Stephanie Alexander may be one of Australia’s most influential culinary figures, but her impact goes far beyond the kitchen. Long before becoming a household name, she was shaping the way Australians think about food - through restaurants, writing and a deep commitment to simple, seasonal cooking.

You might recognise her from appearances on MasterChef, but for many, Stephanie’s presence has been constant on the bookshelf with her iconic book The Cook’s Companion guiding generations of Australians through everything from kitchen basics to timeless recipes.

In this conversation with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Stephanie reflects on 30 years of The Cook’s Companion, the philosophy that has defined her career, and why she believes good food doesn’t need to be complicated - just thoughtful, shared and perhaps best enjoyed with a roast chook, a glass of red and a proper cloth napkin.

See Stephanie at Melbourne Writers Festival on May 10th and find The Cook's Companion 30th Anniversary Edition here

Weekend list with Helen Smith

Listener Laura TO LISTEN: Matt Corby's new album Tragic Magic
TO WATCH: Roommates on Netflix
TO WATCH: The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl
TO TRY: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask and Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask

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How Stephanie Alexander became every Cook’s Companion