The proof is in the pudding. And the potato dishes, the slices, the cakes and the chutney.
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About 70 people attending the launch of the beautiful Comboyne Cookbook at the showground hall on Monday.
The project involved Comboyne residents handing over recipes that have been in some families for generations, Charles Sturt University’s graphic arts students and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
The cookbook was the brainchild of Comboyne resident Georgia Connell as are fundraiser for the community’s attempts to establish a museum.
“The CSU team delivered a work of art that amazed the community both for its beautiful photography and innovative design and for the way it captured the spirit of Comboyne,” Ms Connell said.
“After much proofing, editing and artistic finessing the The Comboyne Cookbook was published with generous donations from PMHC and the Comboyne Community Assoc Inc. Two hundred copies were produced in the first print-run of which 150 have already been sold.
“A second run has already been ordered.
“We are so thrilled with the cookbook’s success and proud of the community’s contribution.
“It really highlights what a small community can achieve with strong local partnerships and we are indebted to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s continued support,” she said.
“This cookbook shows a real diversity and the original pioneering spirit that continues today. It is a real collaboration.”
The cookbook celebrates the diverse community of Comboyne with recipes compiled into the different sections, including The Heritage Collection, The Potato Era, Next Generation Family Dinners, Avocados, blueberries and the New Wave of Farming and the Kitchen Garden.
CSU lecturer Willhemina Wahlin said the collaborative nature of the project worked well with the third year graphic arts students involved in the production.
“It was a rather project in the end, just because of the scope of the work involved,” she said.
“It is great experience for these students.”
One of students Mel Streater said her role was in project managing and was also involved in some of the layout along with Rebecca Dennis.
“It was good to have that practical experience and put this into our portfolio and take it into the real world,” she said.
“Time management was crucial in getting the cookbook completed.”
Fellow student Thomas Brown was mainly in photography. He said keeping the photographs and information in a cohesive manner was integral to the success of the book.
“It is nearly 200 pages so a massive job for all of us," he said.
Abby Artuso said her role was in water colour illustrations, along with taking some photographs and food styling.
“This was our first group assignment and it was fantastic to work with such a positive community,” she said.
Mayor Peta Pinson launched the book and praised the efforts of council staff involved in the project, including heritage officer Beau Spry.
Ms Connell said one of the highlights was morning tea with Phyllis Fisher who had run the Girraween Gardens Tea Rooms for some 30 years and photograph her beautiful garden.
“We were treated to a beautiful Devonshire tea cooked by Phyllis and Leonie Stevens and a pre-cooked version of Phyllis’ famous ‘Dudley’ pudding was displayed,” she said.
“It was an extremely fun and productive day.”