Food for Sharing: Love and Spices from an Immigrant Kitchen

Biographical Note:
Ashia Ismail-Singer is of Memon Indian heritage. She was raised in Malawi and the UK and now lives in New Zealand. One of four sisters, food has always played a big part in her life and she believes it is one of life's simplest and greatest pleasures. Ashia was taught to cook by her mother, learning the traditional Indian way--without shortcuts. But she has since simplified and adapted recipes, combining influences from other countries she lived in or visited. She is a regular contributor to several food and lifestyle magazines and writes regularly for New Zealand House & Garden. Ashia lives in Auckland with her family, and works as a school nurse. She is author of Ashia's Table, Food for Sharing, and Sweet Saffron and Cardamom.

Review Quotes:
"A joy to cook from as well as to read, this is a great addition to any cookbook collection ... exquisite photography ... recipes are simple, filled with comfort, and easy to execute ... Fans of Indian cuisine will love the rice dishes, robust chutneys, and many vegetarian options, like pea and paneer curry and mung dhal. Ismail-Singer's observation that home is wherever family is reflects the beauty of her recipes and her life journey."--Booklist on Ashia's Table

Review Quotes:
"[A] heartfelt tribute and solid introduction to Indian cooking. Food writer Ismail-Singer ably proves that 'Indian food does not have to be complicated' in this excellent debut packed with simple yet satisfying recipes inspired by her heritage. A descendant of Memon Muslims in western India ... many of the dishes on offer... showcase a tantalizing blend of traditions ... Thanks to her straightforward instructions, even those less versed in cooking Indian cuisine will find her recipes--including those for more time-consuming dishes such as chicken biryani and gulab jamun (fried dough balls soaked in syrup)--easy to execute."--Publishers Weekly on Ashia's Table

Review Quotes:
"[A]n an excellent book for those willing to try fusion Indian cuisine."--San Francisco Book Review on Ashia's Table

Review Quotes:
"Ashia Ismail-Singer's vibrant cookbook shares Indian recipes that are influenced and intensified by family and regional tastes ... Welcoming and informative, Ashia's Table stresses that Indian cooking shouldn't seem complicated or intimidating. Engaging memoir elements wend in, and the text is brightened with family snapshots. An elegant collection of recipes that's suited to pass on to next generations, Ashia's Table brings new elements to Indian cuisine, preserving traditions while 'creating food that spans generations, geography, and ethnicity.'"--Foreword Reviews on Ashia's Table

Review Quotes:
"[Ismail-Singer] draws from her peripatetic life for this wide-ranging and cheery collection... Ismail-Singer is full of similarly clever ideas, including battering and frying baby spinach leaves for finger food and marrying baklava and cheesecake... The prose is informal, but instructions are clear and professional. The result is a lovely and accessible collection."--Publishers Weekly

Publisher Marketing:
Sumptuous feasts, spice-infused flavors, and simple entertaining destined to impress and appeal to everyone.

• The recipes in this book have been created to be as simple as possible, all inspired by the spices that Ashia grew up with at home, in the different countries she has lived.
• Every element of this book is a fusion of cultures, the joys of sharing food, gathered together with loved ones. From Africa, to India, the Middle East, France, UK and New Zealand, this book will take you on a journey full of flavours and the melding of cultures dear to Ashia's heart.
• Includes themed menus, like "Inspired Indian Soiree" for the home cook who needs a little guidance when pairing dishes suitable for a crowd.
• The recipes in this book are delicious, impressive, and simple to make, paired with exquisite photography and personal stories. It will make the perfect gift for anyone who loves to entertain.

Review Citations:

• Publishers Weekly 02/03/2025 (EAN 9781623716295, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:Ismail-Singer, Ashia
Ashia Ismail-Singer is of Memon Indian heritage. She was raised in Malawi and the UK and now lives in New Zealand. One of four sisters, food has always played a big part in her life and she believes it is one of life's simplest and greatest pleasures. Ashia was taught to cook by her mother, learning the traditional Indian way--without shortcuts. But she has since simplified and adapted recipes, combining influences from other countries she lived in or visited. She is a regular contributor to several food and lifestyle magazines and writes regularly for New Zealand House & Garden. Ashia lives in Auckland with her family, and works as a school nurse. She is author of Ashia's Table, Food for Sharing, and Sweet Saffron and Cardamom.