Fun with cooking

Christmas is all about food at my house. We usually go for the traditional recipes but every so often someone will break out with a new version of a much loved classic. (For example - did you know there are a heap of trifle recipes out there? And they're all delicious!) Here's a list of some of the lastest books from Kiwi cooks.

The New Zealand seafood cookbook / Auckland Seafood School ; food photography Sean Shadbolt.

The New Zealand Seafood Cookbook is not just a compilation of inviting recipes, it is also a comprehensive seafood reference and a celebration of New Zealand's fishing industry.

The Kiwi beer lover's cookbook / recipes by Sam Cook.

Beer is not only New Zealand's favourite drink -it's the secret ingredianet used by many successful chefs to enhance their food. The "Kiwi Beer Lover's Cookbook" reveals an array of heart-warming recipes made with thirst-quenching brews. Many of New Zealand's classic dishes are given new life with the help of beer. Chef and beer enthusiast Sam Cook shares this collection of recipes in which beer takes centre stage.

Peter Gordon : a culinary journey / Peter Gordon

Peter Gordon : a culinary journey is the result of more than 25 years' cooking experience and travel throughout the world exploring different cuisines, foods, tastes and cooking ideas. In this magnificently photographed book, Peter Gordon presents 80 delicious recipes which epitomise fusion cooking. Fusion is a culinary method that integrates various regional flavours and cooking techniques in order to create innovative new tastes.

Shop local, eat well : cooking with seasonal produce in New Zealand / Kathryn Hawkins and Laura Faire.
It has become perfectly normal in New Zealand to eat strawberries in June, or to mix a salad from ingredients grown thousands of kilometres apart. However ... what we gain in variety we often lose in quality and flavour - not to mention the harm we do to the environment in the process. In this book, the authors explain how easy it is to eat according to nature's calendar ... inspiring you to get the best out of locally sourced produce while doing your bit to save the planet.

A second helping : more from Ladies, a plate / Alexa Johnston.

In response to the enthusiastic reception for her bestselling cookbook Ladies, a plate, Alexa Johnston has gathered together another tempting selection of traditional recipes for the home baker. Like its predecessor, A second helping celebrates the accumulated wisdom of past generations of skilled home cooks in a beautiful book which will bring continuing pleasure - and an assurance of baking triumphs - to your kitchen.

Dine in / Adam Newell
Michelin-star chef Adam Newell presents a range of accessible, round-the-clock recipes perfectly suited to sharing with family and friends. Ideal food for every occasion ... also contains ideas and hints for improving your culinary repertoire and for ensuring every meal is a resounding success ... Many of the recipes ... are favourite menu items from Adam's popular restaurant Zibibbo in Wellington.

Everyday cooking : easy, simple recipes for everyone / Jo Seagar.

Packed with fail-safe recipes that are tried, tested and trusted, quick to prepare, healthy, simple and tasty. Sections include brunch, lunch box treats, snacks, drinks, dinner, dessert, parties and celebrations, and fundraising.

Kai ora : fresh, healthy food made with aroha / Anne Thorp
Anne Thorp is the sparkling host of the popular Kai Ora cooking show on Māori Television and The Living Channel. Cooking fresh ingredients simply to deliver maximum zest, zing and health is her focus. Anne's recipes also incorporate indigenous ingredients that give her food a truly New Zealand flavour. They're cooked with tons of aroha and served with flair.