I never would have bought this cookbook

Except now I want to buy it for everyone

So often something first appears uninteresting, and then when I examine it further it becomes fascinating to me.

This cookbook is exactly that. I would have seen this in a bookstore, chuckled lightly to myself about yet another Celebrity Cookbook — from Pamela Anderson no less — and moved on to something more interesting.

And yet I attended an after-hours talk with Maria Zizka, a graduate of UNISG, guest lecturer for one of the programs, and author/co-author of multiple cookbooks, including this one by the former Baywatch star. (As familiar as I am with the 90s show and the commercials and the opening credits (I clearly remember the theme song by Jimi Jamison of Survivor!), I don’t think I ever watched it.)

And now I want to buy the book for everyone I know.

Zizka came to the school to teach a course on cookbooks and recipe writing, which immediately got my attention, as I have a problem with collecting too many cookbooks and overflowing my Pinterest account with recipes. I later learned that my classmate Claire was familiar with Zizka by following her on Instagram, and as a result tested a recipe for one of her other cookbooks. Who knew that was a thing that could happen?

As Zizka unfolded the story, here’s Anderson, wanting to write a cookbook, and the publisher instinctively realizes she needs to team up with Zizka, makes the connection, and suddenly the two not only working together but becoming fast friends.

They begin working on a (celebrity) cookbook, but, as Zizka explained, cookbooks need a unique point of view, and need a strong, clear direction. They need to be special. Yes, you’re Pamela Anderson, but what else is there?

The idea for the cookbook actually started with a recipe card file Anderson had given to her sons, gifted with the note “I love you.” The recipes were created by Anderson, and often made from produce grown in her Vancouver garden.

Please note: Pamela Anderson has a garden where she grows food that she eats. This isn’t just a vehicle for a celebrity to make a beautiful book and (hopefully) some money. These are her recipes, that she makes, from vegetables she gets her hands dirty growing. It’s authentic, and I might not have realized that by just glancing at the cover.

Speaking of, Zizka related the story of the title, which the publisher didn’t want — too generic, too personal, too not-a-cookbook, maybe too much like the title of her autobiography “Love, Pamela.” Anderson/Zizka won that battle, though, with the subtitle “Recipes From The Heart,” which led to many fans writing back, “I love you, too, Pamela”

At the time she met with us, Zizka had yet to see the actual finished book — a box was waiting for her back home — but the pictures she shared were gorgeous. They hired Ditte Isager, who photographed the NOMA cookbooks (one of the most exclusive restaurants in the world, with a waiting list of six months, and unfortunately, soon to be closing) and her food stylist. They aimed to make the food “not overly precious,” which is to say authentic and real, as are the photos of Anderson in her garden and playing with her dogs. (BTW, there are also recipes for dog treats in the book!)

Another striking thing about the book is that it is completely vegan, and yet never uses that word anywhere within. It’s not preachy, just meant to be delicious. Not fake, just making food with fresh ingredients.

By now I could see Anderson for more than just a swimsuit actress, and her cookbook for more than just a means of trying to stay in the spotlight. Learning the story behind her and the book not only opened my mind, but brought to life the old saw, don’t judge a book by its cover.

Anderson is preparing for a new cooking show, filmed at her home and garden and around Vancouver Island. She’s also working on a remake of The Naked Gun with Liam Neeson, which I’m certain will be nothing short of hilarious.

Next for Zizka is her own cookbook about hosting parties outdoors, which isn’t destined to hit shelves until 2027, partly because she and her husband are taking on all the photography — that will not only save a lot of money, but they’ll be able to spread photoshoots out over time as they make the dishes and prepare the spaces, rather than cramming it all into several days.

She also shared a special top secret project she worked on, which led to her secret wish to partner with a certain celebrity on a royally amazing cookbook. I can’t share that information here, but next time you see me, just ask.

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