With over 11 million Syrians displaced and on the run, it's no surprise that more and more people are looking for ways to support displaced people this Christmas. Now, with the launch of the groundbreaking #CookForSyria Recipe Book you can lend a hand from your very own kitchen. The passion project of Instagrammer Clerkenwell Boy and publisher Serena Guen, this stunning book brings together over 100 recipes from traditional Syrian chefs as well as celebrity foodies such as Hemsley+Hemsley, Jamie Oliver and Gizzi Erskine. If you're looking to spread some extra warmth, wrap this book up for as many people as possible. You'll be gifting to more than just your friends, 100% of the profits from the sale of the #CookForSyria Recipe Book are being donated to charity - in aid of UNICEF's Children of Syria Fund. Do more by sharing your own snaps of mouthwatering Syrian dishes, like za'tar flatbreads and raise awareness of the campaign.
Best of all, get your friends around the table and host your very own #CookForSyria dinner party.
If it seems intimidating, check out these tips of how to get going. Whether it's intimate dinners in their east London home or whimsical evenings held in a hidden tile factory on Regent’s Canal, Alice Levine and Laura Jackson, aka Jackson&Levine, have thrown their fair share of supper clubs. Laura even hosted the #CookForSyria launch dinner in London. Here, they give their tips on hosting your own #CookForSyria charity breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
Click through to see how to dish up, and do some good.
Family style
Syrian food is all about sharing with others. Serving dishes “family style” on large platters will create a great atmosphere, particularly between people who don’t know each other.
Photo: Patricia Niven
Set the scene
When it comes to table design, expensive is not always best. For our recent supper club, we made our own serving boards from recycled wood. We tend to spend nearly as much time transforming the space as we do on the food – you want guests to have a memorable experience as well as a great meal. Handwritten menus and invitations with information about the charity you are supporting
will also add a personal touch.
Photo: Patricia Niven
Discover local finds
Always keep your eyes peeled, wherever you are! We have found some great pieces including serving platters and glassware in charity shops, and love a holiday market for interesting tableware. For
our last supper club, we went foraging on Hackney Marshes and discovered some beautiful pink sweet pea flowers (we do, however, advise you to follow foraging guidelines).
Photo: Patricia Niven
Music
Spend some time on the playlist. Something that suits the feel and style of the event. What’s on the record player will set the mood.
Photo: Patricia Niven
Keep it simple
Have at least one cold course. This can be a starter (such as some of the dips and flatbreads from the mezze chapter of this recipe book), a beautiful salad to share or a stunning dessert made in advance. This will give you more time to relax and speak with guests, and can be a lifesaver for those with a small oven and kitchen.
Photo: Patricia Niven
Slow cooking
Preparing dishes a few hours in advance can help you feel more organised and add a greater depth of flavour. An inexpensive cut of meat can be delicious, especially when slow cooked (see the soups and stews chapter for ideas). Your butcher can advise where to get bang for your buck.
Photo: Patricia Niven
The little things
Be generous with your leftovers. If you have lots of lovely flatbread left, wrap it up in greaseproof paper with a bow and give it to guests for breakfast the next day. You could even put some of the amazing Syrian spices into pouches with recipe cards for your guests to use at their own Syrian supper clubs. It’s the little touches that people remember.
Photo: Patricia Niven
Get social
And, of course, share your experience and encourage others to #CookForSyria.
Photo: Patricia NivenLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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