Ask Peter
Each week, award-winning executive chef Peter Gordon answers your culinary questions and conundrums. If you are stumped over something food-related, or looking for a little expert advice on ingredients, recipes and kitchen tips, then send your question to [email protected]. Keep checking Bite magazine and right here for answers.
latest articles

Ask Peter: Salads to serve at a barbecue
I am hosting my staff Christmas party this year and want to impress (there are some big foodies in the group of 27). Can you suggest some dishes — I am...

Ask Peter: Lactose-free desserts
I’d like to create some refreshing desserts for my son’s birthday party. Unfortunately he is lactose intolerant and I was wondering if you could give me some...

Ask Peter: Ridding pork belly of impurities
I love slow-braised pork belly cooked in a Chinese-style stock. Before adding the pork to the stock, some recipes say to rid it of impurities, it should be...

Ask Peter: How to cook the perfect roast potatoes
I’m originally from the UK and although I’ve lived in New Zealand for over 10 years, I still enjoy a roast dinner on Sundays. One thing I can never get right...
Ask Peter: Cooking with green tea
I’ve been reading about the health benefits of green tea and I would love to introduce it into my cooking. I’ve seen many rice recipes using green tea, but...

Ask Peter: Crayfish
I’m very keen to impress my friends with delicious crayfish rolls. What’s the best way to serve them and how do I go about prepping the crayfish — I hear...

Ask Peter: Pineapple ripeness and a tangy raita recipe
Why are pineapples now presented minus their wonderful spiky topknots? This must be the only country in the world where this fruit is denuded, turning...

Ask Peter: A light frost
Do you have some suggestions on how to make icing that is not sugar-based. We love a nice piece of cake and I have cut right back on the sugar content in...

Ask Peter: Cooking with nut butters
A friend recently made a delicious chocolate cake that was filled and iced with an icing using smooth peanut butter — it was divine, like eating...

Ask Peter: Coffee in chocolate cake
I want to make a chocolate cake which has 1 cup of strong brewed coffee in the ingredients. It is so annoying because it doesn’t say whether it should be hot...