Syrian Refugees from across Lancashire have spent a year creating a Recipe Book showcasing their food, families and culture.
Malak Al Betare, Rima Al Rassas and Safaa Shoufan are three of the women who developed 'A Taste Of Home: Home-cooked recipes from Syrian refugees living in the UK’ with local artists, photographers and writers.
Rima, who now works in Café Dolce in Lancaster, said: ‘We wanted to create this book as a way of giving something to the local people who have made us feel so welcome.
"When we have cooked food for our new friends and neighbours they have always asked us for our recipes, so we have decided to put all our favourite home-cooked recipes together for everyone to have. I cannot wait to give this book to my friends".
Food Photography: Laurence Hudghton Photography
As well as 60 recipes, the book includes memories from refugee families about life in Syria before the war. Rebecca Joy Novell, Refugee Community Development Officer for Lancashire County Council says: ‘the aim of this project was not only to develop the skills and independence of refugee women but to give the local community something fun and interactive to take home that could teach them about Syrian Refugees."
Rima Al Rassas and her husband Fayez Al Moteb
Malak, from Blackpool, who co-wrote the book, said, ‘It is common in our culture, that if you want to express your love, thanks or appreciation to someone, then you must invite them to you home to cook them food. This book is a token of our appreciation to the British people who have made us feel so welcome.’
Safaa Shoufan, who now lives in South Ribble has been delivering monthly Syrian lunches at Roccoco Cafe. Safaa added, ‘As Syrian refugees, we have found that one of the best ways for cultural exchange is through food. I have received such a positive reaction from the British community about my food and I really enjoy the friendships it has helped me to make".
'A Taste Of Home: Home-cooked recipes from Syrian refugees living in the UK’ and is available to buy now online.
All money created from the book will be donated to charities which support the well-being of Syrian Refugees.
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