HOME SOWN

In the tradition of Australia adopting New Zealanders and their achievements as our own, we welcome Auckland-born Aaron Bertelsen, head kitchen gardener and cook at English country estate Great Dixter, into the fold. His book, The Great Dixter Cookbook (Phaidon, $49.95), is designed for gardener cooks — as well as 70 recipes, there are tips on growing vegetables and fruits, preserving and a helpful garden diary. Aaron’s writing is clear and encouraging: he’ll persuade you to join the ranks of those who step into the yard before supper to harvest a pumpkin for soup, greens for salad, and pears for dessert (served as a crumble or with a wedge of cheddar). The matt finish on the pages and photographs by Andrew Montgomery heighten the fantasy.