1010 Printing Award for Best Cookbook 2024
Finalist
Designer: Megan van Staden
Title: The Abundant Kitchen
Publisher: Allen & Unwin New Zealand
Format: 250 x 200mm, 352pp. Paperback with flaps and emboss, matt lam. Uncoated stock for an authentic and organic feel.
Typography: The font Dala Floda for main headings has a Middle Eastern feel, which I felt subtly reflected their Middle Eastern roots. The body font and subheading font Adobe Caslon Pro felt restrained and classic for the layout. It also has beautiful ligatures that tie in Dala Floda. Body text: Adobe Caslon Pro 11/16
“As a companion book to the very successful The Abundant Garden, we wanted this book to have a similar look and feel. However as it is a recipe book rather than a gardening book the content is quite different and needed very different treatment. Niva and Yotam wanted to honour their middle eastern roots and many of the recipes are from their grandparents and very traditional, as were a number of the props. Photographer Aaron McLean and stylist Jo Bridgeford worked with these themes to create stunning images that bring the recipes to life. Many of the recipes are very long and detailed and the text design needed to work successfully with them.”
Judges’ comments This cookbook carries forward the design theme from The Abundant Garden, capturing the aesthetic and food culture of the Middle East through vibrant colour photography reminiscent of bold Middle Eastern spices. The design, accentuated by the chef’s heritage and thoughtful font choices, offers a simple, organic, and timeless feel, much like the process of fermenting. Set for leisurely reading rather than strict instruction, it’s colourful and carefully considered, inviting readers to explore and savour both the content and the culinary journey it presents.
