what is the puku?

the puku is the belly. the word is te reo Maori the language/tongue of my homeland and one part of my whakapapa (ancestry).. it is an affectionate term - food is very important in Maori culture, and bellies are not frowned upon! (when someone is tubby, they are pukunui - belly+big).

this blog is about ‘what’s inside’ - or soon to be inside - the puku: food!

I come from a food loving family - made up of generous cooks, (sometimes professional chefs, bakers, winemakers, gardeners, food teachers.. and of course enthusiastic and involved eaters! I was born in Gisborne (wine country) on the East Coast of the North Island of Aotearoa / New Zealand, also living on Waiheke Island, in the Far North and Wellington before embarking on a ill-planned (there was a boy) OE (overseas experience) which has led to over 8 years in Australia.

I am currently living in Sydney, having just spent 4.5 years in Townsville, which is in a pocket of Dry Tropics in North Queensland. there’s a boy (Dr Tom) an Anthropology degree (almost finished), hopefully another interesting job soon, crazy friends and some interesting eating opportunities.

the creation of this blog is a result of inspiration from the many wonderful food blogs I read from the global food blog community (wow, internet is SO great for procrastinating), questions from and discussions with friends about food and recipes, and the desire for a creative outlet over which I will have complete artistic and content control, without sharing, or being given endless edits and requests by a supervisor! horray!

you can email me at:   zoembaker{AT}gmail{DOT}com   : )