Multicultural Cookbook Features Recipes and Reflections from Survivors
Apna Ghar, a Chicago-based nonprofit working to end gender-based violence, has released a cookbook titled “Recipes from Our Home,” featuring contributions from survivors who used the organization’s emergency housing services and participated in its cooking groups. Compiled over several years, the collection pairs multicultural dishes with personal reflections from contributors about their culinary traditions and lived experiences.
Immigrants and refugees account for 75% of Apna Ghar’s program participants, with the organization serving individuals from 50 countries. According to program coordinator Tegest Enyew, cooking groups provide a setting for survivors to share traditions and build new memories even across language barriers. Enyew collected and extensively tested each recipe included in the publication.
Community Previews and Collaborative Artwork
The organization hosted a preview event for the cookbook on Oct. 19 at the Metropolitan Club inside Chicago’s Willis Tower. The gathering provided contributors, endorsers, survivors, and community partners with an opportunity to receive advance copies and mark the collaborative effort behind the project.
In addition to recipes and personal narratives, the publication incorporates original artwork, writing, and design contributed by artists based in India, South Africa, and Singapore. The collection has also drawn endorsements from various chefs and community leaders.
Anniversary Celebrations Precede Publication
The cookbook release follows Apna Ghar’s broader milestone events earlier in the year. On May 16, the organization marked its 35th anniversary by hosting the “Together We Thrive” gala, which brought together more than 300 civic, community, corporate leaders, activists, and supporters in Chicago. Emmy Award-winning anchor Ravi Baichwal and Rahul Sharma—founder of Strategic Inclusion Consulting and leader of the band Funkadesi—hosted the event, which honored members of the Apna Ghar community for advancing the organization’s mission.
Where to buy Recipes from Our Home
Where can people purchase “Recipes from Our Home”?
The cookbook is available for purchase on the Apna Ghar website in both e-book and print formats.
What organizations and individuals contributed to the cookbook’s production?
The recipes and reflections were contributed by survivors of gender-based violence who participated in Apna Ghar’s cooking groups and emergency housing services, while artists based in India, South Africa, and Singapore contributed original artwork, writing, and design.
How many recipes are featured in the collection?
The cookbook features 29 multicultural recipes collected and tested over several years by program coordinator Tegest Enyew.
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