comfort food : sophie jane kirk
Photography supplied by Sophie Jane Kirk
Chai Spiced Chaga Tonic
400ml oat milk (200ml barista blend, 200ml regular)
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
Pinch cardamom
1/2 tsp chaga mushroom extract powder
1-2 tsp coconut sugar (depending on desired sweetness)
Add all ingredients to a saucepan and whisk together until combined. Heat on medium/low for 4-5 minutes until the spices have warmed in the milk and you start to smell their delicious aroma. Once warmed, use an electric drink frother and blend for a few seconds until the tonic mixture has a fluffy foam. Pour into your desired cup and sprinkle with cinnamon. Can be served warm if you’re in the northern hemisphere as we head into winter or over ice if you’re heading into summer in the Southern Hemisphere!
Share a little about yourself -
My name is Sophie and the second half of that question is always a difficult one for me to answer! Originally I was born in London, England but have lived in the US, France, Canada and the UK throughout my childhood and teen years. I have called many places home and I often struggle to associate with just one place.
If I used two words to describe myself, creative and sensitive would be the most accurate. Both go very hand in hand for me. I have always felt things very deeply and creativity has been apart of my life for as long as I can remember and a way for me to express myself when I was afraid to in other ways. As a child, my parents could sense that I would end up in a creative field. I used to spend many hours creating elaborate setups/houses for my toys, always focusing on small details and the placement of things etc. I took every art class I could throughout my school years and ended up studying Fashion Styling at University in London. After graduating, my interests shifted and I became more drawn to still life styling. I have a strong desire to create simplistic beauty and inspire a sense of calm through the styling and imagery I create.
What inspires you in everyday life - from creativity to food?
It may sound simple, but I often find the most inspiration in moments of calm and stillness. When I am immersed in nature, observing the light coming through a window or listening to gentle music, often classical or jazz. As I mentioned, I’m a very sensitive person and have lived an unsteady and somewhat turbulent life moving a lot, so I truly relish in moments of peace. It allows my body to enter into a state of deep rest, which almost always opens me up to receive a multitude of inspiration. In terms of food, my inspiration can come from so many different places. It usually starts with something I have eaten and I will pick apart the flavours and new ideas and recipes will bloom from there. I’m also fascinated by medicinal herbs and love to experiment and challenge myself to add them into food in unique ways.
Could you share a little about your work?
Currently, I’m a still life stylist/art director and have recently just started a creative studio, LK Studio, together with a friend who works as a photographer. LK Studio focuses on still life styling and photography, working specifically with conscious brands and individuals who care about their impact on people and the earth, something we are very passionate about. Aside from that, I have a deep love and connection to the holistic wellness world and find myself being pulled in that direction increasingly, so I have no doubt that my future will involve something in the realm of natural healing.
Connect with Sophie -
