Q: With so many deserving women, how did you narrow the list down to 35?
Illustrator Ashly Jernigan: This was not easy. Making sure we were representing a wide variety of women was incredibly important to us. Inspiration in food pairings helped us along the way as well. Let's just say we certainly have more than enough women waiting in the wings for a sequel.
Chef Ashley Schütz: We wanted to create a book that was a tight time capsule of powerful legacies. A handy-sized book with a variety of recipe options, and representation of many different women was at the helm of our decision making.
A new cookbook pays tribute to 35 inspirational women. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Q: The recipes seem like they are written expressly for each woman. What was your thought process for creating those recipes?
AJ: It always started with a deep dive into each woman's story. We needed to know her before we could illustrate or pair her with a recipe. We'd consider her strengths, her homeland, her passions. Sometimes I would start illustrating and Ashley would get inspired by the color choices I'd chosen. Other times Ashley would take the lead with ingredients and flavors, and then I would start to draw. Each woman and recipe came together in her own unique way.
AS: The final recipes and illustrations were purely a creative interpretation of what we thought would highlight each woman's greatness. While I would start playing around with ingredients in my kitchen, Ashly would begin illustrating at her home and we'd share the layers of our progress continuously until we landed in a mutual place.
Q: What were some of the lessons you learned in producing this book?
AJ: So often, I'd go into illustrating one of these women with a personal struggle weighing heavy on me. As I would draw, their story swimming in my mind, no joke, I would feel their power buoying me up and getting me through whatever difficulty I came to my drawing table with. These women have truly made me better.
AS: Most importantly, how vivacious and persistent the female spirit is.
Q: What are your favorite recipes from the book?
AJ: I'd have to go with Gloria Steinem's Caramelized Fennel Pasta. Turns out fennel caramelizes in a similar way to onions, but with an incredibly unique, gorgeous flavor. And then with the lemon zest? Be still my heart.
AS: I am terrible at picking favorites, but one recipe I make constantly is Greta Thunberg's Creamy Chipotle Dip — creamy with cashew and spicy from canned chipotles, it whips up in minutes and it always surprises guests to have a non-bean based dip on the table. Also, being a girl from Southern California, my heart sings for anything citrus-laden so Hedy Lamarr's Vibrant Lemon Poppyseed Bundt Cake is a constant all year round.
Q: If you each created a recipe for the other, what would it be?
AJ: Seeing as I'm not the chef here, this is a bit difficult for me. I suppose I'd dream up a dish based around things that come to mind when I think of Ashley: 1. The Golden State. I'm thinking bright, vibrant, fresh flavors. 2. Her incredible ability to nurture others, so grounding, wholesome ingredients would be crucial. 3. Her confidence. I think this could translate to a good level of spice. I'd then, of course, make Ashley come up with the recipe.
AS: I remember Ashly telling me once that her mother's chicken paprikash was a soul food for her. Channeling that, I'd make it plant-based with seasonal vegetables, dressed in a creamy sauce that is heavily spiced with smoked paprika. The color of the sauce will perfectly mimic the red earth from her beautiful hometown of Sedona, Arizona. Of course, it would all be paired with buttered noodles — because if there is one ingredient that she puts on a godly pedestal, it's butter.
Q: Each recipe also features a conversation starter — "The Question at the Table." Why did you decide to include that?
AJ: Though this may seem like a small element in each profile, it was a really important feature for us. By introducing these women through food, we are bringing their stories to the table. And what better way to solidify each woman's stories in our memories than through heartfelt discussion inspired by her legacy?
AS: Providing a "Question at the Table" was already a personal practice in my home. It brings all conversations into one place and provides an opportunity for everyone to feel heard. It unites everyone's unique stories in such an abundant way. The true backbone of this book is to bring the stories of women to the table where they can be shared and celebrated.
