A taste of Arabia

Jessie Kirkness Parker has just finished her first very own cookbook after years of writing for newspapers and magazines across the region.

And she really captures the UAE in just a handful of mouth-watering mouthfuls.

Her cook book, A Taste of Arabia, has been published by Jerboa Books and is a chronicle of her time in the region.
The 116 pages are filled with pictures of the emirates taken by the author and her husband in the 1970s when she sampled many of the dishes were for the first time.

She recalls: “These recipes are fresh from the sands of years ago. Many have gathered inspiration over the years but originate from the Al Khatam sands from Bedouin or old Bastakia houses of the merchant families of Bur Dubai.''
One-woman show

Jessie personally developed and executed all aspects of the art direction, page layout, prop design and food styling for the food photography.

A fourth generation South African, Jessie arrived in the UAE in the 1970s. Thirty years as a food writer, food design and stylist and food editor gave her a special insight into Middle Eastern customs and traditions.

She added: “I wanted to give something back to a country that has been very good to me — a gift, if you will.
“As a food designer and stylist, I wanted the food on the pages to be authentic — and as good as it looks and tastes when cooked in Arab homes.''

The book, priced at Dh85, is filled with popular recipes for celebrations and feast days, supported by some great photography. Many recipes are Bedouin in origin, several are from the shores of the Mediterranean, but all have the taste of Arabia.

Meet Jessie

Jessie works on food styling for TV commercials, stills for editorials and cookbooks and is also a recipe development and product-shot design specialist, working on the concept development of the product identity.
She said: “As a form of media, food styling is all about communication and the knowledge of the latest trends in food art and design. It's where art and science come together.''

Available

Copies of the book are available from Magrudy's bookstores and other selected outlets.
For more information visit www.foodstyling.ae