Chelsea Winter will release her third cookbook in October.
Chelsea Winter will release her third cookbook in October.
One of New Zealand's favourite cooks and best-selling cookbook authors, Chelsea Winter, is back in 2015 to help you make every day delicious.
With a philosophy of real, tasty and relaxed food, Chelsea has designed a winning dinner party menu that will wow guests, and leave you free to enjoythe party. And what better way to learn than from Chelsea, to whom food is all about sharing and enjoying the company of friends and family.
Chelsea's books, At My Table and the award-winning Everyday Delicious have both been bestsellers and have quickly become an institution in many homes around the country. While Chelsea works on her third book, audiences can find her recipes weekly in Woman's Day.
Chelsea's warm, fun and fresh approach, coupled with delicious recipes using everyday ingredients, has helped her inspire people of all ages and experience levels. Who or what inspired you to take up cooking?
I've been cooking since I was just a tiny thing, thanks to my Mum. She's a wonderful cook and I learned so much from her without even realising it.
I love just about everything now I'm a grown-up, as boring as this sounds. When I was young I had an issue with yams, among other things; and I guess I don't really cook with them all that much now, either ...
How would you describe your style of cooking?
Relaxed, home-style food that everyone loves to eat. I use everyday ingredients to create exceptionally delicious recipes that are achievable for home cooks of all levels. I want to make people legends in their own kitchens.
What are you most proud of?
I guess I'd have to say, it's the fact that so many people are out there cooking and enjoying my recipes. I'm very humbled by how popular my two cookbooks are (Everyday Delicious is still on the NZ bestsellers list and Homemade Happiness, my third book, comes out in October), and by the amazing feedback I receive from people. As well as that, my website has had millions of visits in the last year - and that can't just be from my Mum and I. That's another thing I'm proud of; my incredible online Facebook community. It's a positive, fun, inspiring place on the internet, which is no small feat. My fans are just awesome.
If you were a super-hero what would your powers be?
To fly, of course. I still have dreams where I can fly and it's always a bummer to wake up.
What car did you learn to drive in?
My Mum's old car - it was a nice little zippy car, which I never crashed, I'm proud to say.
Spaghetti Carbonara (the recipe's in Everyday Delicious). Or roast chicken with all the trimmings.
Berry Delicious Rocky Road
RECIPE
Berry Delicious Rocky Road
INGREDIENTS
500g good-quality dark eating chocolate (at least 50 per cent cocoa) 50g butter 6-7 plain sweet biscuits, broken in pieces 1/2 cup whole almonds 1/2 cup Turkish delight, chopped 1/2 cup soft berry flavoured fruit jellies 3/4 cup desiccated or shredded coconut, plus extra for top 1 & 1/2 cups marshmallows
Line a slice tin with baking paper all the way up the sides.
Break chocolate into rough pieces, and place along with butter in a heatproof bowl sitting over a saucepan of simmering water. Leave until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Add biscuit pieces, almonds, Turkish delight, jellies, coconut and marshmallows to chocolate and mix to combine. Scrape into tin and press in an even layer. Sprinkle with extra coconut. Cover and refrigerate until cold and set, then cut with a hot knife. Keep in the fridge in an airtight container for a couple of weeks.
