Cookstrip

Cookstrip is a form of visual storytelling used to convey recipes and cooking techniques through a series of illustrations and minimal text. This method was popularized by Len Deighton, a British author and illustrator, who used cookstrips in his books and newspaper columns.

History

The concept of the cookstrip was developed by Len Deighton in the 1960s. Deighton, who was also a food writer, created these visual guides to make cooking more accessible and less intimidating for the general public. His cookstrips were first published in The Observer newspaper and later compiled into books.

Format

A typical cookstrip consists of a series of panels, each containing a simple illustration and a brief description of the cooking step. The illustrations are often black and white line drawings, which focus on the essential elements of the recipe. The text is concise, providing just enough information to guide the reader through the process.

Advantages

Cookstrips offer several advantages over traditional recipe formats:

• **Clarity**: The visual format makes it easier to understand complex techniques.
• **Accessibility**: They are ideal for people who are visual learners or who may struggle with reading long blocks of text.
• **Efficiency**: The concise nature of cookstrips allows for quick reference while cooking.

Notable Works

Some of the notable works by Len Deighton that feature cookstrips include:

• Len Deighton's Action Cook Book
• Ou Est Le Garlic

Legacy

The cookstrip format has influenced modern food media, including cookbooks, magazines, and online content. Many contemporary food writers and illustrators continue to use and adapt the cookstrip style to create engaging and accessible cooking guides.

See Also

• Len Deighton
• Recipe
• Illustration
• Visual storytelling