For local foodie and cookbook author Fanny Slater, food and family go hand in hand.
 
It was Slater’s 90-year-old grandmother who urged her to enter Rachel Ray’s Great American Cookbook Competition in 2014. The recipe she submitted as entry to the competition and then went on to cook for the final round of the competition was inspired by her father, and the book itself is dedicated to her parents and sister.
 
"Orange, Lavender & Figs; Deliciously Different Recipes from a Passionate Eater," released March 1, is the result of Slater’s taking top prize in Ray’s cookbook competition.
 
Slater, who describes herself as a storyteller by nature, set out to recreate recipes inspired by childhood memories.
 
“It’s all about about storytelling and the updating of the recipes that stand out from my childhood.” Slater said. “It’s like a family scrapbook.”
 
The book contains about recipes, and about a third of them containing a black and white photo and a story. Others contain Fanfare Tips, (Fanfare being the name of Slater’s company) that offer suggestions on how to add depth and contrast to presentation or how to put a twist on the recipe by swapping out ingredients.
 
"Orange, Lavender & Figs" reflects Slater’s amusing and witty personality with section titles like The Appstore and EntrePreneur. From breakfast to dessert Slater offers a fresh and modern spin on family favorites, along with a healthy dose of humor.
 
With a background that also includes acting and improv, Slater said she would love to combine her passions for food and screen by one day having her own show. She also hopes to begin work on anther book.
 
The following is a list of upcoming book signing events for Orange, Lavender & Figs:

• March 10: Sweet Retreat Kickoff Party Book Signing at The Loft on Front,  6-7p.m.
• March 12: Wilmington Brewing Company Book Signing Party with Steviemack’s International Food Company Truck, noon-3 p.m.
• March 19: Pottery Barn Book Signing Event in Mayfaire Town Center (Time TBD)
• April 16: Goat & Compass Book Signing Party with Funky Fresh Food Truck, 4 p.m.

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