Diana Henry (food writer)
Diana Henry | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Need valid birth date: year, month, day Northern Ireland |
| Occupation(s) | Food writer, author |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Known for | Cookery books, food columns |
Diana Henry (born October 1963) is a British food writer and author of nine cookery books, exploring themes such as chicken dishes, healthy eating, gastropub fare, preserving techniques, and Nordic cuisine.
Life
Raised in Northern Ireland, Henry's enthusiasm for cooking emerged early, as she was already preparing meals for friends by the age of 12 or 13. Her interest grew significantly during a student exchange program in France at 15 years old, where she encountered olive oil and high-quality everyday ingredients for the first time.
Although she initially aimed to pursue acting or law, Henry started her professional journey as a television producer on culinary shows like TV Dinners alongside Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Concurrently, she developed her cooking abilities by experimenting with recipes from authors such as Claudia Roden and Julia Child, sourcing diverse ingredients from London's Edgware Road. Following the arrival of her first child in 1998, she shifted her focus toward food writing.
Work
Henry's first publication, Crazy Water Pickled Lemons (2002), presents recipes inspired by the Middle East, Mediterranean, and North African regions. The book is divided into thematic sections like Fruits of Longing and The Spice Trail, showcasing ingredients including figs, quince, pomegranate, cardamom, chili, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, coriander, pimenton, and saffron.
Since then, she has authored eight more cookbooks and contributes a regular column to Stella magazine within the Sunday Telegraph. Her work has been recognized with awards such as the Fortnum and Mason Cookery Writer of the Year (2013), the Guild of Food Writers Cookery Book of the Year (2015), and the Evelyn Rose Award for Cookery Journalist of the Year (2015). Henry has also been featured on BBC Radio 4 programs like Woman's Hour and The Food Programme, where she discusses culinary trends and techniques.
Reception
Henry's recipes often incorporate exotic ingredients; Melissa Clark from The New York Times observed that alongside Yotam Ottolenghi, she excels at blending familiar tastes with international flavors that challenge traditional palates. On BBC Radio 4's The Food Programme in 2016, Sheila Dillon referred to Diana Henry as the rightful successor to Jane Grigson, emphasizing Henry’s evident passion for both cooking and ingredients through her writing. Clark also commended Henry’s 2014 book A Change of Appetite, highlighting its flavorful dishes that avoid overt health trends. Lisa Markwell praised the accessible style found in A Bird in the Hand, noting Henry’s honest combination of practical guidance and enthusiasm.
Awards
In 2016, Henry received a James Beard Award for her cookbook centered on chicken, A Bird in the Hand. Her inaugural book, Crazy Water Pickled Lemons, was shortlisted for the Glenfiddich award. She was honored with the Guild of Food Writers "Cookery Journalist of the Year" award in 2007, 2009, and 2015 for her contributions to Stella magazine. In 2019, Henry was awarded the Fortnum & Mason Cookery Writer Award in recognition of her ongoing work with Stella.