One of Australia’s most loved foodies, Karen Martini, who has long brought vibrancy to everyday cooking through her books, television appearances, radio spots, newspaper articles and her own Melbourne restaurants, will be coming to Noosa in August for an event at the Noosa Waterfront Restaurant.
Karen’s food philosophy is drawn from her long professional career, her Tunisian-Italian roots, and her own experience of family cooking.
She is well known as the resident chef on Better Homes and Gardens, has a regular column in the Good Weekend newspaper supplement and has been the chef at some of Australia’s top restaurants. Consequently, or despite this, Karen’s books are very accessible to us mere mortals who endeavour to produce a delicious and nutritious meal to enjoy with friends and family.
Her new milestone cookbook, Cook, is an essential collection of more than 1000 clever recipes, from old favourites to brilliant new dishes, celebrating quality ingredients and vibrant flavours with a uniquely Australian perspective.
Karen grew up cooking with her mother and grandmothers. Grappling with simple recipes – ratatouille, lasagne, crumbed schnitzel, stuffed capsicums – passed down over time, cooked without fuss but with a real understanding of flavour, of detail.
For her, it was about crafting something from raw ingredients, investing in the process, caring every step of the way. It’s a philosophy she’s taken great pleasure in sharing with her daughters, not just showing them how to make this or that, but also passing on the love of the process just as much as the result.
Each recipe in Cook is packed with this hard-won wisdom from her heritage and inspiring career.
It’s a deeply personal book that houses her favourite recipes, some learnt from her family, some that have been inspired by meals made for her, both professional and homely, some that have featured on her restaurant menus over the years, and plenty of classics. They are recipes that she constantly tweaks and refines, and they have all been carefully tested and honed for the home cook.
Annie’s Books on Peregian presents Karen Martini, Cook, in conversation with Mary-Lou Stephens at the Noosa Waterfront Restaurant at noon on Thursday 12 August, including a two-course lunch and welcoming glass of wine. Cost $75.
Bookings essential by phone 5448 2053 or info@anniesbooks.com.au
