Charmian Smith

Wine books

The 2011 edition of Michael Cooper's indispensable Buyer's Guide to New Zealand Wines (Hodder Moa, pbk, $40) is now out.

WINE REVIEW: Chardonnay

Good chardonnay is not cheap, but its integrated nuances of toasty oak, nuts, creme brulee, perhaps citrus and stone fruit make for delicious sipping and savoring.

Cooking - the books

At this time of year, bookshop shelves groan with new cookbooks. It seems every famous (and many not so famous) food writers put out a new book each year, or every second year, at least. The big...

Pick of the bunch replete with inspiration for kitchen creations

Pick of the bunch replete with inspiration for kitchen creations

It's always hard to go past Annabel Langbein's books and her latest, The Free Range Cook (hbk, $60), which accompanies her television series, is one of her best. It is set in Central Otago, where...

How to make potato latkes

Flavours of home is a series of recipes from around the world cooked by people at home in Otago. This week Emily Flynn, from the US, shows us how to make potato latkes to celebrate Chanukah, the...

WINE REVIEW: Sauvignon blanc

For summer drinking it's difficult to go past sauvignon blanc with its lively fruit and zingy finish.

Welcome additions to bookshelves

Elizabeth David influenced a couple of generations of cooks from the 1950s to the 1970s with her evocative writing about Mediterranean, Italian, French, and later old-English food.

On the menu

Turnips on top Turnip tops may not be regular fare, but if you grow turnips or get some of the baby spring ones from the farmers market with fresh leaves attached, they can make a delicious green...

WINE REVIEW: Summer wines

Sometimes on a summer holiday evening it's relaxing to sip and savour something special as you watch the sun set and the stars come out.

How to make pasta frittata and panzanella

Mike Colombo, from Italy, shows how to make pasta frittata and panzanella (bread salad).

Some winemakers produce two versions of pinot, an earlier drinking wine that is deliciouswhen released, like the Explorer or the Riverby, while their more expensive reserve wines will developwith another year or two's bottle age.

Taking on a culinary challenge: tea for two

While wine and food matching is popular, and beer and food matching makes an appearance from time to time, tea and food matches are rarely thought of - except perhaps for afternoon tea.

WINE REVIEW: Pinot gris

You are sure to be offered pinot gris this summer. It's so popular it turns up everywhere. The best are aromatic with lots of fruit, sometimes hints of nuts from lees contact and a balanced finish that's not too hot. BEST UNDER $20 Mount Riley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2010 $18

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Charmian Smith