The Big Book Club coup for Blue Ribbon

In a rare honour for a book that is neither fiction or biography, The Advertiser Big Book Club has chosen The Blue Ribbon Cookbook as its February selection. Author Liz Harfull will speak at eight special events in South Australian libraries, starting with her home library in Stirling. Meet the author sessions are also planned for McLaren Vale, Victor Harbor, Gawler, Balaklava, Minlaton, Saddleworth and Walkerville. For more information visit http://www.thebigbookclub.com.au/

You can't keep a good cook down...

It takes more than a broken arm to stop a country show enthusiast from doing their bit, as Jean Evans proved yesterday at the annual Uraidla Show, held in the picturesque Picadilly Valley of the Adelaide Hills. Jean broke her arm in two places a few weeks ago, but decided to go ahead and give a demonstration of her prizewinning apple squares recipe, with some help from daughter Janice. Meanwhile husband Bob claimed a special trophy for the local exhibitor with the highest number of points, thanks to a fine collection of pot plants, cut flowers and vegetables. Another daughter, Rosie Schulz, is show secretary. She was delighted with the large crowd who enjoyed perfect weather conditions, in stark contrast to the past couple of years when temperatures have topped 40 degrees.

Blue ribbons in the Barossa

The beautiful Barossa Valley north of Adelaide produces more than very fine wines - its cooks are renown too for their efforts. About 100 people, including some very experienced show cooks, turned out for a Meet the Author session with Liz Harfull, hosted by the Nuriootpa Library and its wonderful staff (pictured). Liz told a few of the stories behind The Blue Ribbon Cookbook, and enjoyed a lively question time before the gathering adjourned for supper, provided by Friends of the Library. Tanunda cook Margaret Hurst reminded people to think about entering the coming autumn shows, with the Angaston event on February 28 and the Tanunda Show on March 14.