Photographer, author and Belly Full creator Riaz Phillips launches Community Comfort, a digital cookbook featuring over 100 recipes from chefs, chefs and foodies from immigrant backgrounds, all for A much-needed cause. All proceeds raised from the e-cookbook will go towards helping bereaved healthcare workers and the families of black, Asian and minority ethnic coronavirus victims.
Community Comfort is filled with dishes that feel like a warm, relaxing hug, accompanied by anecdotes about cozy moments. Expect to find delicious recipes from some of the greats in the food world, including beloved baking stars. Among them are food writer Ruby Tandoh's chive linguine and writer and food stylist Benji Ebuehi's chocolate fudge cake. Meanwhile, musician and vegetarian chef Denai Moore offers a recipe for roasted peppers, ackee and seasoned rice, and British Menu Champion James Cochran shares a recipe for buttermilk fried chicken recipe.
Phillips shared his inspiration for the cookbook in a statement. "During this chaotic time, when we can't be with our loved ones to share bread, I wanted to do something that brought joy to as many people as possible. Food and recipes are how we connect, heal, and grieve, but when things get better We will also celebrate when the time comes," he said.
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It became clear early on in the pandemic that the virus was disproportionately affecting some marginalized groups in the UK. The top 10 doctors who have died from COVID-19 in the UK were all from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, a government review into differences in Covid-19 risks and outcomes shows black people are four times more likely to be Compared to white British people dying from COVID-19. So Phillips was inspired to work with social enterprise The Ubele Initiative to raise funds for The Majonzi Fund (Swahili for "grief"), which was started by Windrush activist Patrick Vernon. Funds raised from the sale of the cookbook will go towards funeral arrangements, bereavement counselors and therapists for BAME families affected by COVID-19 deaths.
As Phillips explains: "For people in our communities and immigrant backgrounds, when our voices are not always heard, food is our color, so I've collected all of these recipes in the hope that they will connect with you Talk, bring you some comfort and at the same time make some contribution back to a community in the UK that has been so affected, even more so.”
You can download a copy of Community Comfort here with a minimum donation of £10. Those who are able to donate more are encouraged to do so.
