Monthly Archives: April 2014

Tech travels with my iPad

Posted on in News, Resources

Suitcase with iPad

I find packing much easier and lighter these days thanks to my iPad. For those of you heading off for Easter holidays, I thought you might like to know what Apps and e-books I’ve been using, reading and watching on my recent travels.

Cooking

Of course, I take the Cook’s Companion App with me everywhere, and even though I thought I knew the entire contents backwards, by using the Search function I find I am locating recipes that I had not come across for a long time so my frequently-cooked repertoire has expanded!

Reading

I have just finished the monster read of Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch which I really enjoyed, although I was a bit aghast at the excesses of the two young characters. I am planning a Sri Lankan holiday later in the year and have been reading quite a bit with a Sri Lankan theme. I enjoyed Michele de Kretser’s The Hamilton Case, and the delightful Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje.

Watching

I’m looking forward to downloading Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey in anticipation of my holiday later this year.

I’m an avid user of the the ABC iView App to catch up on missed episodes of favourite shows such as Rake and The Checkout.

Connecting

The Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Apps on my iPad and phone are in regular use. Social media has its advantages and challenges, but I enjoy sharing an experience vicariously with friends, family and followers. Please join me on my food adventures!

The Cook’s Companion App – Updated!

Posted on in News

Great news! The Cook’s Companion App has had its first update for iOS.

I have been lucky enough tor recieve lots of wonderful feedback – some very positive, some with useful suggestions for improvements. I have always relished interaction and feedback from readers and the ability to test, adjust and perfect. Entering the digital age allows this process to be much more immediate and responsive. No waiting for print publishing cycles!

The latest update includes:

  • Additional content, including 11 new recipes and a revised Basics & Equipment section.
  • Darker text for improved readability, something a few users commented on and that we are pleased to be able to correct.
  • Push notifications featuring seasonal menus and suggestions from me, direct to your phone or device.
  • A new walkthrough to guide you through the App’s features and help you discover its hidden gems.

I’m also delighted to say that my ‘jinxed’ recipe, Green Tomato Relish, has been fixed! In the very first printing of The Cook’s Companion in 1996, the sugar in this recipe was inadvertently omitted. The we discovered that in the Cook’s Companion App, the vinegar was missing! It is now corrected, so make sure you download the update and make some relish.

Please also remember to accept ‘Push Notifications’ when prompted. This will allow me to send you seasonal suggestions and advice to help you find wonderful recipes, learn new techniques and craft delicious menus.

Click here to download the Cook’s Companion App on the App Store.

You can also contribute to the next update by joining the Cook’s Companion App feedback team.

Enjoy!

Newsletter 15 – The road less travelled, Easter cooking, and sorting & more sorting

Posted on in Cooks Companion Club

Newsletter 15

The Melbourne Wine and Food Festival has now come and gone. I visited The Art of the Table at the NGV (showing until December 2014) and was delighted at the elegance and insights into times long gone. Of special delight the exquisitely-painted Meissen porcelain, also a portable picnic set comprising a velvet-lined carrying case, for a chocolate pot and spirit warmer; some exquisite glassware, and an epergne bursting with fruit and nuts (faux of course), a fitting finale to the grandest of celebrations.

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Upcoming events: South Australia

Posted on in News

Tasting Australia
27 April – 4 May, 2014

I’m thrilled to be involved in various events at Tasting Australia, a wonderful food and wine festival which features more than 75 events held throughout South Australia.

There will be a ‘Kids in the Kitchen‘ event for budding young chefs. I will be speaking about food trends on a panel with Fergus Henderson and Cheong Liew. Visitors can also enjoy the Kitchen Garden Foundation edible gardens dotted around Adelaide Town Square, or attend a Kitchen Cabinet session to learn more about the program (details below).

You can download the event program here.

 

Adelaide Kitchen Cabinet
1 May 2014, 5pm – 6.30pm
Kilkenny Primary School, West Croydon SA

Join me and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation team for an informal evening and Q&A about the program. Open to all, this event is for schools wishing to learn more about the Kitchen Garden program as well as any interested members of the public. The event is free, but bookings are essential. Book here.