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Stephanie Alexander
Photo Credit: Simon Griffiths

Stephanie Alexander

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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, as the author of 18 influential books and for her groundbreaking work in creating and promoting the Stephanie Alexander Garden Foundation. Everything she has achieved and worked towards has been driven by her desire to break down anxieties about cooking, to emphasise the beauty of produce fresh from the garden and to promote the pleasures of sharing around a table. Her strong belief is that the earlier children learn about food through example and pleasurable hands-on experience, the better their food choices will be throughout life.

Stephanie received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1994 for her services to the hospitality industry and tourism, and for encouraging young apprentices. She was named Victorian of the Year in 2010. In 2013 Stephanie was awarded Officer of the Order of Australia for her work with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden project.

Her fifth book, The Cook’s Companion, first published in 1996, is regarded as an Australian classic, and has sold over 550,000 copies.

Among Stephanie’s other books are 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.

Quote

'Of all the many cookery books that exist, there are only really a handful which are truly a must-have – The Cook's Companion is one of them. '

Jamie Oliver

More features

Article
Stephanie Alexander's reflection on her iconic cookbook The Cook's Companion

The Cook's Companion has established itself as the kitchen 'bible' in over half a million homes since it was first published.

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Roasted Christmas turkey roll

Try this free recipe from Stephanie Alexander’s The Cook's Companion.

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Berry pancakes

Thick, spongy pancakes from The Cook’s Apprentice – perfect for a special breakfast.

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The versatile meatball

Burgers, curry, pasta and parties – this meatball recipe from The Cook’s Apprentice works for them all.

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Chocolate self-saucing pudding

A sumptuous pudding with a magical, delectable sauce from The Cook’s Apprentice.

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Pumpkin and honey bread

A delicious loaf from The Cook’s Apprentice that’s perfect for morning or afternoon tea.

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A guide to The Cook’s Apprentice

A detailed look at what to expect from Stephanie Alexander’s latest cookbook.

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Kids dig gardening

Stephanie Alexander’s tips to get your kids active in your kitchen garden.

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Christmas cake from Margaret

Try this free recipe from The Cook's Companion by Stephanie Alexander.

Article
Glaze for baked ham

Try Stephanie Alexander’s Baked Ham Glaze from The Cook's Companion.

Article
Barbecued jerk chicken

Try this Jamaican delight from Stephanie Alexander’s The Cook’s Table.

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Chocolate chiffon tart

Try this irresistible recipe from Stephanie Alexander’s The Cook’s Table.

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Ask Stephanie

Stephanie Alexander responds to fan Facebook questions. 

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Broccoli carbonara

A variation on a classic from Stephanie Alexander’s Kitchen Garden Companion: Cooking.