IN HONOR OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, we’re revisiting a recipe, a cookbook and a place. We first reviewed Hedgebrook Cookbook: Celebrating Radical Hospitality back in 2013. Hedgebrook is a women’s writing retreat on Whidbey Island in Washington state. Since 1988, its six cabins have been home to an impressive list of women writers.
Amy Wheeler, former Executive Director of Hedgebrook, explained its purpose like this: “As women, we are used to being the nurturers. We make sure others are fed, clothed and taken care of. We enable their work and visions, sometimes at the expense of our own.” Hedgebrook turns the tables, nurturing women writers, feeding them, caring for them and giving them time to write.
The cookbook contains more than ninety recipes as well as original writings by a number of Hedgebrook alumnae. It’s also filled with beautiful photography—of the food, of course, but also images of the place that resonate with peace, comfort and joy. One of the recipes is this Italian chicken stew, with chunks of chicken, potatoes and artichoke hearts, brightened with capers, olives, red pepper flakes and lemon. Reading the recipe, we knew it would be good, but we were not prepared for just how good—big-flavored, rustic and soul satisfying. You’ll find the recipe—and more about this amazing place—right here.