Cherry Darlings, a beloved vegan bakery in Adelaide, is making a comeback in the form of a cookbook. The bakery, which originally started as a catering and wholesale business in 2011 by Tim Salmon, expanded to become Australia’s first all-vegan bakery in 2014. After operating at multiple locations until January 2024, Cherry Darlings closed its doors, leaving behind a legacy that will now be immortalized in a cookbook.
The idea for the cookbook came from the high demand expressed by loyal customers. Tim’s partner, Allie, who joined the business in 2019, recalls a moment when a diner recognized them and requested a cookbook. This prompted Allie and Tim to embark on the journey of adapting their recipes for everyday home cooks. Many of the original recipes were designed for large-scale production using industrial machinery and wholesale ingredients, so adjustments are being made to make them accessible for individuals and families.
One of the key goals of the cookbook is to pay homage to the memory of Cherry Darlings and the vegan community in Adelaide that supported them. Allie envisions the cookbook as a love letter to those who choose a plant-based lifestyle, incorporating hand-drawn illustrations, handwritten notes, customer photos, and staff memories. The cookbook will feature a mix of recipes, including customer favorites like the Mexican burger and choc mousse, along with other signature dishes that made Cherry Darlings a household name.
As they work on compiling the recipes, Allie and Tim are committed to sharing everything they can, provided they own the recipes. The cookbook will offer a glimpse into the unique culinary creations that defined Cherry Darlings, from savory pies to decadent desserts. Allie, who is overseeing the visual design and content creation, aims to capture the essence of the bakery’s spirit and honor its legacy through the cookbook.
To engage the community further, Allie and Tim are inviting individuals to contribute their memories and photos from their experiences at Cherry Darlings and Vego’s. By involving customers and supporters in the project, they hope to create a collaborative keepsake that reflects the shared history of the bakery and its patrons. Those interested in contributing can reach out to the team via email for a chance to be credited in the cookbook.
While there is no set timeline for the cookbook’s release, the team is actively working on recipe testing and content creation. By combining their design expertise and culinary passion, Allie and Tim are dedicated to preserving the legacy of Cherry Darlings in a format that will inspire home cooks and vegan enthusiasts alike.
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