Which Book Should We Read from New Zealand?

Last month, there wasn’t a huge choice of books with Paraguay. However, I’m happy to say there are a wide range of books & genres with New Zealand this month. The club also received 4 wonderful book suggestions from club members. Using a spinning wheel, I randomly picked 2 of the books as shown here in this screencast. (The other books will be included on the web site at a later date. They just aren’t included in the vote.)

Before we get to that vote, I have to mention this fantastic New Zealand cookbook I found. First, I want to preface it by noting I’m not an amazing baker. I’m much more of a savory cook so I wasn’t drawn to this baking cookbook because it looked so out of my league with its magnificent cake cover. But it kept on coming up as the best from New Zealand with everyone adoring it whether they were an amateur or an expert so I took a chance. And wow, it paid off! The recipes aren’t too difficult to follow. Yet, even my friend who makes often intricate cakes noted her family said the included Signature Rich Chocolate Cake had to go into her regular cake rotation after they tasted it. (She also now blames me for her kids wanting her to make other cakes from around the world since I was the one who hooked her on this cookbook & global cookbooks.)

Other notes: The author’s funny. She also includes some salty language so if you’re averse to cursing, skip this cookbook. In addition, while the cookbook is focused on the usual baking ingredients of flour, dairy, & eggs, it includes some gluten-free items as well as some made without animal products all of which she terms “allergy-friendly recipes.”

Magnolia kitchen: Inspired baking with personality

Well known for her artistic cake designs, Bernadette (aka Bets) of Magnolia Kitchen is a force to be reckoned with. From humble beginnings, she now runs a sweet cafe, wholesale distribution business and online shop delivering her products worldwide, while maintaining a strong following on Instagram.

As well as her amazingly creative custom cakes, Bets is celebrated for her macarons, doughnuts, brioche, gourmet s'mores, and many more mouth-watering treats. In this cookbook, she shares her journey and her widely sought-after recipes so that you can enjoy the deliciousness at home. With step-by-step instructions for cake decorating and making macarons, plus some allergy-friendly recipes, this is a must-have book for anyone interested in baking and eating. (Includes imperial and metric measurements.)

Now onto the vote.

THE VOTING

You can vote from now until Sun., Sept. 20 11:30PM on which book you’d like the club to read next. (That's NYC time. See this converted to your local time below.)

Time converter at worldtimebuddy.com

To participate:

1. Review the books.

2. Then, click here to vote.

We'll publish the anonymous results afterwards so you can get the book in advance.