Sian Irvine’s beautiful shot of still life; aubergines and pomegranates for my cookery book coming up, Ozlem’s Turkish Table – Recipes from My Homeland
Merhaba dear All,
I hope this note finds you well and you had an enjoyable summer. I was in Turkey – in Istanbul then in Bodrum – it was very special to be back home and spend quality time with my family.
The last few months have also been very busy preparing my Turkish cookery book, Ozlem’s Turkish Table – Recipes from My Homeland with GP Publishing. If you may recall, we had a fantastic photo shoot with the very talented Sian Irvine Photograpy back in July. Since then, we have been lovingly editing and shaping each chapter; it’s now coming together beautifully and I can not wait to share with you all!
This book will be a compilation of my favorite Turkish recipes and a special tribute to my southern Turkish roots, with an emphasis on regional dishes from my hometown Antakya and southern Turkey in general, along with my personal stories. There will be some lovely black and white photos of my parents, grandparents and family in the book, which are so dear to me; these were the people I got my inspiration from and the book is their legacy, it will be special to share with you all. With this book, I truly hope you feel the warmth, generous, sharing spirit of our Turkish culture; I truly hope it may inspire you to have a go at the recipes – and there will be delicious new recipes too – and that the book will help you to connect with my beautiful homeland.
It’s been a labor of love in the making but we are almost there – we plan to be ready for pre-orders by November and the book will be out in March 2018. I hope to be able to personally sign the copies for you and hope to see you at one of our pre-order book events – stay tuned!
Sunny Flavours of Turkey with Ozlem Warren, Divertimenti Cookery School, London
Hands On Masterclass, Saturday 7th October, 11:00am – 2:30pm
I have a delicious, hands on Turkish cookery class coming up at the Divertimenti Cookery School in London on Saturday, October 7th, with home made baklava and many more. Below is the class details, do hope you can join us!
Participation is limited, please kindly book through Divertimenti Cookery School at this link
Home made baklava is delicious and easier than you think, we will have a go at our class in Divertimenti Cookery School, London on October 7th, 2017
Please join us as we will cling on to the autumnal sunshine than with a feast of delights from Ozlem’s Turkish Table. Showcasing authentic, regional recipes from her beloved homeland, you will cook alongside Ozlem preparing a selection of seasonal dishes from this colourful and aromatic cuisine as well as learn about Turkish coffee. Recipes will include ‘Zeytinyagli Sarma’ (Stuffed Vine Leaves), ‘Shepherds Salad, ‘Iskender Kebab (Tender slices of meat over pita bread with roasted vegetables and yoghurt sauce), ‘Baklava with Walnuts’ and Turkish Coffee.
What I have been cooking lately..
Spicy bulgur and lentil soup, Ezo Gelin Corba is in the menu
With the temperatures turning cooler, I have been cooking wholesome soups like Ezo Gelin Corba, Turkish spicy bulgur and lentil soup. We love this soup as a family; it’s satisfying, easy to make and so delicous, flavored with dried mint and red pepper flakes. I tend to make a big batch and freeze leftovers, works very well. Here’s the link for my Ezo Gelin corba, I hope you enjoy it too.
Afiyet Olsun,
Ozlem
Hi Ozlem,
Very much look forward to your cookbook. Hopefully, it will be available in the US. Are you coming to Texas for your book tour? When my granddaughter visits me, I always fix Turkish breakfasts for her from your recipes. She loves them.
Take care, Helga
Merhaba dear Helga, how lovely to hear from you, many thanks for your kind note. TX is high on my list to visit with the book and teach at Central Market Cooking School, so I will definitely keep you posted. I am so glad your granddaughter still enjoys Turkish breakfast – my favorite meal of the day! – really look forward to sharing the book with you all. Cok sevgiler, Ozlem
Oh my goodness I am so excited to order this book. You have been such an inspiration as a cook, mother and representative for Turkish culture through food. You embody merhaba. As I sought to learn to cook for my Turkish friends while in Turkey you answered every question and supplied such wonderful recipes that they loved my meals. When I returned to Canada I was able to introduce friends and family to the country I love through your recipes. You are so gracious with your followers and I look forward to having your book front and center on my coffee table and in my kitchen. Many thanks, Deborah Groom
Merhaba dear Deborah, such a warm, kind note, you made my day! Thank you ever so much from the heart; I so love sharing my homeland’s treasures and recipes and when hearing such wonderful feedback, it makes it all so well worth on a whole new level. I am so delighted you’ve enjoyed my recipes and so happy you could be able share with family and friends – that’s what Turkish food is all about 🙂 It’s been such a pleasure to be on this foodie journey with you all and I am ever so grateful to all your support – can’t wait to share the book with you!! I am also hoping to come to Canada to teach/book sign, so who knows, we may meet up too 🙂 cok tesekkur ve sevgilerimle, Ozlem xx
Looking forward to publication day
Thank you and huge thanks for all your support and encouragement, can’t wait to come to Bodrum with the book next year! Cok Sevgiler, Ozlem xx
Özlem’ciğim,
Love the photo composition of aubergines and nars. You have worked so, so hard to make this happen – we can’t wait for it to come out. It will be a wonderful gift to all of us – thanks! Yes, ezo gelin is one of my favorite go-to dishes when the weather begins to turn and I always use your recipe. You have been such an important influence in my recipe repertoire – I really can’t exaggerate how much. Lots of love to you and your family. xoxo Jolee
Merhaba sevgili Jolee’cigim, thank you from the bottom of my heart, for this very special note, really made my day! It’s been such a pleasure to share the recipes with you all – as we say in Turkish, it is “Paylastikca artan mutluluk”; “Happiness that grows with sharing”. My sincere thanks for all your support on this journey, words not enough. On the home run now, can’t wait to share the book with you all 🙂 cok tesekkur ve sevgilerimle, Ozlem xxx
I just love Turkish food! I can’t wait to get this book.
merve@sinavfilm.com
Many thanks for your kind note Merve – i can wait to share this special book with you all – not long now!!:) selamlar, Ozlem