Share a Recipe with Ella Phillips

Ella talks about how she has linked cooking and writing together, how watching her parents interact with her son inspired her to create the cookbooks and gives us her favourite thing to cook.

In the My Grandma’s Magic Recipes series, we see the warm, loving bond between Zee and their grandma come to life through cooking. Many people notice that parents who were once strict often become softer and more playful when they become grandparents. In these books, that change is shown through the grandma’s gentle encouragement, creativity, and patience in the kitchen. Instead of setting rules or rushing, she invites Zee to explore, taste, and learn with joy. The act of cooking becomes a magical way for them to connect—something that might not have happened the same way when she was a busy, rule-making parent. The stories remind us that grandparents often express love differently than parents do, creating new memories through kindness, traditions, and special moments like sharing a recipe.

Activity

In the story, Zee helps her Grandma cook a variety of delicious dishes in the kitchen.

Do you ever help someone at home—like a parent, grandparent, or guardian—when they’re cooking? What are some of your favourite things to make together?

Ask that special adult to share a recipe with you—maybe it’s something passed down in your family, or just a dish you love. Then, surprise them by cooking it for them (with a little help if you need it).

It’s a fun way to show love, learn a new skill, and celebrate the joy of food and family.