I trained in linguistics and psychology and taught English as a Second language for a number of years in Sydney, Tokyo, Seoul and Tianjin, China. I have fond memories of ...
Recipes of the Month
Rejuvenation Retreat at The Portage
Time to rejuvenate, relax and feast! The Portage in the stunning ...
Middle Eastern Dinner Class
Pomegranate and Pistachio Salad. I am offering my first Global dinner Class ...
Latest News
REAP Cooking Classes
I am running a series of cooking classes for REAP in Blenheim. The first is on May 25th and is my Regional Italian Class. This is a look at the variety of ingredients and techniques from the different regions in Italy. It includes the amazing Lorenza D’Medici tiramisu. There is no substitute! In the magnificent […]
Marlborough Sounds Culinary Workshops
After the successful round of workshops in 2018, we are running some more this year. These 2-hour workshops focus on a theme, or some ingredients or techniques. They are hands-on and you get to take home the things you make, plus eat at the workshop. On March the 7th in Havelock and March the 14th […]
Green Fig Dilema
One of the things I fell in love with at our new home in the Marlborough Sounds, was the huge fig tree at the end of the deck. By the end of summer it was completely covered in masses and masses of figs. I had dreams about all the things I was going to do […]
From the Streets of Asia to the Louisiana Bayou
Ground’s Global Dinner Classes for this year are underway. Sunday March 12th: Asian Street Food. Experience the delights of Asian Street Food. Quick and easy and packed with flavour. A sample of Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian and Chinese street foods that are firm favourites. Sunday April 30th: Morocco vs Tunisia. When is a tagine NOT a […]
The Mystery and Intrigue of Persian Cuisine
Ground’s final Global Dinner Class for 2016 is the Mystery and Intrigue of Persian Cuisine. Come and discover the wonderful ingredients that originated from this historical region. Learn the unusual techniques and dishes that come from this cuisine. Delicious, unusual but easy to cook. And one of the most hospitable cultures in the Middle East. […]
The Underground Pear
While staying in the Hinterland of Byron Bay, Australia, I visited 3 different farmers’ markets- heaven. Two of them had this weird looking thing on display at different fruit and vegetable stalls. I assumed it was a kind of potato or yam, but it turns out it is more like a fruit. It is sometimes […]
Winter Spice Class
The next two cooking class themes have been set. They are in July and September because I am in Australia in June and in the U.S. in August. Sunday July 31st: 3pm start. Winter Spice. Wake up those jaded winter palates with easy dishes that use spices to create something special. Gain an understanding of different […]
Korean Fireflies
Finding the real Korea When travelling in a foreign country you probably want to experience the real thing, get a feeling for the local people and their life, what they really eat and how they live, how they entertain themselves, how they interact. But more often than not, as a visitor to the country you […]
Salmon, Soba and Spice
Kiwi, Korean and Japanese influences all paid a part in the creating of this dish. I had been on a bit of a Korean gochuchang binge anyway, loving its umami bite. And I wanted some soba. I had a bit of a hankering for my time spent living in Japan- truth be told. And with […]
Monkeying with Food
The year of the Monkey has just begun in the lunar calendar. Often called Chinese New Year, it is also celebrated by other Asian countries to various degrees. I have been lucky enough to have been living in China and Korea at different times, and have celebrated this amazing holiday in both cultures. There is […]
Jenny Garing
Jenny Garing, linguist, traveller, gourmet, teacher, and the creative force behind Lyttelton’s Ground Culinary Centre (destroyed in the February 2011 earthquake) is extending her Ground Essentials food products, running cooking classes, and also now, providing answers for culinary questions though the new “Epicurious with Jenny Garing” section in The Press.
