We have had a taste of spring, and the days are getting longer and warmer, so we start to crave salads instead of mash, and fish instead of hearty beef cheeks.
This edition of Fresh is dedicated to that transition, with dishes such as crispy chicken from Joan Bishop and light and colourful vegetable dishes from British food writer Nigel Slater.
We also take the opportunity with the Port Chalmers Seafood Festival coming up this month to look at different ways of cooking seafood.
Alison Lambert has taken on the challenge with family-friendly dishes such as fishcakes two ways, plus a handy salmon tray bake and for those spring gatherings, a classic French take on mussels with moules mariniere.
To complement the lighter dishes, wine writer Mark Henderson has gone in search of Californian chardonnays, the perfect drop to accompany a seafood dish.
Cocktail artist Fiona McLaren has sought out fresh, zingy flavours for her spring drink collection, making the most of new juice and frozen fruit blends to brighten up her drinks.
I can already feel the patio calling.
Rebecca Fox
Lifestyle editor
