Life moves fast, and too often cooking feels like just another task on a never-ending to-do list especially if you cook for others for a living!
Author Gretchen Lowe’s weekend cooking ideas may well remove the stress for hospitality industry professionals looking for innovative ideas as she wants to help busy people rediscover the pleasure of creating delicious food, without the stress.
My Weekend Table is all about bringing back the joy of cooking — offering a collection of beautiful, comforting recipes that make it easy to slow down, connect and enjoy food that feels special but is simple to prepare.
Gretchen Lowe is a food stylist, recipe developer, interior designer and photographer. Her work has featured in some of New Zealand’s top food campaigns, cookbooks and media, with collaborations including Fonterra, NZME, Pic’s Peanut Butter, Fisher & Paykel, and Annabel Langbein Media. She has contributed to the NZ Herald and regularly shares her culinary expertise on Radio New Zealand with Jesse Mulligan.
Gretchen says, ‘This book is not just about cooking quickly; it’s about cooking cleverly, using bold flavours, thoughtful pairings, and smart techniques to make every meal feel like a moment worth savouring. It also reflects my personal journey — drawing on influences from my travels, my time in catering and food writing, and my own health-conscious cooking, while never losing sight of the pleasure food should bring.’
My Weekend Table is for anyone who loves food but feels like cooking has become just another chore. It’s for busy parents who want to put something delicious on the table without spending hours in the kitchen, for food lovers craving inspiration, and for those who miss the joy of gathering around a meal. Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone looking for fresh ideas, these recipes are designed to bring ease, flavour and a little magic back into everyday cooking.
Chapters feature the following simple crowd pleasers :-
Dips, sauces and crunchy bits: Whipped tahini with lemon and garlic and Black sesame and pistachio crunch.
Friday-night bites: Buttery prawn, lemon and rose pasta and Pizza gnocchi in a flash.
Saturday brunch: Chocolate-chunk porridge banana bread and Crispy, crunchy, cheesy cumin scones.
Gather & graze: Sicilian olive, fig and walnut pâté and Cod, Agria and tarragon croquettes with hazelnut romesco.
Feasts to feed a crowd: Coffee and spice-rubbed scotch fillet and Persian roast chicken with melted onions.
Date night & extra special meals: Kūmara gnocchi with burnt sage butter and pecorino and Blood orange negroni.
Kids’ fiesta and fussy eaters: Chicken sesame schnitzel tenders and Smashed sausage sloppy joe pull-apart sliders
Beyond greens: Cheesy leek and spinach gratin and charred corn ribs with miso butter, smoky sour cream and parmesan.
Sinful baking, wholesome treat and desserts: Magnificent gingernut key lime pie and Grannymum’s sticky date cake with coffee buttercream.
Sunday suppers and batch cooking: Quick roast chicken with super greens stuffing and The best restaurant Bolognese.
The book reflects Gretchen’s culinary journey — from childhood days baking with her grandmother in Ōpōtiki to the influences of her travels and years as a chef, food writer and stylist. Now, a busy mum, her kitchen remains her sanctuary —a space to nourish, create, and inspire while making cooking feel joyful, approachable and full of heart.
RRP $59.99, ISBN: 978-1-77-689-139-9, Format: 260 x 220mm, portrait, 256 pages. www.batemanbooks.co.nz