Charmian Smith

    Cookbooks

    Cookbooks

    • Whittaker's, the chocolate people, have published Whittaker's Passion for Chocolate, a book of chocolate recipes with an introduction about the four generations of Whittakers who have manufactured chocolate in the Wellington area, from the modest peanut slabs to the range of specialist and dark chocolate bars available today.

    Cookbooks

    Ruth Pretty Cooks at Home

    Cookbooks

    Ruth Pretty's fans won't want to miss her latest book, Ruth Pretty Cooks at Home, (Penguin), a stylish hardback that is more about cooking at weekends and for entertaining than quick, everyday meals.

    WINE REVIEWS: Pinot Noir

    WINE REVIEWS: Pinot Noir

    If you are in Central Otago this summer, be sure to pick up a wine map and visit a few wineries. It's interesting to compare the dark cherry flavours of Cromwell and Bannockburn pinot noir with the the floral ones from Gibbston and the mineral ones from Alexandra.

    WINE REVIEWS: Riesling

    WINE REVIEWS: Riesling

    Lively, zesty riesling, whether it's dry, off-dry or medium sweet, is refreshing on a summer's day or evening. Its crisp acidity goes well with a range of summer food - seafood, vegetable dishes, lighter meats and, of course, cheese.

    Gluten-free cookbooks abound

    Gluten-free cookbooks abound

    For those with family members on gluten-free diets there are several new cookbooks: The family-friendly gluten-free cookbook (New Holland) is by Sarah King, who with her husband Mitch owns the Gluten-free Grocer store in Auckland.

    A novel year, with poetry

    Poet Emma Neale relaxes at home with children Abe (10) and Zac (2). Photo by Craig Baxter.

    A novel year, with poetry

    The distinguished list of Burns Fellows at the University of Otago was last year joined by Emma Neale. Charmian Smith talks to the poet, novelist and editor about the experience of having time to write.

    Cookbooks

    Cookbooks

    When I first glanced through Alan Dunn's Ultimate Collection of Cake Decorating (New Holland) I thought he must have used real flowers for the stunning decorations.

    WINE REVIEWS: Sauvignon Blanc

    WINE REVIEWS: Sauvignon Blanc

    Although it's often recommended that sauvignon blanc should be drunk fresh and young, it actually responds well to at least a few months or a year's bottle age, which can allow the fruit to come forward and the sometimes harsh acidity to integrate. Many of these were better the day after I opened them.

    Cookbooks

    Cookbooks

    Kim McCosker and Rachael Bermingham, the four-ingredients women, have now put out a new book to appeal to children, 4 Ingredients Kids (Random House).

    WINE REVIEWS: Rosé

    WINE REVIEWS: Rosé

    A good rosé is the quintessential summer wine, chilled, for sipping over long lunches, languorous afternoons or lingering evenings. But this year there are a few special blends of sauvignon coloured by a red that give a new take on the style.

    Stories told through food

    Beryl Lee (left) and Afife Harris. Photo by Linda Robertson.

    Stories told through food

    A group of people from many countries sharing their traditional food has resulted in A global feast: traditional meals in a new homeland (Otago University Press) a book featuring the food and stories of 26 immigrants to Dunedin. Charmian Smith reports.

    WINE REVIEWS: Bubblies

    WINE REVIEWS: Bubblies

    Bubblies can be stylish wines for celebrations or simple, good-natured wines for drinking with friends, but luscious sweet stickies are always treasures to sip on a special occasion.