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Millwater author Karen McMillan describes herself as “quite average in the kitchen”, but she has been baking a lot in the past year, while “researching” her latest children’s book, The Quokka Logic and Baking Book.
The book combines simple home baking recipes with the quirky sayings of the Quokka – a character who has appeared in many of Karen’s Elastic Island Adventures series.
The recipes come from two treasured handwritten books passed down by Karen’s grandmother and mother.
Karen hopes her book will encourage children and their parents/caregivers to bake together – something she loved doing with her mother.
She says it turned out to be easy working out which of the recipes were suitable for younger cooks.
“I tried them all, and figured if I could make them easily, a child can too!”
She says not only did her husband enjoy eating the cakes, slices, treats and desserts, but making them brought back some very fond memories.
“My mum died about 25years ago, and when I made her recipes, the smell and tastes brought memories flooding back. It was such a special experience”.
Karen has written novels, non-fiction, and children’s books, but this is her first recipe book – and it may not be the last.
“Baking is really popular with the young ones at the moment, and I had so much fun – I’d love to do another one. And not only that – when I finished, my husband asked, ‘where is the baking?’”
The Quokka Logic and Baking Book will be published September 1 and is available from bookshops and www.karenm.co.nz
Win the book
Hibiscus Matters has three copies of Karen McMillan’s book, The Quokka Logic and Baking Book to give away. To go in the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and phone number with Quokka Baking Book in the message. Please note we are unable to take postal entries this time, as our office is closed due to refurbishment. Entries close on Friday, September 8.
