The last couple of years have prompted so many of us to reconsider the way we live our lives. No longer are we privileging speed and excess or glorifying the hustle. Instead, more people are moving to the country or coast, realising the importance of taking better care of the world around them, and leaning into the slowness that we’ve experienced for good.

No one understands this shift to a slower life surrounded by nature better than legendary chef and pioneer of the paddock-to-plate ethos, Annie Smithers, who has been cooking in country kitchens with produce from her gardens for the last 30 years. From her plot in Lyonville she farms for her family and renowned French farmhouse style kitchen du Fermier. Now she is sharing the knowledge for others in pursuit of a greater connection to land, animals and the environment.

In her new book, Recipe for a Kinder Life Annie shares thoughtful stories, recipes and meditations on her methods for living a more nourishing life. Interspersed through Annie’s lyrical meditations and anecdotes are 70 delicious recipes that celebrate harvested produce and seasonality.

It’s the essential companion for anyone yearning to live more gently, start their own kitchen garden and deepen their relationship with the world around them.

‘Recipe for a Kinder Life’ by Annie Smithers and published by Thames & Hudson Australia is available to buy now here.