Autumn Chills!

COLD MORNINGS AND BLUE DAYS!

Bloody hell, time flies!  It only seems like a minute ago I was basking in the heat of the Summer, now the mornings are foggy and chilly, but the days blue and filled with colour.  Time has fallen back and we have an extra hour up our sleeves!

So, what have I been up to over the last month – well March is always a very busy for me, everything always seems to happen at once.  The beginning saw the launch of the colourful and spectacular Kenwood Boutique range of appliances in Auckland, where I faced my nemesis, Macaron’s once again, this time, though I happily let someone else build the towers!  Next Zonta in Mt Maunganui supporting the Women’s Breakfast, through to Wild Food Festival and the first appearance of Jax Jerk Station – it was pretty full on, but what a success and a great day to boot!

Then up to New Plymouth for a week with WOMAD, for me the best festival in the world.  Again the host of the Nova Taste the World Marquee cooking and chatting (two of my favourite things to do) with acts from all over the world: Japan, Mali, Tajikistan, Spain, Seychelles, USA, South Africa and Peru to name but a few.  I was so blessed to be able to share the stage with some of these amazingly talented artists : The Alaeve Family, an hilarious hour with Mary and Rebecca of the Soweto Gospel Choir, Savoy Family Cajun band and wonders of wonder the oh so talented and inspiring Abigail Washburn!  Not only did we chitty chat though, we also cooked up a storm and if you’d like to see what we cooked just head to the WOMAD website for some international inspiration.

I’ve also spent some time in the studio and on location creating Fresh Stories for you all c/o Countdown (so keep your eyes peeled) and last but not least 4 tropical days in the far north, Rawene where I judged the Hokianga Top Chef competition and this is where I’d like to introduce you to the winner Paul White, who created the winning dish a delightful, refreshing and delicious – Limoncello & Manuka Honey cheese cake, sourcing all the ingredients from his community – bravo!  There were many dishes that stood out during this amazing competition, but Paul’s had a story, heart and soul – just beautiful, so congratulations once again and thank you so much for your generosity and sharing your recipe with us, a true gift.

Last but not least, 2 days down south in Te Anau, raising money for Rotary Youth, Leadership Association and Shelter Box, and if you’re ever lucky enough to be in Queenstown, check out Sasso Italian restaurant on Church Street, for a delicious, beautiful and sense provoking dining experience – Love Your Work!

If you see me out and about, holla back – love Jax!

Jax Cooks – great food for family & friends: This book encapsulates my heart and soul and lifes work presented to you, interwoven through the story of my life, thus far. Chapters convey days spent cooking traditional Jamaican dishes with my mother, followed by the nasty early introduction to English cuisine through school dinners. In my more formative years, working in the West End of London and foraging through the fruit and veg barrows of inner city markets, curry houses and the influence of the early immigrants to London : Greek, Lebanese, Turkish, Spanish etc. Then of course my move to New Zealand and to end, my expedition into reality TV! It is up close and personal and I hope gives you an insight into who I am and where I come from where food is concerned. So make a cup of tea or grab a glass of wine, sit back and enter the world of Jax.”

Paul's Limoncello & Manuka Cheesecake

Prep:

40 minutes

Cook:

1 hour

Serves:

6 - 8