St Patrick's Parish School Trundle presents 'coffee table' cook book to help raise funds

For the St Patrick's Parish School Trundle Parents and Friends (P&F) committee, this is no different.

With the committee's usual funding opportunities restricted or cancelled because of COVID-19, members came up with a brilliant plan to fundraise for the school.

And it's something they've been discussing for a while.

The P&F committee is excited to announce the launch of a highly anticipated recipe book they've called Cook.

It's a beautifully designed, full-colour recipe book containing more than 215 recipes.

And what's better, it is the work of - as the committee describes - "some of the best cooks in rural Australia", that being Trundle residents.

The book features contributions from St Patrick's students past and present, parents, grandparents, teachers, community members and many greatly admired local cooks.

The recipes are drawn from the inherited culinary wisdom passed down from generation to generation of country chefs.

"And we all know you can't better them," P&F president Kate Berry said.

"[The cook book] was a way to fundraise as we can't host events or sporting activities.

"Also, as we've all been spending more time at home and doing more cooking, we thought a cook book would be well received, as well as it being something to enjoy in these uncertain times."

Recipes range from Asian breakfast soup to marinara linguine, marshmallow jelly cake to pear and hazelnut cheesecake, and condensed milk pikelets to fig jam.

There's even a recipe for camel curry, straight from Trundle's famous Bush Tucker Day, for the adventurous cook.

Cook is filled with mouthwatering photographs, along with drawings by the school children and lots of great advice - from how to keep backyard chickens to growing your own vegetables.

And just for a bit of fun, you'll also find some slime and playdough recipes for the kids.

"The sharing of food is a central part of the St Patrick's school community events and celebrations," Kate said.

"Many friendships have been forged, and memories made, over a cup of tea and scones at a St Patrick's mini fete, or over a steaming bowl of soup at our athletics carnival."

The P&F committee had planned a launch celebration, but COVID-19 has put a stop to that.

"Launch or no launch, Cook unites people in the joy of great food and the sense of true community," Kate said.

And either way, the book has been very well received and supported by the community and beyond.

"We have received wonderful feedback since the launch, many people have commented on how professional the book looks with its bright, full-coloured photos of recipes and St Pat's students," Kate said.

"It's even been described as a 'coffee table book', due to its beautiful cover and flick-worthy pages!

"Copies are selling fast, and we are looking at another print run."

Cook is on sale from the school's office and at the Henry Parkes Centre for $30, or to order a copy of the book, email stpatscook2020@gmail.com. Postage is $10.

All proceeds from the book will go to St Patrick's P&F, with the money going towards resources and activities for students.

"The P&F have recently funded a beautiful installation of playground markings which encourage the students to be active and use their imagination in their playtime," Kate said.

"We've also bought new sets of reading books and furniture for the outdoor sensory and learning space.

"We will now have fun deciding on what we will invest in next - possibly a shade shelter for the sandpit or a bubbler for the play field."

Though St Patrick's Trundle is a small school of just 33 students, it has a vibrant, hardworking P&F.

"Our parents, grandparents and teachers all work together to help create a kind, caring and happy environment for our children," Kate said.

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