Julie Le Clerc is well-known for creating innovative flavours and trusted recipes you can rely on. As a former cafe owner, caterer and chef, Julie was able to develop and express her own individual recipe style in professional kitchens before turning her talents to food writing. Now this award-winning author's life is dedicated to the pursuit of good food and culinary travel.

‘My cooking is partly inspired, partly invented, but essentially based on fresh and natural ingredients cooked well to deliver honest and vibrant tastes,’ says Julie of her cooking philosophy.

Reflecting her cafe background and international influences, Julie's many cookbooks are filled with accessible, uncomplicated, clever recipes that encourage keen home cooks to put together nourishing and naturally flavoursome dishes from scratch.

With a particular passion for baking, Julie has gained a huge reputation for her delightful and fail-safe recipes for cakes, pastries and other treats, many of which are copied in cafes all over New Zealand.

Having a strong presence in the print media for the past 15 years means Julie has developed a very solid fan base. As the Food Editor for Next magazine, Julie delivers even more of her inspiring recipes, guiding culinary advice and handy hints to thousands of readers each month.