Stephanie Alexander will be in conversation with Alex Sloan on the 30th Anniversary Edition of The Cook's Companion.

The Cook's Companion has established itself as the kitchen ‘bible’, ‘the book for a lifetime of cooking’, which has sold over 550,000 copies since it was first published in 1996. In 2026, to celebrate thirty years of this iconic book, Stephanie Alexander has added over 90 new or newly revised recipes as well as doing a full update of the introduction, ingredients, equipment and a new ‘how to use this book’ section.

In her book, you will discover:- Ingredient Insights: Gain invaluable and updated information about a wide range of ingredients, reflecting the evolving world of food in Australia and a discussion of contemporary issues affecting Australian produce and producers.- Cooking Mastery: Learn clever and easy-to-use cooking techniques.- Kitchen Tools: Guidance on kitchen equipment and how to use it effectively.- Inspiration & Advice: Friendly encouragement and expert knowledge to enhance your cooking skills.- Failsafe Recipes: More than 1000 reliable and delicious recipes – all you need for a lifetime of cooking and eating well.

Stephanie believes that good food is essential to living well, and her book is a valuable resource for everyone, every day.

‘The Cook’s Companion has helped shape a nation of quality home cooks.’ Neil Perry
‘The go-to reference that gives cooks at every level continuous inspiration.’ Maggie Beer

Stephanie Alexander AO is regarded as one of Australia’s great food educators. Her reputation has been earned through 30 years as an owner-chef in several restaurants and for her groundbreaking work in creating and promoting the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation. Her 18 books include Stephanie’s Menus for Food Lovers, Stephanie’s Australia, Stephanie’s Seasons, Stephanie Alexander’s Kitchen Garden Companion, Stephanie Alexander & Maggie Beer’s Tuscan Cookbook, Stephanie’s Journal, Cooking and Travelling in South-West France, Home, Fresh, and her memoir, A Cook’s Life.

Alex Sloan AM, an enthusiastic cook, is an award-winning journalist, panellist, MC and commentator whose extensive media career spans 30 years, including 27 years with ABC Radio. Alex is a Director and Deputy Chair of Australia's think-tank, The Australia Institute and a Director of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. In 2017 Alex was named ACT Citizen of the Year and in 2019 was made a Member of the Order of Australia. Alex is a regular conversationalist in the Meet the Author series.

The vote of thanks will be given by Canberra based food writer and chef Lucy Ridge.

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm and again after the event.

Additional information:

Registration is required for this event.

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A podcast will be made available after the event.

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