Two prominent cookbook authors have come forward accusing TikTok influencer Brooke Bellamy of replicating their recipes in her bestselling book, "Bake with Brooki". Nagi Maehashi, founder of the popular food website RecipeTin Eats, is at the forefront of the allegations, asserting that Bellamy's cookbook contains "word-for-word similarities" to her own recipes.
Ms. Bellamy, who operates three cafes under the Brooki Bakehouse brand in Queensland, refuted the accusations, claiming "100 recipes I have created over many years," including some she alleges were developed before Ms. Maehashi's publishing timeline. She stands firm that the recipes offered in her cookbook are original.
The situation escalated further when US author Sally McKenney joined Maehashi in voicing concerns, claiming that Bellamy appropriated her vanilla cake recipe as well. Maehashi detailed that a reader highlighted "remarkable similarities" between her caramel slice recipe and those found in Bellamy's cookbook. She showcased her findings by providing a side-by-side comparison through her platform.
As an advocate for culinary integrity, Maehashi expressed her disappointment, explaining that "it feels like a blatant exploitation of my work." She mentioned having reached out to Bellamy's publisher, Penguin Random House Australia, which led to legal interventions and a feeling of intimidation on her part.
Despite the accusations, both Penguin and Bellamy firmly deny any wrongdoing. In an attempt to alleviate the tension, Bellamy proposed the removal of disputed recipes from future editions. She praised Maehashi's work but maintained that her recipes were developed through a process of inspiration common in the culinary field.
The controversy highlights an ongoing discussion regarding recipe ownership and originality in the age of social media, where cross-inspiration is common. Both Maehashi's and Bellamy's cookbooks are in the running for the Australian Book Industry Awards this year, adding public interest to their ongoing dispute.
