A unique recipe book has all the right ingredients to raise awareness and much needed funds for a Tyneside charity.
The People’s Kitchen have created the culinary book based on economical and easy to cook meals with recipes supplied by donors, supporters, volunteers and even the odd celebrity sprinkled in to add extra flavour to the mix.
For nearly 35 years, the charity has supported the homeless and vulnerable of Newcastle and as food is at the heart of the service they provide, the idea of a recipe book was born.
As well as contributions from volunteers and sponsors the book also includes recipes from all of the charity’s patron’s Si King, (Hairy Biker and celebrity chef) the Duchess of Northumberland and The Rt. Rev. Christine Hardman, Lord Bishop of Newcastle. A special Greek recipe from actress / producer/ presenter Kim Tserkezie and a broccoli and pea macaroni cheese dish from Dame Barbour is also included.
Trustee David Yellowley explained why the book is so important to raising awareness of the work The Kitchen does.
“We have more than 200 unpaid volunteers and provide 11 weekly sessions adding up to 40,000 hot meals per year. When our supporters or donors come to visit us they always ask about the menus and how we manage to provide such a wide range of foods including those for people with special dietary needs,” he said. “Planning is the key but it is the imagination and practical experiences of our volunteers that make it easier to manage.
“The aim of the book is threefold. Firstly, we will be issuing a copy free to all of our “friends” so that they can benefit from the simple to cook recipes when they have access to cooking facilities. Secondly, it will raise awareness of our work to the wider community and thirdly it will raise funds for our work.
“The People’s Kitchen Cook Book will make a great stocking filler this Christmas and is available from Waterstones in Newcastle for just £8. It’s a lovely gift that will help others this Christmas,” he said.
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Photo Shows: Volunteers with the cook book – David Yellowley (in yellow!)
The People’s Kitchen: The Alison Centre, 56 Bath Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5SQ (near St James’ Park)