She said the plan was to produce something "very special" and they drew upon parents and families to come up with the recipes - some of which had been handed down through generations. Local wineries, restaurants and cafes were also happy to be involved, as was Clive photographer Lee Warren who Mrs Ward said went "the extra mile" to create startling food and images which define Hawke's Bay.
The publishing team, steered by Mrs Ward, Jo Harvey, Jackie Black, Kate Vautier, Heather Smith, Mr Warren and designer Steve Rawlinson were not prepared for such a huge response.
"We've had a bit of a breather since Christmas and now we're gearing up to get it out to our online purchasers and into the wonderful retail stores that have supported us by selling it," Mrs Ward said.
One of those stores, Poppies in Havelock North, sold just over 200. Mrs Ward said copies were sent out to magazines across the country but it was a "wait and see" situation whether any would give it some coverage.
When she spotted the glowing review in Cuisine she said she jumped up and down on the spot, and realised then a re-print was well and truly on the cards.
Cuisine's reviewer described the book as having "striking scene-setting and food photography" and that it "offers inspiration for any occasion".
Praise for the book was not just confined to locals.
An American recipient of the book wrote to say "I have never read a cookbook - until now. The stories are beautifully written, the photography brilliant and each and every page is truly a surprise."
Mrs Ward said a growing number of enquiries, since the re-print was introduced late last week, were from around the rest of the country and overseas through the on-line www.onaplatter.co.nz site.
Mrs Ward said the success of the book meant another one, in years to come, was very likely.
"We have got the template now and we have learned a lot about publishing."
