Shillong, May 11: A cookbook on traditional recipes for indigenous dishes was launched in the city on Saturday.

The cookbook entitled ‘Cooking My Way’ was written by Judicia Pariat. She is the wife of former bureaucrat-turned-politician, Himalaya M. Shangpliang, who is the MLA of Mawsyram constituency.

The author has decided to share the unique recipes she often cooked for her family and friends beyond the four walls of her kitchen in the form of a book.

“Why I name this book as cooking my way because I always believe that food should be simple, healthy and at the same time yummy,” Judicia said while speaking at the launching of her first cookbook.

She said the book was dedicated to her late mother from whom she had learned most of the recipes while thanking her husband and family for their moral support.

The book was released by Congress MLA from Mahendraganj, Dikkanchi D Shira at a function held at The Heritage Club, Cleve Colony in Shillong.

Congratulating the author, Dikkanchi in her address said that the cookbook will empower the people of Meghalaya especially women.

“Though we have accessed to various recipes and cookbooks from all over the world, but there are yet to be cookbooks featuring the traditional foods and cuisines of the North East India particularly of Meghalaya,” Shira observed.

The MLA said that Judicia has set an example of what people especially homemakers can do with their ideas and how such creative ideas can be documented and shared with others.

“We cooked everyday for ourselves, but we often failed to recognize the value of having accessed to the recipes that our grandparents and parents have used. These recipes are hardly shared with others, and are even endangered of getting lost eventually,” she said.

Earlier, Shangpliang informed that his wife has decided to donate the money raised from the cookbook for missionary works to spread the word of God.

Ampati MLA, Miani D Shira among others were present at the function.