The Artist's Survival Cookbook

Project 2015-05-26 18:53:19 +1200

What can you eat when money is tight?

Take a cup of flour, add a one third cup of tap water and get the most delicious No-egg-pasta.

How can I reduce sugar and salt or avoid preservatives?

See above

No, seriously...

These two questions sparked the idea for the Artist's Survival cookbook. As an artist I am accustomed to feast and famine. A long time ago I started making my own staples, so all the recipes are tried and tested. When a new cycle of famine recently started, the idea was born. It is surprising how many different things you can conjure up with simply flour and water and the occasional butter/oil, milk or egg. The ingredient list is short, the variety is huge. The book includes recipes for breads, buns, bagels, crumpets, pasta, flat bread, pita bread, crackers, corn chips, pancakes and much more...

The recipes are presented in a light-hearted manner by my artworks, the Dede puppets. The Dedes expertly point out pitfalls as well as giving the occasional opinionated take on diet and life in general. Yes, food has become a contentious subject lately. Being a flour-and-water cookbook, all recipes are vegetarian, some are vegan, some are lactose free, and there is the odd gluten-free one too. But most of all, they are simple staples that will cut down on the foodbill. If you are a carnivore, feel free to add a meaty sauce!

The book is ideal for anyone on a tight budget. For example, students who have just moved out from mum and dad's, or if the new house has burned a big hole in the pocket or someone who just has lost their job. It is also useful for anyone who wants to know what is really in their food. You can only be sure what's in it if you make it yourself.

It is primarily written for adults with a whimsical mind, though the recipes can be easily followed by kids or, even better, prepared together with them. If they make it, they'll eat it!

What am I doing here?

It may sound like book is all done and dusted. Yes, it is well underway and though the end is in sight, we are not quite there yet.

I have been working on the book for the best part of a year. As an artist, graphic designer and educator, I have a lot of skills that are very useful for the project. But there are areas where I have to buy in expertise. The Dedes need a publicist and more importantly, an editor and a proof-reader.
If all goes to plan, the book will be published on CreateSpace and be available by the end of July, 2015 that is.

Why pledge?

Your pledge means a lot to me and the Dedes. Essentially you are pre-ordering a book. By doing so you show us that we are on the right track and it gives us the much needed kick in the proverbial to tie up all the loose ends and finally get it done.

One last word: though a handful of Dedes have been sold to collectors, they are  rarely for sale. For this campaign I have decided to make a few characters available. We think it's worth it!

For more info go to dedepuppets.com

Comments