Auckland-based chef Jeremy Schmid loves to smoke. In fact, he's a professional smoker - a charcuterie chef - and he has dedicated a book to the topic.

Pasta with red onions & balsamic vinegar: Serves 4.

This is a recipe from my first book, 4 Ingredients, published in March 2007. Since then, my guess is that I have made over 2000 of these cookies - they are good!

Thirty-seven years ago the world was transfixed by the adventures of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo as they battled to save the universe and defeat an evil enemy - Darth Vader.

We all know that kiwifruit packs a punch - crammed with antioxidants, vitamins C, E and folate as well as being a great aid for digestion.

Q: What is turbinado sugar, and can you suggest a substitute?

Last year, The Last of Us was released on the PS3 in the twilight of the console's tenure and showed what the PS3 is capable of: some of the best graphics seen in a game that accompanied a storyline worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster.

If you thought you'd seen the last of grunge back in the 1990s, think again.

Passion is his main ingredient, says Dean Brettschneider, New Zealand's "Global Baker".

This delicious treat combines chocolate with cherry and meringue and makes 20 slices.

Here are some of the many tips we have received recently, including a top tip for a DIY firelighter.

To buy fairly traded goods look for the Fairtrade label on products available from your local retailers.

Pompeii, (M) Roadshow Entertainment, 3.5 stars: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius will forever be linked by the devastating eruption that destroyed the city.

I have a pair of shoes branded "Abelia", as well as a vintage camisole I bought in the UK 10 years ago, and an Italian dinner plate.

Begin Again, (M) 104 minutes, 4/5 stars: Who knew Keira Knightley's talents extended to singing?

A delicious Smoky Rib and salad recipe from Masterchef NZ winners Karena and Kasey Bird. Wine match, Durbanville Hills cabernet sauvignon.

I have been asked by several people to write about preparation and it is a very important topic.