Sofia Real: Dreaming Up New Recipes

Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for you these days?

Probably not at the time but I was definitely a creative kid - I had an extremely vivid imagination, loved experimenting in the kitchen already back then, did a lot of arts and crafts and played several instruments. These days, my creative practice focuses on food, specifically developing recipes, mainly for baked goods and desserts, and writing about food.  

How did motherhood change your creative practice? 

Time is obviously an increasingly rare commodity. And yet I try to remind myself that it wasn’t like pre-baby I had endless time for my hobbies. I try to steal pockets of time for myself - in the short window between daycare drop-off and work, during my lunch break, after my toddler goes to bed, during nap time etc. And I regularly remind myself that you can achieve a lot if you really want to and that it helps to break down large tasks into small, more digestible, bits and pieces. 

My creative process might be slower than it used to be but it is a steady practice. Most days I do at least something - it might be planning my editorial calendar, researching recipes, doing a first draft of a new recipe or evaluating some testing notes and developing later iterations, proof-reading posts for my newsletter or promoting my recipes on social media. I definitely sometimes feel guilty taking time for myself but I also know that I am a better (and more patient) mum if I make time for myself and my interests which were a big part of my life long before my son was born. 

When do you feel most creative? 

Probably when I’m in the kitchen wearing my flour-stained blue striped apron and I have finally nailed whichever recipe I am currently working on. There is a particular feeling in my head I get when I know I am done with a recipe (well, for now, I feel like recipes are living entities and each time you make something you learn more) - it is almost like I am dancing in my head.

What’s a dream project for you?

My dream project is definitely writing my own cookbook one day. I have several ideas for books already (including one featuring recipes for cakes, pastries and desserts making the most of our increasingly eclectic pantries - think Preserved Lemon Swiss Roll, Labneh Cheesecake with Syrupy Saffron Apricots or Oat and Cardamom Florentines for example) and I hope to realize at least one of these ideas! But if it doesn’t happen that’s ok too. I have reached the point that I am content developing recipes for the sake of developing and sharing recipes. If others enjoy them and make them in their own homes, so much the better. 

What’s your favorite super easy creative practice to do when you’re looking for fresh ideas?

When I am in a creative rut and can’t seem to think of great new recipe ideas, it often helps to try new things - new restaurants, bakeries, cafes etc., either in person or just by perusing their menus or Instagram feeds. But if I am really stuck I find it helps most to completely extract myself from all things food and immerse myself in other types of creative practices - be it going to a museum or a concert, trying my hand at watercolours or drawing etc. Other than that, like most folks, I do my best thinking in the shower or on a long walk in the forest. We are lucky enough to live close to a large forest and I try to keep up the pandemic habit of going for long walks as often as I can. Bonus point: I often come back with fresh ideas!

What do you hope your kids will learn about creativity from you?

That jobs, friends and partners may come and go throughout your life but that your hobbies, interests and creative pursuits are yours to keep (and nurture). I also want him to learn that a creative life is a richer life - that engaging in creative pursuits can feel like going from watching black and white TV to colour TV. I also want him to know how empowering it can be to be creative - regardless of whether you create a piece of music, a photograph, a painting, a loaf of sourdough bread or a piece of writing (and regardless of the size of your audience!). 

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Born and raised in Germany I have spent the past 20 plus years abroad, first in the UK, then Austria and Italy and, for the past 10 years, Brussels, Belgium where I now live with my husband and 20 months old son. 

I work as a competition (antitrust to the US folks) lawyer for Google during the day and spend my free time developing recipes and writing a newsletter on Substack featuring my recipes and musings on all things food. Pre-toddler and pre-pandemic I hosted a Supperclub with a friend showcasing recipes inspired by our travels and the many places we have called home featuring local and seasonal produce. I’m now trying to figure out how to get back into the odd live event with my food. My ultimate dream is to write a cookbook featuring recipes for cakes, pastries and desserts making the most of our increasingly eclectic pantries. 

My recipes have been featured online and in print in various spaces, including the Guardian (see here and here), the Telegraph and Food52, for example. Here are a few recipes I am particularly proud of:

• A Preserved Lemon Drizzle Loaf Cake

• A Sumac and Strawberry Tiramisu-ish 

• A Prune and Chinese Five Spice Sticky Toffee Pudding with Miso Butterscotch Sauce

You can follow me on Substack and Instagram. 

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