Three things with Stephanie Alexander: ‘Without false modesty, my most useful object is The Cook’s Companion’

Restaurateur and food writer Stephanie Alexander: ‘My adult life has been spent choosing lovely food, cooking lovely food and sharing it with family and friends.’ Photograph: The Guardian

Stephanie Alexander has been in many of our homes over the years. Her kitchen bible, the Cook’s Companion, has sold more than 500,000 copies since it was first published in 1996, placing it next to the Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book as one of the most recognisable cookbooks in Australia.

But that bestselling rainbow tome isn’t Alexander’s only career achievement. As well as her writing, the 82-year-old chef and author has operated two restaurants, and established a not-for-profit organisation that educates children about growing, preparing and cooking food. Later this month she’ll join fellow culinary luminary Maggie Beer at the Sydney writers’ festival to talk food and friendship.