Mark McDonough is the successful owner of the hugely popular Zarbo Deli and Cafe in Newmarket Auckland. Dean Brettschneider is an internationally successful patissiere and baker and both have published several successful cookbooks. Now for the first time, as a result of their team-up (Dean has a micro bakery within Zarbo) they have joined to create this fantastic cookbook.

The Cook and the Baker contains a collection of amazing breads, entrees, mains, desserts, cakes, cookies and pastries Each recipe is crammed full of flavour and colour from fabulous fresh ingredients, herbs and spices. There are plenty of international influences, and the recipes are all approachable and achievable by home cooks. From everyday meals to special occasions, there are recipes here for everyone including:

* Wholewheat Soda Bread Sandwiches with Smoked Salmon, Onion Marmalade and Dill Mayonnaise
* Italian Fish Stew
* Plum and Fennel Tarte Tatin
* Sticky Stem Ginger Cake with Lemon Icing

Food TV is running six half-hour shows about the development and photography of the recipes for the book.

Author Biography

Mark McDonough is the owner and chef at Zarbo Deli and Cafe . His cooking is inspired by the exotic lure of Asia and North Africa, the traditional fare of Southern Europe and the fresh flavours of New Zealand. Dean Brettschneider is a professional baker and patissier. After completing his apprenticeship in New Zealand he worked in the US, Britain and Europe, gaining experience in all areas of the trade, working in exclusive hotels, supermarket bakeries and alongside some of Europe's leading bakers and pastry chefs.