Celebrity chef Jo Seagar launched her new cookbook A Bit Of What You Fancy and spoke to about 160 rapt foodies at the Mosgiel Memorial RSA recently.
The event was organised as a fundraiser for the Otago Community Hospice and was held in conjunction with Random House Books and Paper Plus.
The Oxford-based chef took to the stage in a cast, having broken her leg, but made light of the situation and afterwards took time to sign copies of her many publications.
She has been an ambassador for Hospice New Zealand since 1999 and tried to incorporate fundraising activities with her various promotional events wherever possible.
Otago Community Hospice funding and marketing co-ordinator Lyn Chapman said ticket sales for the evening far exceeded expectations.
''She [Jo Seagar] is very popular. We hoped to raise about $3000,'' Mrs Chapman said.
The predominantly female audience members received a complimentary drink on arrival and nibbled on club sandwiches, savouries, miniature pavlovas and other hors d'oeuvres.
Raffles drawn at the event also raised money for the hospice.
''It's the first time we've had a fundraising event like this,'' Mrs Chapman said.
