Holocaust survivors share their stories and recipes
Amazing news - we have now officially sold out!
Let us know if you’d like us to reprint - here! It will help us plan our next steps. Please sign up if you would like a copy :-)
There are no more copies of Just Add Love available, so we will go back to the drawing board on whether to produce a soft cover second edition, as well as an e-book - or just an e-book alone. Decisions, decisions. We are thrilled for the support and love you have shown this book, and at the way in which its themes have resonated, especially the connection between community, and food and memory.
Seven years ago it was just an idea, then so many wonderful grandmothers agreed to share their life stories and their recipes and open their lives and kitchens and most importantly their hearts to us. The project widened to include a TV and radio documentary, a blog featuring David Mane’s spectacular photos, a TED x talk, a Kickstarter campaign and finally this book. Which has now sold out.
I would like to thank all the people who encouraged me along the way and who gave me support each in their different way. I will never forget the people who took a punt on us, and put down their cash in a pre-order on Kickstarter. And the people who flocked to buy it and to share the love. It’s a testament to the power of the word grandmother and the importance of women’s story - herstory and not just history.
Don’t forget to visit your grandmothers, share a meal and listen to their stories. They’re your stories, our stories, too.
reviews
Reactions are pouring in from happy customers, thrilled to get their copy of our new book, Just Add Love.
‘This is more than just an ordinary cookbook, it’s a masterpiece filled with heartfelt stories, pictures and delicious recipes from Holocaust Survivors living around the world! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.’ Carol Met Lieber, New York
‘This stunning masterpiece is a treasure, a keepsake to be handed down from generation to generation.’ Fredda Bailey Finkelstein, Montreal Quebec
‘So beautifully documented. I am going to say to all my cooking friends, if you buy one book this year, it has to be this one.‘ Tonya Stevens, Melbourne
Author Irris Makler with Melbourne matriarch Ruth Hampel the first time they both see the book. “Ruth had tears in her eyes,” says Irris. “And you know what? So did I.”
And as our book is now almost sold out <happy dance!!!> I’m including a comment a reader added to the bottom of a blog post this week.
"Thank you Irris Makler for a wonderful book, the only cookbook I have read from cover to cover, often with tears in my eyes. I look forward to cooking many of the recipes."
Bob Adler, Melbourne
Thanks so much Bob! Sometimes a comment can stop you in your tracks and make you cry. This was one of those. Sniff.
Do get your copy of Just Add Love while you still can :-)
join this project for updates and info
Extraordinary stories from women who survived the Nazi genocide. They are Jewish women with a universal message, that you can rebuild after losing everything. Today in their 80s and 90s, and the heart of their families, they remain tough, hard-working, argumentative, funny and busy. And inspiriring in every way.
Just Add Love is a cookbook, a photography book and a history book. A unique and delicious blend. The life time’s work of these resilient women was building a new life – and a new family. That’s why we are gathering their recipes, alongside their stories. Because - Food is Life. Food is family. Food is Love.
Nothing tastes as good as the food your grandmother makes! We’re preserving the recipes of vanished Jewish communities from Europe, Russia, Central Asia and North Africa. It’s the Jewish food experience, with Mediterranean summer delicacies and Russian winter specialities. And everything’s delicious, since it’s prepared with love, of course.
When life gives you lemons and cumquats, make cumquat marmalade! Add star anise, cardamom and orange flower water and the result is warm, spicy and wonderful. Or mix it up with different spices and a little alcohol - you won’t be sorry!
Fancy summer in Jerusalem? in beaugiful historic Ein Kerem. in fact? try here …
What’s FB got to do with a Mediterranean recipe for vegan stuffed veges? You’ll find the whole story here, along with a wonderful tale of love and luck in post-WW2 USA, with a chance meeting on the Brooklyn train. Happy Passover and Happy Easter!
Two fab apple cakes for a sweet New Year. Simple lockdown-friendly recipes that you’ll make again and again. Wishing you all a happy healthy new year, and certainly a better one than the last!
It’s such a simple and delicious thing, so I’m responding to requests for recipes for Latkes by providing 3 different ones for this holiday season. The Jewish festival of Hannukah is the time to fry, baby, fry and to let the light in. Potato, carrot and sweet potato. Go on - have a go! Happy Holidays.
The amazing WW2 survival story of Agi Adler, may she rest in peace, who passed away this year. Archive photos and in-depth interviews about her life in Budapest before and during the war. Along with a recipe of course - the Hungarian potato bake Rakott Krumpli, the ultimate comfort food.
Quarantine Passover means making your own matzo balls - and chicken soup. Here are failsafe recipes for what is likely to be your smallest seder night, when you will have to make most dishes by yourself… matzo balls for anyone who’s never dared to make them before!