Bluebells Cakery

Karla Goodwin opened the charming Bluebells Cakery in Auckland a couple of years ago after returning from London, where she learned her trade at the much-loved Hummingbird Bakery. She's since garnered quite a following and it's easy to see why - Karla has a talent for creating beautiful, edible works of art. This is her first cookbook and it's a winner, covering everything from the simple (gingerbread men) to the extravagent (four-tiered chocolate cherry pavlova). There's a very handy tips section as well as "how to" instructions with step-by-step photos for essentials such as lining a cake tin and filling a piping bag, through to more complex cake-decorating techniques. The tea parties chapter is quite lovely, with menus, setting-up tips and recipes for savoury tea treats such as caramelised onion and feta tartlets.

Alice Neville, Cuisine