Zurich Legacy Kitchen Cookbook - Flipbook - Page 3
Foreword
There is a recipe I love, that instantly takes me back to my
childhood. When I smell oxtail slowly braising in the oven, or
simmering on the stove, and I am transported back to my nan’s
table as a young boy.
I remember feeling slightly overwhelmed by the meal,
the soft & tender meat falling off the bone, all wrapped in a
delicious sticky, rich sauce….a truly great dish.
Once I had finished my plate, and after second helpings,
I would run into the living room and tuck into her big box of
Quality Street and lay on the floor in front of the telly…full to
the brim!
My Nan has been gone for decades now, but the smell &
taste of that oxtail brings back so many memories of her with such clarity, every time.
This is one of the great things about making and sharing food. It brings us together and
helps us create beautiful memories that can punctuate & pause our busy lives.
Food can be a source of comfort in moments of grief. As someone who has had to sadly
deliver some seven eulogies for chef friends over the years, I have often reflected on the role
that cooking and eating plays in life, in loss, and in legacy.
Whether it’s a secret family recipe passed down through generations, or simply a
signature dish that brings the heart a little closer to home, a recipe, jotted down on a scrap
of paper, can take on new meaning when the person it reminds us of is gone. It becomes a
keepsake, to be cherished, treasured, and enjoyed.
As a nation, we can sometimes struggle to talk about death; it is an uncomfortable topic
for many of us, and even when we want to, it can be hard to find the right words. But it is
important we do talk about it. Whether planning for our own passing, or grieving a recent loss,
conversation almost always helps. Food can lower our guard, slow down busy brains, and
make space for difficult but important conversations about mortality.
The twenty recipes in this book are all treasured by the amazing people who have shared
their stories. Dishes that have been lovingly passed down, rescued, and recreated to keep
cherished memories alive. They are a testament to the powerful connection between food
and memory.
I hope reading this book brings some comfort and reflection to those who have lost
someone dear to them, and I hope it inspires you to consider the dishes that matter most to
you and to save them somewhere they can be easily found, for future generations to enjoy.
Matt Tebbutt.
