Who is this book for?
Typically, when embarking on the journey of writing a book, it is advisable for the author to carefully consider and define their target audience. This strategic approach involves reflecting on the group of readers for whom the book is intended. Initially, one might assume that a cookery book is for everyone interested in food. However, upon delving deeper and perusing the creaking shelves of a local bookstore, it becomes apparent that most books offer a specific angle, a niche set of skills, a focus on a particular season, a sense of place, or a collection of 101 recipes you can cook in one pan or 5 minutes. The possibilities are endless.
Despite the conventional wisdom advising authors to carefully consider and define their target audience, I decided to throw that strategy out the window. This became about writing the book I wanted to read, embarking on the writing journey with a different mindset. When I started cooking, I sought a friend on my shoulder. A Jiminy Cricket of sorts! Even now, when I venture to the supermarket and can't find an ingredient or sense that something isn't quite right, I desire a nudge in the right direction. It's challenging to convey in a recipe, and more on that in a later post. For now, I wanted to craft something that not only helped but also shared how I got here, a humble cook looking to learn. I aimed to create a piece of work that grew with me and, while not conforming to a niche, would resonate with those who follow:
'What is a conscience! I'll tell ya! A conscience is that still small voice people won't listen to. That's just the trouble with the world today.' Jiminy Cricket - Pinocchio 1940.
The dad
Whether you’re about to become a new dad or an old pro. You’re looking for some food inspiration. Some techniques that help feed the monsters. As a dad myself, and someone who had to balance a full-time job, the property ladder with a couple of major fixer uppers, rewiring and kitchen re-structures. Pulling my weight on the DIY front to keep costs down, at the same time as keeping the family fed. Slow cooking recipes and batch cooking will provide salvation.
The mum
I’m sure there will be something in here that a mum will find useful, even if it’s to prod someone else to get on with some cooking. The recipes are for all. The notes and stories are written from a northern man's point of view but don’t let this stop you. My wife and I have shared this journey of home cooking together almost like a dance.
The adventurer
We’ve tried to be an outdoor family, enjoying the wilderness of Scotland on our doorstep. A beautiful country with an abundance of food opportunities, not always open and not always where you want them to be. So, we’ve taken our food with us, as well as enjoying the odd meal here and there.
The family
Aside from the odd time we put the picnic blanket in front of the TV and had a pizza party on the floor. This book is for those people who want to eat round the table, share the events of the day with the intimacy that a table brings. It’s also about respecting the food, respecting the mealtime, and making sure that at least once during the day we gather as a family.
The couple
There are those times though when something needs to be brought to the table for romance. Just the sheer fact of producing a meal with love and setting the time aside should work. Use the recipes, keep the leftovers for the next day.
The tourist
I’m drawn to cookbooks on holiday, inspired by the sights, smell and local dishes. I have one from a restaurant in Sorrento. Just flicking through the pages, the photographs and colours can take me back and imagine eating there. This isn’t quite one of those books, we don’t grow lemon trees in our back yard. I’m lucky if I can keep the saw fly away from the gooseberry bush! What this is though, is a Northern and Scottish view on home cooking. If you’re a tourist in the kitchen you might like it!
A student
Throughout the writing, of this book I have two teenage sons. Boys with a good appetite. We’ve lived through those moments waiting for acceptances from universities and because of lock down where the due date for acceptance notification is passed due. I can’t imagine what this is did to his head mentally where some of his pals knew exactly what was happening. A state of limbo. Then a moment of relief as he got given a place. Since then and as I took my time with the writing he moved on through the year and then some. There has been the odd request at odd hours for a recipe, a moment of guidance. I’ve tried to include those; they’ve been an inspiration to my writing and It’s possible he’ll be interested in a book like this and when that moment arises it will be there. Maybe he’ll need to cook for a new friend or to entertain his pals with something more than individual deliveroo orders.
The cookbook reader, the cook, a foodie of sorts
Returning to the creation of a cookbook that resonates with me the cookbook reader and the book I wanted to read, with my personal tastes! Ultimately my aspiration is for this book to be consumed not just for its recipes but also for the contemplations on the passage of time woven within its pages. If you find solace in the pages of cookbooks, the recipes presented here might appear deceptively simple, yet they aim to kindle the sparks of inspiration as you venture into the realm of new culinary ideas. Perhaps, as you peruse these pages, you'll nod in agreement, acknowledging the foundational importance of an onion in crafting a good recipe. It's conceivable that the sections on stews or curries will evolve into your cherished source of culinary inspiration, or you might even reach a point where this book becomes unnecessary for your culinary journey.
The aim is to offer a collection of ideas and a leisurely exploration through my culinary world. If you share a passion for delving into cookbooks, I am truly honored to have you accompany me on this gastronomic journey.
….TBC