A NEW interactive cookbook uses beloved family recipes from members of a Bradford theatre group to bring people together.
Food With Friends is a celebration of flavours brought from all over the world to Yorkshire and was launched by Stand & Be Counted Theatre (SBC) last week.
It has been cooked up with members of its Soap Box Bradford group, a creative learning programme for adults seeking sanctuary who now call the city home.
The book is a feast of nine global recipes, from delicious Chinese dumplings to Afghani rice and Syrian falafel to a bespoke biryani curry.
Readers can scan the pages of the beautifully illustrated cookbook to hear the recipes - and some of the heritage behind them - through fascinating online interviews.
Smart Banda, digital director at SBC which was the country's first theatre company of sanctuary, said: "It has been so wonderful to help our participants make and celebrate the food from the places they are from.
"At the launch we had a feast of some of the dishes together and that was a beautiful experience for everyone involved.
"While the recipes are brilliant, what is really special about the cookbook is the stories behind them.
"The project was all about community and sharing.
"We had the chance to explore something which was very close to our participants' hearts."
The Food With Friends cookbook was officially launched at Theatre in the Mill, off Shearbridge Road in Bradford.
Indian drummers from Bradford Dhol Project, Leeds Beckett University and Firm Entertainment performed at the event.
Then the group went on to enjoy some of the vibrant dishes which feature in the book.
One participant said: "My parents taught me this meal and I will pass it on to the next generation."
Food with Friends was illustrated by members of the Soap Box Bradford group and Yemeni artist Maha Al-Omari.
Anyone can listen to the audio versions of the recipes at www.sbctheatre.co.uk/fwf.
Printed copies of the cookbook are available on request by emailing info@sbctheatre.co.uk.
They are free for community groups, charities or libraries with donations welcomed otherwise.
The cookbook project was funded by Theatre in the Mill, Amal and Arts Council England.
Stand & Be Counted Theatre was founded in 2010 as the UK's first and leading theatre company of sanctuary.
It has created a diverse range of innovative theatre shows, films, audio adventures, games and events, all co-created and led by people seeking sanctuary.
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