Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, recently learned about a quiet but flavorful community kitchen in West London’s Al Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre. It was love at first sight! Meghan, who mostly follows a disciplined clean eating diet, has been very candid about her interest in all things culinary. She felt an instant connection to the community kitchen, which is run by women who were affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017.
“It is a place for women to laugh, grieve, cry and cook together,” Meghan says.
Why Meghan loves this kitchen’s mission
The gathering place was renamed the Hubb Community Kitchen, a nod to the Arabic word for love. It only makes sense, because at Hubb, food is love! The women prepare treasured family recipes and serve food to a growing number of visitors, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort.
Meghan decided to make a series of regular visits to share her love for food and fellowship. She even put on an apron and rolled up her sleeves, working alongside the women who started Hubb Community Kitchen. The Duchess of Sussex chops, sautés and serves internationally inspired recipes with European, Middle Eastern, North African and Mediterranean influence!
(Shake up next week’s menu with a recipe inspired by Middle Eastern flavors—this slow-cooked Moroccan chicken is easy and delicious.)
What she hopes the cookbook will accomplish
When Meghan discovered that Hubb Community Kitchen could only afford to operate twice weekly due to funding, she suggested a charity cookbook. In her first solo project since becoming a royal, Meghan has willed that vision into reality!
On September 25th, Together: Our Community Cookbook will hit booksellers, complete with a heartfelt foreword from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex; it’s filled with more than 50 recipes from the women who cook at Hubb Community Kitchen.
Reflecting on her experience with the people who inspired the book, Meghan writes in the foreword, “Melding cultural identities under a shared roof, it creates a space to feel a sense of normalcy—in its simplest form, the universal need to connect, nurture and commune through food, through crisis or joy—something we can all relate to.”
Proceeds raised from the book will be distributed by The Royal Foundation to expand operating hours to seven days a week, and to make the services of Hubb Community Kitchen more widely available. That makes us so happy—one more reason to love Meghan Markle!
Check out Together: Our Community Cookbook on Amazon.
Our Treasured Family Recipes
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Iced Cinnamon Potato Rolls
This recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who remembers making these rolls often. Now I make them often. Maybe they'll be a hit with your family, too! —Jonas Schwartz, Berne, Indiana
Raspberry Custard Kuchen
Back where I grew up in Wisconsin, people have been baking this German treat for generations. We love it for breakfast or as a special dessert. It's no fuss to fix and impressive to serve. —Virginia Arndt, Sequim, Washington
Nana's Italian Roulade
My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Homemade Polish Pierogi
My mother made many dozens of these and measured ingredients using the palm of her hand. We've passed the recipe down over the years as the family has grown. —Veronica Weinkauf, South Bend, Indiana
Honey-Lime Almond Cookies
Decades ago my grandmother passed this buttery lime cookie recipe to me. Through years of baking, our cookie memories keep the family connected, although we’re miles apart. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Grandma's Carrot Cake
My Grandma was very special to me. She had a big country kitchen that was full of wonderful aromas anytime we visited. This was one of her prized cake recipes, which continues to be a favorite from generation to generation. —Denise Strasz, Detroit, Michigan
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
The recipe for these four-ingredient biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
Grandma's Poultry Dressing
Every family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe. —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
Grandma Brubaker's Orange Cookies
At least two generations of my family have enjoyed the recipe for these delicate orange-flavored cookies. —Sheri DeBolt, Huntington, Indiana
Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Back when store-bought shortcake was an unheard-of thing, my grandmother passed this mini strawberry shortcake recipe down to my mother. Mother later shared it with me, and I've since given it to my daughter. —Althea Heers, Jewell, Iowa
Old-World Pizza Meat Loaf
Good food and memories are made in the kitchen. A recipe like this one that’s been passed down through generations is worth its weight in gold. In fact, this was my grandma’s; we all love it. —Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota
Carrot Chowder
My husband's grandmother passed this recipe on to us, and it's just wonderful—especially with a basket of warm, fresh bread on the side. This soup freezes well. —Wendy Wilkins, Prattville, Alabama
Green Bean Salad with Creamy Dressing
My grandmother passed on this refreshing side dish recipe. It’s always devoured at my house. —Jodi Galanis, Murray, Utah
Italian Rainbow Cookies
My family has made these classic Italian cookies for generations, and this homemade version is so much better than the bakery version. They are always a special treat during the holidays or any time of year!—Cindy Casazza, Hopewell, New Jersey
Holiday Lace Cookies
It's hard to stop eating these buttery cookies dotted with pecans and dried cranberries. I cherish this recipe from my mother. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Broccoli Quiche
My mother passed down this broccoli quiche recipe to me. She has been making it for over 30 years. You can serve it for brunch, lunch and even dinner. Any leftover quiche can be frozen and reheated in the microwave later. —Bridget Corbett, Valdosta, Georgia
South Liberty Hall Relish
My grandparents originated this recipe that's been treasured in our family for four generations. It's named after a dance hall they ran in rural Iowa. Whenever I bite into a hot dog or hamburger dressed up with this taste bud-tingling relish, I think of them and their delicious country cooking. —Melinda Winchell, Las Vegas, Nevada
Grandma Pietz's Cranberry Cake Pudding
For generations, our family has handed down this cake recipe starring cranberries. Simple and unusual, it remains a treasured family heirloom. —Lisa Potter, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin
Belarus Pickled Carrots
My mom’s holiday buffet always included these pickled carrots. I kept the tradition going, then passed the recipe to my daughter. In our family, it isn't a party without this dish. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, GA
Sour Cream Twists
When I was a little girl, my mother bought me an Easy Bake oven, and my "cookie-making career" was off and running. Now that I have my own family, I bake even more. At Christmas I make as many as 30 different kinds of cookies! This particular recipe has been in my family for generations. —Kathy Floyd, Greenville, Florida
Mom's White Lasagna
My mom made this lasagna for special occasions, such as birthdays. When she passed, I inherited her cookbooks—tucked inside one of them, I found this recipe folded into a letter she wrote to me while I was stationed overseas. It's a hearty, rich dish that reminds me of home. —Janet Wing, Minot, North Dakota
Spiced Molasses Doughnut Cookies
I don't know where this recipe came from, but my family has been making these cookies for four generations. I am from upstate New York, and I haven't met anyone who has heard of doughnut cookies outside of that area. But when folks try these, they love them! —Brenna Phillips, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Crunchy Ice Cream Delight
Four generations of home cooks have shared our crunchy ice cream bars. If you love almonds like my family does, double the butter and almonds and save half to sprinkle on top. —Angie Ricklefs, Sioux City, Iowa
Scottish Shortbread
Scottish settlers first came to this area over 150 years ago. My mother herself was Scottish, and—as with most of my favorite recipes—she passed this on to me. I make a triple batch of it each year at Christmas, to enjoy and as gifts. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
Danish Meatballs with Pan Gravy
My great-grandmother made these meatballs, and I'm sure her mother must have taught her. Six generations have enjoyed them, and one of my daughters even served them at her wedding. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Orange & Spice Cutout Cookies
I've been making these cookies since I was a little girl. When my mother retired from baking the holiday cookies and passed the mantle on to me, she also passed along this recipe. In time, I will give it my young niece. Just the smell of them takes me back to when I was a little one, just like she is now. —Lisa Rocco-Price, Bronx, New York
Super Sloppy Joes
Mother made these fresh-tasting sloppy joes many times when I was growing up. She passed the recipe on to me when I got married. My brother-in-law says they're the best sandwiches he's ever tasted. And he ought to know—his name is Joe! —Ellen Stringer, Bourbonnais, Illinois
California Lemon Pound Cake
Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I'm always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California
Caramel Pecan Ice Cream Dessert
My mother passed this old-time recipe on to me because she knew I'd want to make it. I love desserts—especially this one! —Mary Wright, Morriston, Ontario
Maple Butter Twists
My stepmother passed on the recipe for this delicious yeast coffee cake that's shaped into pretty rings. When I make it for friends, they always ask for seconds. —June Gilliland, Hope, Indiana
Kids' Favorite Chili
This third-generation hearty chili is a family favorite. It's a sweet and easy chili that's sure to warm up the whole family on those chilly fall nights. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Sun-Dried Tomato Provolone Bread
This savory quick bread, which was passed down from my mother, is packed with great flavors. It not only goes well will soups and chowders, but makes a delicious accompaniment to beef and chicken entrees. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Turkey Sausage Bean Soup
This recipe is from my great-grandmother, though I've added a few ingredients to make it my own. Serve it with a side salad and some artisan bread for a wonderful, hearty family dinner. —Terrel Porter-Smith, Los Osos, California
Chocolate & Coconut Cream Torte
My grandmother passed this recipe down to me years ago and now I make it for my own grandchildren. When preparing, make sure the chocolate layer is properly chilled before adding the next layer, or the coconut will sink into it. —Jason Purkey, Ocean City, Maryland
Fudge Nut Brownies
There's no brownie recipe or mix I've ever tried that's better than this! And it's so easy—you can mix it in one bowl in just a few minutes. My husband's grandmother passed the recipe on; now our son makes these brownies for after-school snacks. —Becky Albright, Norwalk, Ohio
Bohemian Kolaches
This kolache recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, who received it from her mother! It was a standard treat in their family, made nearly every week. Now I make these kolaches for my own family for special occasions. —Maxine Hron, Quincy, Illinois
German Black Forest Cake
As far as I know, this cake recipe can be traced back to my German great-grandma. When I got married, my mother gave me a copy and I hope to someday pass it down to my children. —Stephanie Travis, Fallon, Nevada
Martha Washington Candy
Passed down by my grandmother and mother, this Martha Washington candy recipe is a cherished family tradition. We've even had each grandchild and great-grandchild take a turn stirring the candy mixture! —Cindi Boger, Ardmore, Alabama
Supreme Green Vegetable Bake
My paternal grandmother passed this recipe down to me. She also offered comments on different ways to prepare this dish, "so as not to become bored with the same old dish over and over." She was a great inspiration for my love of baking and cooking.—Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Steamed Carrot Pudding
This recipe has been in my family for at least three generations, passed down from my Canadian grandmother. It's been a favorite wintertime dessert for us and always included for Easter dinner and other holiday meals. —Ann Searcey, Kettering, Ohio
Sweet and Golden Easter Bread
It is an Italian tradition to make this sweet, golden braid at Easter. This family heirloom recipe came from my mother-in-law and was passed down to her from her mother. If you're not a fan of raisins, the bread is just as wonderful without them. —Kathi West, Canton, Michigan
Focaccia Barese
This focaccia has been in my mom's family for several generations. It is one of my most requested recipes whenever I am invited to a party—I am not allowed to attend unless I bring it! —Dora Travaglio, Mount Prospect, Illinois
Frosted Spice Cookies
This recipe has been handed down through many generations of my husband's family. The cookies were always in his grandmother's cookie jar when he'd visit. Today, he enjoys them more than ever—and so I do. —Debbie Hurlbert, Howard, Ohio
Meringue Snowballs In Custard
My family has passed down this elegant dessert generation by generation. It started with my Russian great-grandmother, who traveled to America more than 100 years ago. I love continuing the tradition with her recipe. —Tonya Burkhard, Palm Coast, Florida
Italian Sprinkle Cookies
Of all the Italian cookie recipes I make, this is my favorite. These sprinkle cookies take some time, but, believe me, they are well worth it! My husband and I used to operate an Italian-American restaurant, and this recipe goes back generations. —Gloria Cracchiolo, Newburgh, New York
Chewy Salted Peanut Bars
My rich bars are studded with the all-American peanut. I like to think famed peanut farmer Jimmy Carter would approve. —Ann Marie Heinz, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Spiced Christmas Cookies
This delicious cookie recipe has been passed down through six generations and was brought to America from Germany in 1846! It's a holiday tradition in our house and we're proud to share this wonderful recipe with you. —Tanya Juhasz, Newberry, Florida
Almond Coconut Kringles
My mom was well known for her delicious kringle. She made it from memory, and when she passed away, we didn’t have the recipe to carry on this tradition. We searched through her recipes and we found what we believe was her starting point. The dough remains the same, but I adjusted the filling ingredients until it was just right. Try this tender, flaky pastry with its almonds and coconut filling, and you’ll be hooked on it the way we are! —Deborah Richmond, Trabuco Canyon, California
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
This recipe is so special to me because it was passed down from my grandmother, to my mother, and now to me. This family classic is now often requested for any type of work function.—Leann Schmid, Covington, Kentucky
Grandma's Raspberry Rugelach
I remember sitting on my great-grandmother's couch with a pad and pen in hand as she told me each ingredient and measurement for her special rugelach. Her recipe stands apart because it's a fun twist from typical versions. —Dalya Rubin, Boca Raton, Florida