KEEPSAKES - RECIPES, MEMENTOS, MISCELLANY

Hardie Grant Books

RRP: NZ$59.99

Hardback

  I have a lot of cookbooks ( great undersatement, I love them) but Keepsakes is unlike any other cookbook I own – it is a handmade, visual feast. Containing the well-loved recipes collected by Frances Hansen over time from family and friends, each spread is an artwork in itself. This is a highly personal scrapbook of memories, recipes and collected artifacts – with proven recipes that have been finessed over time and generations. This book is a study of collections; collected recipes and collected images – it takes the old and reworks them into something vibrant and new.

About the Author

Frances Hansen attended Art Schools in Sydney, Australia, and New Zealand in the mid-80s, gaining her Master of Fine Arts. During this time, Frances had many years’ experience cooking and working in the catering industry and later co-owned and operated a cafe in Northern NSW. She currently resides in Auckland, New Zealand, with her partner and two children. As well as being a regular exhibitor in Australia and New Zealand, Frances works at the Manukau School of Visual Arts, teaching painting and drawing. She is the sister of international clothing designer Fleur Wood.

To give you some idea of the interior design the publishers have allowed me to reproduce two pages below although I have to say the images do not do justice to this very special and hugely appealing book:

 The top recipe is for Ham & Pea Soup while the lower one features a Nicoise Salad. The book is a glorious cross between a cookbook and an art book. I love it. Do have a look at it at your local bookseller, you'll be impressed I am sure.