinks, and the best porridge ever.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Wild Goose Publications

Nestled within the picturesque surroundings of Iona Abbey, the Iona Abbey Kitchen stands as a testament to the power of community and compassion. Operated by a dedicated team of two cooks and fueled by the unwavering support of volunteers, this culinary haven serves as a beacon of nourishment for the weekly guests of the Iona Community. With a steadfast commitment to delivering delectable, vibrant, and wholesome vegetarian meals, the Iona Abbey Kitchen has compiled a collection of cherished favorites in this captivating cookbook, curated by the Abbey Cook herself, Anja Jardine, who has graced the kitchen for over 17 years.

Yet, the appeal of these recipes extends far beyond mere sustenance. They are designed with the convenience of home cooking in mind, ensuring that they not only satisfy your hunger but also touch the depths of your soul. Each recipe, brimming with flavor and packed with nutritional value, offers a delectable array of soups, salads, an abundance of vegetarian main courses, delectable fish and seafood dishes, hearty meat options, sandwich spreads, freshly baked bread, indulgent sweet treats, refreshing drinks, and, as attested by countless Abbey guests, the most exceptional porridge ever crafted.

What sets this cookbook apart is Anja's unique writing style, where she blends a genuine enthusiasm for food with a thoughtful ethical lens. Drawing upon her childhood experiences on the other side of the Iron Curtain, she reminds us of the importance of never taking food for granted. In a society where poverty, inadequate housing, low incomes, and rising hunger are becoming increasingly prevalent, Anja's words serve as a poignant reminder that nourishment should be a universal right, accessible to all.

In the face of austerity, driven by government policies, one reaction may be anger towards unfairness. However, within the pages of this cookbook, you will discover a different response—a celebration of simple, nutritious food that is both affordable and accessible. Jan Sutch Pickard, from the introduction, aptly captures this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of embracing the joy of eating well while navigating the challenges of limited resources.

The Iona Abbey Kitchen's culinary journey is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the belief that food can be a catalyst for positive change. By providing nourishing meals to those in need, this kitchen not only addresses physical hunger but also nourishes the soul, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among the Iona Community and beyond. Through the pages of this cookbook, Anja Jardine and the dedicated team of volunteers invite you to join them in celebrating the beauty of simple, nutritious food and the transformative power it holds in our lives.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 189 x 246 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804322505