Join Bradford’s Culinary Celebration: Submit Recipes for ‘Meet Our Mothers’ Cookbook

Home chefs can submit recipes to a new cookbook celebrating Bradford’s culinary heritage. This initiative is part of Bradford 2025, designated as the UK City of Culture. The cookbook, titled “Meet our Mothers,” will feature 50 recipes that reflect the area’s diverse cultures and flavors.

Artist Deepa Mann-Kler is leading the project. She describes it as a celebration of food, which brings people together across different backgrounds. Mann-Kler emphasizes that food connects communities, highlighting the significance of shared meals in our lives.

Anyone living in the BD or LS29 postcodes can submit recipes through the City of Culture website before December 9. Submissions can be written or in video format. Mann-Kler is particularly interested in stories or memories linked to recipes handed down through generations.

How can community members contribute their recipes and stories to the “Meet our Mothers” project?

Interview with Deepa Mann-Kler: Celebrating Bradford’s Culinary Heritage Through “Meet our Mothers” Cookbook

Reporter: Thank you for joining us, Deepa. Can you tell us what inspired the “Meet our Mothers” cookbook initiative?

Deepa Mann-Kler: Thank you for having me. This project is really close to my heart. As part of Bradford 2025, the UK City of Culture, I wanted to create something that reflects our rich and diverse culinary heritage. Food is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries; it brings people together. “Meet our Mothers” encapsulates this idea by celebrating the recipes and stories of our community.

Reporter: What kind of recipes are you hoping to showcase in the cookbook?

Deepa Mann-Kler: We are looking for 50 recipes that represent the culinary diversity of Bradford. This can range from traditional dishes to modern interpretations, as long as they tell a story or connect to personal heritage. I believe it’s important that these recipes not only highlight flavors but also celebrate the memories and experiences associated with them.

Reporter: You mentioned the significance of shared meals. Can you elaborate on that?

Deepa Mann-Kler: Absolutely. Shared meals are more than just about sustenance; they are about connection, family, and community. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my father, learning how to prepare our family’s chicken curry. Those interactions, the laughter, and the love infused in our cooking are what I want to capture through this cookbook. It’s a way to honor our mothers and grandmothers while inviting others to share their stories.

Reporter: How can local chefs and home cooks get involved in this project?

Deepa Mann-Kler: Anyone residing in the BD or LS29 postcode can submit their recipes through the City of Culture website until December 9. We encourage submissions to be accompanied by stories—either written or in video format—reflecting the history behind the recipes. This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a storytelling project that we hope will resonate with many.

Reporter: What do you envision for the impact of this cookbook in the Bradford community?

Deepa Mann-Kler: My hope is that “Meet our Mothers” serves as a source of pride for Bradford’s culinary landscape. I want it to be a testament to the strength and resilience of our community, showcasing how food can unite us despite our differences. Furthermore, by preserving these recipes and stories, we’re ensuring that our culinary heritage is passed down to future generations.

Reporter: When can we expect to see the cookbook available for purchase?

Deepa Mann-Kler: The cookbook is slated to be available in late 2025. It’s an exciting journey, and I look forward to sharing these incredible contributions from our community.

Reporter: Thank you so much, Deepa, for sharing your insights and passion for this remarkable project. We look forward to seeing “Meet our Mothers” come to life!

Deepa Mann-Kler: Thank you! I’m excited to see the recipes and stories that our community will share.
She shared a personal connection to her family recipe for chicken curry, recalling joyful moments spent with her father in the kitchen. The cookbook is set to be available for purchase in late 2025.

This project aims to preserve and celebrate the food heritage of Bradford, inviting local voices to share their culinary traditions and stories.