Touching recipes

KIND Hearts founder Leigh Rosanoski and MKR finalist Aaron Freeman with the latest Kind Hearts Cookbook. PHOTO: ALECIA ROUSSEAU

The second edition of the Kind Hearts cookbook is officially off the press and the latest cover is graced by Quinn Hautapu - a young girl who has beaten cancer.

The beautifully designed book features personal family recipes and stories of Quinn's ongoing struggle with a Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumour of the brain (PNET).

Quinn was just eight years old when she was diagnosed in 2013. Her treatment has included high-dose radiotherapy, chemotherapy and stem cell rescue.

"I have always loved Quinn and her family," Kind Hearts founder Leigh Rosanoski said. "I met the family when they were in the ward with Quinn's brother Fletcher (who has also had multiple hospital stays) and invited Ro [Quinn's mum] to submit a recipe."

MKR finalist Aaron Freeman came on board for the second edition and has helped edit the book. He said the project aligned well with his own beliefs and principles.

"My wife Heather had just lost her grandma and she wrote her cheese sauce recipe for the book. We've always had a soft spot for Kind Hearts - too many people are losing a sense of the kind things happening in our community and it needs to be celebrated more."

It naturally unfolded to have the book dedicated to Quinn. Her mother Roanne produced a very emotional open letter to Quinn for the book that Mrs Rosanoski says takes your breath away.

"Quinn was the absolute perfect choice," Mrs Rosanoski said. "We've made it so she features throughout the entire book, opening and closing it - this was part of the gift of bringing Aaron on. He suggested it this way."

Scattered in between Quinn's journey and photos, are treasured family recipes and mementos that evoke a sense of home, friendship and kindness.

"This book is bought as much for the recipes as it is for the pictures," Mrs Rosanoski said. "It's filled with local content - when you pick it up, it's likely you will know somebody."

Kind Hearts will have a pop-up shop on George Street next to the Youth Space on October 15 from 10am - 2pm. Books can be purchased from this stall for $25, or by contacting Kind Hearts on Facebook. Proceeds from the cookbooks go towards funding Kind Heart initiatives.

Quinn has let Mrs Rosanoski know she will be making an appearance on-site for those wanting autographs, and will have her personal assistant (friend) on-hand.