A school fundraising cookbook put together by parents of pupils at Hereworth and Woodford House in Havelock North has turned into a culinary blockbuster which looks set to raise about $50,000 for each school.
"We have been blown away," one of the production team of 'Hawke's Bay on a Platter', Ana Ward, said. After being released last November the 3500 copies printed which went for $50 sold out by Christmas - and after receiving a glowing review in Cuisine magazine as well as continuing orders and enquires - many from overseas - a reprint of 1500 was carried out.
Mrs Ward said the project was steered and produced by a small but determined team of people who learned how the design and publishing business operated as they went along.
"A very steep learning curve," she said.
"And to see this happen is amazing - we are absolutely thrilled."
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."