News & Blog
Read the latest news and bulletins, essays, features, opinions from our bestselling authors. Find out what's being said, debated, and discussed in the world of books and ideas.
It was a crazy day today. There are so many last minute orders going through the warehouse from bookshops all trying to stay in stock of the most popular books this side of Christmas. It’s such a great time of year watching the amazing sales and very exciting that everything seems to be selling; particularly, Judy Nunn’s latest book - Maralinga and Masterchef the Cookbook, Ray Martin’s autobiography...
41. Don’t do anything that you find uncomfortable unless you are scared of it. It is uncomfortable to find yourself on the same TV show as the PM or Julia Gillard, because you obviously know you aren’t worthy – and feel a bit embarrassed that you are lowering the tone. 42. When undertaking a mystery box challenge – or as I like to call it back at home, a spot of ‘fridge shaking’ – remember that...
31. According to the make-up artist who does us both, Kyle Sandilands is more professional than me. Should this concern me? 32. It is impossible to go to Hong Kong for a week without putting on three kilos. 33. There is a small group of people who watch TV with a magnifying glass. For the record, at no time during the show was I a) a freemason; b) sacked; c) dead; d) having marriage difficulties;...
21. Apparently butter makes everything better. That’s why I’ve sent a case of Western Star to Beirut. 22. Cooking for one is no fun. 23. People love beetroot because you can beat an egg but you can’t beat a root. 24. Six am isn’t early; 4.35 am is early. 25. In the end I lost eight kilos while making MasterChef. I am not sure why. Perhaps standing around burns calories. I predict big things...
11. A great dish comprises balanced layers of flavour and texture. Acidity and crispiness are the most important factors in a great dish. 12. You can drink a soy chai tea without wearing a kaftan … although it helps. 13. Cook from your heart. 14. Food and feeding people is a beautiful thing. 15. Gary likes beer and puddings. George hates chilli but loves a story. I love weird stuff I haven’t...
This week MasterChef judge, food critic, and author of Cravat-A-Licious, Matt Preston tells us about some important things he learnt doing MasterChef series 1. 1. Garnish is the devil. The rule is that if you can’t eat it then it doesn’t belong on the plate. If it’s not an integral part of the dish, then nix it. 2. More effort in prep makes it easier and more enjoyable to cook. 3. Somewhat...
As a media device it transfixed Australians around the idea that food was the story. Add some colourful identities and a raft of conflict and the whole thing just hummed. For a TV chef like myself this is good news – when folks want to watch culinary stories it shores up my work future! But there’s a flipside you know. And I’m not talking about the flogging it gave Better...
MasterChef winner Julie Goodwin came to visit Random House Australia and taste tested treats made by our very own culinary Masters. Check out more photos of the occassion on our facebook page. Random House will be publishing Julie Goodwin's cookbook in April 2010. In the meantime, we have MasterChef related books in the lead-up to Christmas: In October, Random House...
MasterChef: the most watched non-sporting event since Australian TV ratings began! Random House is delighted to announce that we will be publishing Julie Goodwin's cookbook in April 2010. In the meantime, we have a couple of MasterChef related books for you, in the lead-up to Christmas. In October, Random House publishes MasterChef’s judge Matt...
Random House is proud to be publishing Julie Goodwin's cookbook of family recipes. Stay tuned for more details but expect this 'everypersons' cookbook early in 2010. What a great Mother's Day present for the millions who loved the show. Read more about Julie Goodwin here >
