Lauraine Jacobs  Lauraine, author of best selling book, The Confident Cook, has been an award-winning food writer, teacher and author for more than 25 years, and is passionate about the wonderful food and wine of New Zealand. She is the former Food Editor of Cuisine magazine, and proud winner of two Gold Ladles in the World Food Media Awards. Her recipes are practical and modern, geared to the passionate cook who likes to entertain. Her most recent book is The New Zealand Vegetable Cook Book, co-authored with Ginny Grant and Kathy Paterson, and is due in stores mid-August. Lauraine was the first non American to become President of the prestigious International Association of Culinary Professionals based in the US, travels extensively in pursuit of the perfect meal and constantly updates her fascinating website www.laurainejacobs.co.nz.

Lauraine's Recipes Glazed venison medallions with shaved fennel, radish and pasta salad, dressed with mint and pink peppercorns Luxurious salmon tart Fresh Pear Dessert Pork Fillet on a Warm Salad of Roasted Chickpeas, Beetroot and Spinach with Horseradish Cream Just a Tart Pork Steaks With a Fresh Salad and Horseradish Cream Grilled Figs with Raspberries, Port and Yogurt Snapper in papillote With Fennel, Lemon, Walnuts and Coriander Sliced Baby Paua with Parsley and Lemon Spicy Walnut Encrusted Fish with Orange and Parsley Salad Blueberry and White Chocolate Croissant Pudding Salad of Feta, Crispy Bacon, Figs and Rocket with Honeyed Vinaigrette Crumbed Pork Schnitzel with Mushroom Ragout Stewed Red and Yellow Peppers with Fresh Tomato and Basil Salad of Feta, Crispy Bacon, Walnuts and Persimmon with Honeyed Vinaigrette Venison Medallions with Olives and Balsamic Drizzle Green Vegetable Mixture Pasta with Smoked Salmon, Beans and Corn Spinach and Sausage Fritatta