Experinces with Kiwi soldiers inspires entry

The winner of the 2009 Pure New Zealand Recipe competition was Andrea Buchanan, a first year student at the California Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco.

Here is what Andrea said about her entry:

“My menu was inspired by the warm weather and fresh ingredients available to me in the San Francisco bay area and my idea of what New Zealand food would be like if it were mixed with the west coast. Before I started attending the California Culinary Academy I was in the military. While I was in Afghanistan I was embedded with kiwi troops in Bamian. I was one of only 3 Americans on the forward operating base. I really enjoyed my time there. I was inspired by the attitude that was present there and I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand. All the troops I worked with were amazing, teaching the Afghani children the “hang loose” hand sign and bringing in apples and dry milk to the local orphanage. I loved the laid‐back, caring atmosphere they created in such a hostile place. My menu is easy, laid back, and fresh. Just the way that I envision New Zealand and the way the food should taste”.

The menu Andrea developed was:

• Broiled Oysters with Apple Kiwi Salsa

• Venison Pasty Salad with Kiwi Blackberry Balsamic Reduction

• Citrus Lamb over Crème Fraiche

 

 

Pure New Zealand Cusine

The Pure New Zealand Cuisine educational events were held at 9 top US culinary schools during March, April and September 2009. A total of 12 demonstrations and workshops were held. Approximately 469 senior culinary students, and some 28 Chef Instructors and Executive Chefs from the schools attended the events.