Liz Harfull is a neighbour in Aldgate, the next little village along from us here in the Hills. 2 years ago she decided to research & publish a cookbook featuring recipes, stories & tips from the prizewinning amateur cooks who exhibit in our local South Australian country shows (county/village fairs). Having grown up in the Clare Valley, I have strong memories of our Show weekend & seeing all the wonderful cakes, biscuits, jams, jellies, pickles & slices all lined up in the Big Hall awaiting judging. Liz's book isn't flash, the photos aren't trendy & professionally styled to within a inch of their lives - just honest accounts of cooks in their kitchens doing what they love with skill & passion. She took all the pics herself & wrote & edited all the text. How scrumptious do Ginger Fluff Sponge, Honey Biscuits, Rock Buns, Jubilee Cake, Coffee Kisses, Farm Pasties, Lemonade Scones & Apple Slice with Passionfruit Icing sound!!
Well, last week in Paris at the the world's largest food & wine media competition, the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, Liz's fabulous book won a silver medal - we are all so proud of you girl! And woo-hoo, the town's gone ballistic at the news! So here's a glimpse of what lies in this treasure, if you want a copy go here.
The very talented Liz Harfull
Although in her eighties, Marj Maczkowiack stays up all night baking her amazing Raspberry Jam Rolls for entry into the Kingston Show each year. Quite the best I've ever seen!
The legendary German Yeast Cake from the Tanunda Show in the Barossa Valley
Paul Handen is a bushie from the Riverland. Here he is with this prize-winning Orange Cake which he exhibits in the Renmark Show. His first entry was decorated by torchlight on the bonnet of his ute (SUV) as he was running late at the end of the day! Love the mighty Murray River flowing past in the background & of course his faithful friend in the foreground.
Oh my goodness. I don't think that I could live there. I would be soooooo FAT. What fabulous baking.And good old Marj. Do you think that her Raspberry jam rolls are her secret to long life ? XXXX
ReplyDeleteJust love Paul, his dog, his orange cake and his ute, I mean how aussie can you get! Good on your friend Liz for achieving Sliver, fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful that the Recipe book won a Silver Medal at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Paris.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting is that!
Congratulations to your friend Liz.
Weren't the Annual Royal shows great.
We had an A & P show in January, at my little hometown Dannevirke and it was such a treat to spend the day there.
Hugs
Carolyn
I am so thrilled to have stumbled upon your blog. Isn't life funny? I requested this book only last christmas when I saw it in our ABC shop. My kids thankfully gave it to me, and I absolutely love it!!! I actually felt the stories, the history, the people and the recipes emanating from the pages. That indeed is rare. I was so inspired by Liz's book that I am thinking it would be a wonderful idea to do something similar here in queensland.
ReplyDeleteOnly last week we had our annual agricultural show and and I always participate with jams and baked offerings. It's a wonderful thing to showcase the community, the local history and see the spirit of everyone helping out doing their bit. I posted our efforts and results only last week if you are interested in seeing them. I am so pleased to have come across your blog and this post especially. It would appear those judges in Paris may actually know a thing or two about cookbooks after all! Huge congrats to Liz!