The Australian Blue Ribbon Cookbook

Been to a country show and wondered who are the people behind the vast spread? Ever thought about entering yourself? Here are 53 country shows, the cooks behind the scenes, and their prize-winning recipes. Dip in for fascinating insights into the lives of these cooks, and get busy in the kitchen with their dos and don'ts, and advice from the eagle-eyed judges. THE BLUE RIBBON COOKBOOK is a goldmine for anyone who loves to cook, and enjoy the rewards with friends and family.

Every year hundreds of talented amateurs devote hours to preparing entries for cookery competitions run as part of 600 or so agricultural shows across Australia. In their quest for a precious blue ribbon, they use recipes based on generations of experience and strict judging codes that demand absolute perfection. In this follow-up to her first award-winning book, The Blue Ribbon Cookbook, Liz Harfull brings together 70 tried and true recipes from some of the country's most enthusiastic and talented show cooks. But more than that, in The Australian Blue Ribbon Cookbook Liz shares their heart-warming stories, and the wisdom, knowledge and generosity of spirit that brings success, even for novices. Whether it's a traditional Mixed Mustard Pickle or Madeira Cake, mouth-watering Sausage Rolls or Pumpkin Damper, Jenny's Jam Drops or Cousin Barb's Jelly Slice, there is something delicious for everyone to try. The end results may even win you a blue ribbon! PRAISE FOR THE BLUE RIBBON COOKBOOK 'The spirit of the Australian country show permeates the pages of this marvellously nostalgic collection of show recipes, judges' hints and vintage images.' Gourmet Traveller 'Here is race memory and the faith of the mothers rewarded - a harvest of thanks made with flour measured out in an old cup without a handle, kept in the kitchen dresser. The secret ingredient is love.' Peter Goers, Sunday Mail

Every year hundreds of talented amateurs devote hours to preparing entries for cookery competitions run as part of 600 or so agricultural shows across Australia. In their quest for a precious blue ribbon, they use recipes based on generations of experience and strict judging codes that demand absolute perfection. In this follow-up to her first award-winning book, The Blue Ribbon Cookbook, Liz Harfull brings together 70 tried and true recipes from some of the country's most enthusiastic and talented show cooks. But more than that, in The Australian Blue Ribbon Cookbook Liz shares their heart-warming stories, and the wisdom, knowledge and generosity of spirit that brings success, even for novices. Whether it's a traditional Mixed Mustard Pickle or Madeira Cake, mouth-watering Sausage Rolls or Pumpkin Damper, Jenny's Jam Drops or Cousin Barb's Jelly Slice, there is something delicious for everyone to try. The end results may even win you a blue ribbon! PRAISE FOR THE BLUE RIBBON COOKBOOK 'The spirit of the Australian country show permeates the pages of this marvellously nostalgic collection of show recipes, judges' hints and vintage images.' Gourmet Traveller 'Here is race memory and the faith of the mothers rewarded - a harvest of thanks made with flour measured out in an old cup without a handle, kept in the kitchen dresser. The secret ingredient is love.' Peter Goers, Sunday Mail

Forget celebrity chefs. The books that truly reflect what most Australians cooked and ate at home for decades were put together by people you have never heard of, all in the name of helping others. Community cookbooks have raised millions of dollars for Australian charities and causes, ranging from cash-strapped local schools and churches to international movements like Variety and the Red Cross. Many of these books were humble publications, hand-printed and stapled together by volunteers. But some, like the iconic PWMU Cookbook from Victoria, the Green and Gold Cookery Book in South Australia, the CWA's Cookery Book and Household Hints from WA and the Bundaberg CWA branch cookery book from Queensland, have outlived fleeting food fads, and are still in print and much-used today. Tried, Tested and True: treasured recipes and untold stories from Australian community cookbooks celebrates this amazing tradition. Based on extensive original research, best-selling author and Gourmand World Cookbook award-winner Liz Harfull it brings to light previously untold stories about the cookbooks and the people who created them. Featuring carefully selected recipes, updated with additional tips and hints to ensure success for the most inexperienced modern cook, Tried, Tested and True is a treasure trove for your kitchen.

True stories of ordinary women achieving extraordinary things in rural Australia. The inspiring bestseller now with new material.

For a small place, tucked away on South Australia's rugged Limestone Coast, Robe has played a remarkable role in history. Here you will find pioneering settlers and aviators, fishermen braving wild seas in small wooden boats, famous painters and poets, chefs and winemakers, and meet some of the families drawn to this breathtaking virtual island.

'I'm sitting down to write the opening lines of this book a year to the day since my mum died. She is constantly in my thoughts, not just because I miss her terribly, but because she was the inspiration for this collection of stories about women who have come from very different places to make a new life in rural Australia.' City Girl, Country Girl brings together the stories of women who have left lives in the city or another country to build a new future in places where knowing how to milk a cow or drive a tractor stand them in far better stead than an ability to negotiate rush-hour traffic or find a good cappuccino. It ranges in scope from the classic outback story of Sarah Durack in the late 1800s, to the author's own mother's experiences of swapping wartime Melbourne for a dairy farm on the Limestone Coast, to the present day. City Girl, Country Girl is a compelling and fascinating account of these women's journeys as they struggle through personal tragedy, hardship and self-doubt with grace, humour, perseverance and more than a little hard work.