Makisawsaw: Recipes x Ideas

by Mabi David (Editor), Karla Rey (Editor), Amihan

A range of problems, from the rise of chronic diseases to human rights violations to accelerating climate change, has been linked to the way we produce, consume, and dispose of food. Fed up?

Makisawsaw: Recipes x Ideas is an invitation to become more involved in the issues surrounding the food on our tables. Inspired by the widespread boycott of condiments made by one of the Philippines' largest food manufacturers after the violent dispersal of its factory workers on strike on July 30, 2018, the book features essays written by food access and justice advocates and activists on how the way we eat can be an exercise of greater agency in the world around us and a site of resistance, whether through personal choices or political action.

The book also contains 36 easy recipes of vegan condiments and main dishes that need no special appliance or expert cooking skills to make healthier plant-based eating affordable and fuss-free, giving us more energy for greater involvement.

Makisawsaw na!

76 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Sha Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars: The project itself has so much potential which could probably be realized with further editing.

[Odyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book firmly rooted to the ground. Beautifully made, with facts about farming, Philippine history, and how plant-based recipes came about. There is a story for each cuisine and dish, and I love how this book came together through a story of standing together against hunger. I bought this book for two reasons. First, it was a book made by a community I believe in (Slow Food Sari-Sari) and I wanted to read what the contributors have to say.

The best part about this book is how the ingredients are easily found in Filipino homes and markets. Our parents love going to the market (different from an air-conditioned grocery store) for the prices and because 'everything is there'.

I'm more in the kitchen to eat than cook, but having this recipe book with me gives me encouragement that I CAN cook delicious plant-based meals!

[Selina⚔️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so lucky that Gantala Press still sells the PDF version of this book, since, sadly, it's out of print.

Compared to the Community Garden edition, this book features more essays from activists, plant-based chefs, and Filipino vegans.

As with most compilations, some pieces stand out more than others.

I particularly enjoyed reading about food resistance in the Philippine context.

As an added bonus, the Recipes section includes beautiful illustrations.

Overall, Makisawsaw: Recipes x Ideas is a great introduction to the critical need to empower our farmers and eat healthily, in resistance to the powers that be.

Everything is political, especially when it comes to our food and cooking.

[Kristina Gemzon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening.