All her life, our mother has done everything she can to make sure that every single member of the family has achieved their dreams, and felt supported and loved. And this book has been her dream for as long as we can remember. For years – maybe even decades – Mummy has been writing down her recipes, organizing them and filing them away so when the time came to write the book, she would have everything she needed. At the same time, she has taken the care with characteristic graciousness to always remember the people who taught her how to cook each dish, when they did and why she chose to learn it.
This book is really a record of our mother’s wonderful life, filled as it is with people she loves and who love her, stories of family and friends, and of course, the food that she has cooked, nearly every day for four decades, bringing all of us together to the table with generosity and happiness. As the three of us, our father, our spouses and children have been a part of the making of this book over the past year, it has given our family a chance to revisit our memories and map the journey of our family – a rare and wonderful opportunity that has reaffirmed what we have always believed. That when cooked with love and shared with a full heart, food can create abiding, precious relationships that stand the test of time.
Anisha and Vijay, with Rhea and Raoul
Nihal and Neha, with Anahi and Riaan
Sahil and Neha, with Anaia and Aliana
With this collection of recipes, stories and photographs, what Mummy has done is pay homage to our families, friends and a way of life that we hope we will always honour. It contains the lessons that we have learnt from her – to pay attention to detail; to make our surroundings beautiful; to welcome people into our homes and lives with genuine hospitality; to cherish friendships and nurture them over the years; to respect every person’s contribution to our lives; and to live with integrity and kindness.
Saffron and Pearls is truly Doreen Hassan’s labour of love and we could not be happier or prouder of our mother.
Anisha, Nihal and Sahil