Greetings
Alice the Cook is a character performed by Anjila K. Olsen. As her character, Olsen has written three self-published cookbooks, writes food articles for the bi-monthly publication Renaissance Magazine, and provides educational stories and recipes in her syndicated food blog, alicethecook.com.
As Alice the Cook, Olsen engages in lively conversation, blending a friendly personality, traditional cooking techniques, and ingredients and her demonstrations cover a wide variety of topics, which she tailors to her audiences’ needs and interests. Working with children and adults alike, she has demonstrated Silk Road spice blends, historical and medicinal uses for spices and herbs, as well as historical cooking techniques.
Alice the Cook continues to test recipes in her kitchen. By using cast iron pots and wooden utensils, Alice the Cook prepares recipes in a traditional manner and even utilizes an outdoor fire pit. She loves sharing her passion for cooking with others and encourages readers and fans to share their cooking stories as well.
Where has Alice the Cook been featured?
Olsen has also had articles featured in The Heavy Table food blog, the Star Tribune (MN), Argus Leader (SD), Chicago Tribune (IL), and the Jerusalem Post (Israel). Olsen also prepares historical cooking demonstrations for area schools and colleges, community education programs, and regional renaissance festivals. When she cooks, she goes back to the basics and uses fresh ingredients from local producers and uses the same recipes that were used centuries ago in cast iron pots, while cooking over an open fire.
During the summer months, Olsen performs at the Siouxland Renaissance Festival in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, Minnesota. She has also made appearances at the Salisbury Renaissance Festival in Iowa and the Sarasota Renaissance Festival in Florida.