Australian music legend Jimmy Barnes and his wife Jane are inviting readers back into their kitchen with the release of their highly anticipated second cookbook, Seasons Where the River Bends. This follow-up to their bestselling debut continues to draw inspiration from their vibrant Southern Highlands garden, offering a heartfelt glimpse into their life of seasonal home cooking.
From Garden to Table: The Barnes Family Philosophy
Having spent more than four decades together, Jimmy and Jane Barnes have cultivated not just a family but a deep connection to their land. Their property, affectionately known as Riverbend, provides the rhythm for their lives and the foundation for their new collection of 60 favourite recipes.
Jane Barnes describes their gardening journey as one that began with simple steps. "We came in as novices, many years ago, and started out with a few simple things," she recalls. "We had herb patches and the easiest vegetable to grow, which is probably silverbeet, or spinach. We've got the four seasons here and it's become, very much, the rhythm of our lives."
The couple's approach is both practical and poetic. Jane finds joy in nature's signals: "The camelias have started, it's winter. The daffodils have come out of the ground, so spring is near." Currently, their garden is producing cauliflower, broccoli, artichokes, rhubarb, beans, peas, rainbow chard, and beetroot.
Healing Through Home and Garden
For Jimmy Barnes, the garden represents more than just a source of fresh produce—it played a crucial role in his recovery from serious health challenges. "All the health problems I've had have made me appreciate being home so much more," he shares. "At Riverbend, as much as the garden sustains our family, it also nourishes us and helped me heal."
Jimmy credits Jane's cooking with fresh garden produce as instrumental to his recovery. "Jane would make me fresh juices from the garden to build my immune system, make me great soups," he explains. "The garden and Jane were a huge part of what helped me heal."
The couple emphasizes that anyone can participate in growing their own food, regardless of space limitations. "If you've just got a balcony or a porch, you can still grow things," Jimmy encourages. "You can throw in a handful of fresh herbs that you've cooked yourself, and it's still an accomplishment."
A Culinary Journey Through the Seasons
Seasons Where the River Bends takes readers on an international culinary adventure while maintaining its roots in Australian seasonal produce. The recipes reflect the Barnes family's diverse tastes, featuring everything from comforting Scottish classics to traditional Thai favourites and Mexican feasts.
Standout recipes in the collection include:
- Southern Highlands cullen skink
- Silken tofu with soy and ginger
- Vegetable and chickpea tagine
- Jane's classic chocolate-chip cookies
- Winter mixed berry cobbler
- Fig and feijoa jam
Jane's philosophy extends beyond mere cultivation to making the most of what the garden provides. "We can't grow everything, so we grow the things that we love, and we love what grows, and we make do," she explains. "Staples like potatoes and carrots, lettuce, celery - you can always make a great base for a meal out of those. And you can always pickle and bottle and stew."
The book is available now through HarperCollins Australia with a recommended retail price of $59.99.
