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  • Published: 24 March 2026
  • ISBN: 9781761348921
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 1296
  • RRP: $130.00
Categories:

The Cook's Companion 30th Anniversary Edition

Australia's favourite cookbook - fully updated



A FULLY UPDATED EDITION WITH NEW RECIPES AND ENTRIES CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE COOKBOOK – OVER HALF A MILLION COPIES SOLD

‘Anyone who cooks – or eats – needs this book.’ NIGELLA LAWSON
‘A must-have.’ JAMIE OLIVER
‘The definitive book on all subjects.’ YOTAM OTTOLENGHI
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

The Cook's Companion has established itself as the kitchen ‘bible’, ‘the book for a lifetime of cooking’, in over 500,000 homes 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.

  • Published: 24 March 2026
  • ISBN: 9781761348921
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 1296
  • RRP: $130.00
Categories:

About the author

Stephanie Alexander

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.

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