Ruth Pretty simply loves to cook – and it shows. From her beautiful property at Te Horo near Wellington, she directs the impressive empire of Ruth Pretty Catering to produce some of New Zealand finest dishes.

For the thousands who have attended the famous cooking school, Ruth Pretty’s name is synonymous with creative and stylish food that always uses the best fresh ingredients.

Following on from the huge success of The Best of Ruth Pretty, we are invited to share the secrets of wonderful food – that anyone can cook and prepare at home. Brilliant brunches; classy Christmas food; delicious passarounds to eat with drinks and cocktails; luscious lunches and desserts to live for, The Ruth Pretty Cookbook confirms her talent as an author, as well as a chef. Photographed by Murray Lloyd.