Natalie Oldfield's gran left her a legacy: the love of food, family and wonderful memories of time spent together on picnics and around the dining room table.
Dulcie May Booker was an inspiration throughout Natalie's life and her busy little food store in Mt Eden, Auckland is testament to this, proudly
bearing the name Dulcie May Kitchen.
Natalie's latest book is again in recognition of Dulcie. Called Gran's Family Table, the book is about meals we share with family and friends. Natalie says it is about the past and how it shapes the future.
The book is filled with nostalgic photos and memories of Natalie's childhood, the cover showing a family picnic from many years ago.
It's also filled with family recipes. Food that is simple and easy to cook, yet welcoming.
The recipes are drawn from Dulcie's own collection, as well as from the author's mother and sister.
The book is divided into sections (breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides and salads, puddings and preserves) and is a real treasure trove; one to keep for years before passing it on, preferably to an adorable granddaughter.
I spent a weekend cooking from this book and found it difficult to choose what I wanted next.
However, I can recommend the following: Big Blueberry Breakfast Scones with Lemon Curd; Ginger and Chicken Rolls (forget the frozen sausage rolls, once you've had these you won't go back); Meatloaf, (fabulous hot for dinner and then cold on sandwiches); Kumara with Ginger, Orange and Chives; Mashed Potatoes (yes, there's a recipe for mashed potatoes) and Roasted Asparagus; and Plum Jam Roly Poly (I had to do these, my husband is English).
I didn't get to the preserves but I note a recipe for my favourite mayonnaise, made with condensed milk, is in there with a slight twist, of apple cider vinegar. It's next on my list.
This is one book you will go back to time and again. It is full of favourites.
Gran's Family Table
by Natalie Oldfield HarperCollins, $60
