Outstanding Spring Recipes
Search ‘Outstanding’ recipes for something delicious…
Browse by category
Guacamole with Kiki Seed Crackers
A slight variation on traditional Guacamole, with the addition of apple for crisp, acidic cut through against the rich avocado. Keep the twist going by serving this dip accompanied by Gold Medal winning Kiki Seed Crackers.
Loaded Bacon & Caramelised Onion Dip
With appreciation to OFPA Gold Medal winning The Good Oil and the team from the Semla Studio for this delicious, gourmet twist on a kiwi classic.
How to Cook the Perfect Steak
Outstanding NZ Food Producer Judge, Kathy Paterson shared this ‘how to’ from her book ‘Meat & Three’. It’s essential reading for anyone on the BBQ this summer!
Fresh NZ Cheese and Charred Red Capsicum
A perfect dish to make the most of fresh, spring cheese. Enjoy as a light lunch with flatbread or serve for aperitivo with a Leefield Station Pinot Gris. Makes a generous cup.
Farro’s Mexican Spiced Chocolate Pots with Dulce de Leche
Much love to Farro for sharing these cheeky chocolate puds whihc are perfect for a cosy winter’s evening. Savour the delish combination of the sweet Dulce de Leche with the chilli and cinnamon spiked chocolate.
Farro’s Radiatori Pasta with Guanciale and Kale Sauce
With thanks to our partner, Farro who have shared this perfect combo of vibrant kale, tasty guanciale and OFPA Supreme Champion Monty & Sons Durum Wheat Radiatori.
Hearty One-Pot Vegetable Soup & Mapari Meats Smoked Venison Chorizo
A rustic soup flavoured with Silver Medal winning Mapari Venison Chorizo is Kathy Paterson’s idea of a winter dinner or even lunch.
Robbies Cherry Bourbon Beef Short Ribs
These ribs are slow cooked until the meat comes away from their bones. Brushing with OFPA 2026 Gold Medal winner, Robbies Heritage Collection Cherry Bourbon Rib Sauce elevates the flavour.
Chocolate Sablé Biscuits with Forty Thieves Crunchy Peanut Buttercream
Crisp, buttery and melt-in-the-mouth, these slightly sweet biscuits are sandwiched together with a crunchy peanut buttercream - which we made with Outstanding medal winner, Forty Thieves Peanut Butter. Kathy’s reliable taste testers said they reminded them of our very popular peanut brownie biscuits.
Monty & Sons Radiatori and Chicken Ragù
Savour the outstanding taste of Leefield Station Supreme Champion 2026 Monty and Sons Radiatori in this special recipe by Kathy Paterson. Chicken ragù and pasta are an excellent union – Kathy says it’s vital to ensure you use a well-flavoured stock so you finish with a superb and slightly intense roasted chicken flavour.
Apple Crêpes
These popular Apple Crêpes have an extra flavour boost thanks to Raglan Food Co, Vanilla Bean Coconut Yoghurt, the OFPA 2026 Dairy-Free Champion. Elevate this dish into something ‘super-outstanding’ by serving it with a Leefield Station Riesling.
Pauline’s Chocolate Tartlets with Cream, Orange Curd & Caramel
Delightfully crisp with a deep, authentic cocoa profile, food editor and OFPA judge Kathy Paterson describes these tart shells as "a convenience product at its best." The 2026 judging panel agreed, awarding them a Gold Medal.
Lamb, Cauliflower & Potato with Tartan Sari Authentic Goan Spice
Awarded an OFPA Silver Medal, the judges praised the paste as "obviously made with love and care," noting its authenticity and honest chilli heat. Outstanding Food Editor Kathy Paterson says a dish made using this curry paste gets better with age - and if you can wait long enough, eating on the second or third day is optimal.
Blueberry Cobbler with Island Gelato Co, Woodland Berries Sorbet
Get ready for a match made in dessert heaven: Outstanding recipe guru Kathy Paterson’s nostalgic, old-fashioned cobbler meets Woodland Berries Sorbet from the 2025 Leefield Station Dairy Champion Island Gelato Co.
Pepler’s Harissa with Beef Salad
The addition of lime to Pepler’s Harissa is inspired and adds that special flavour boost. Outstanding Food Editor, Kathy Paterson, says she’s been pretty safe using one teaspoon to rub over the steak, but you can use a little more if you wish to. But remember, less can be more... Adding the paste after cooking prevents it from burning.
Baked Golden Queen Peaches with Frangipane
According to our Outstanding recipe editor, Kathy Paterson, Golden Queen peaches bake extremely well with their flesh and skin becoming meltingly tender. Leefield Station Riesling makes a great wine match, taking this dish to a new flavour level.
Grilled Oakley’s Baby Golden Gourmets and A Bit Dressy, Epic Green Herby Dressing
OFPA Food Editor, Kathy Paterson reckons there must be a bit of the Irish in her as she is a true potato lover. ‘Boiled, chipped and cooked until crisp in oil or butter is a winner, but so is this more substantial and interesting potato dish’, Kathy says.
Fruit and Nut Torte with Sorbet and Jok ‘n’ Al Raspberry Jam
Make ahead for a summer sweet treat – one that is very easy to sneak into the freezer and help yourself to a sliver. Outstanding Food Editor, Kathy Paterson, finds it refreshingly rich, preferring smaller servings, but serving portions are a guide and are up to you.
Akaroa Salmon with Mandys Horseradish Labneh
Cooking the salmon “en papillote” - French for “in parchment” is a cooking method where food, usually fish or vegetables, is sealed in a folded parchment paper (baking paper) packet and baked, steaming it in its own juices for a moist and very flavourful result.
Matangi Lamb Rack
A dish that shouts “new growth” – tender, juicy lamb on its bones, new potatoes, spring greens and sorrel. Robust garden sorrel adds depth and hints of lemon to a dish that is all freshness and lightness. Outstanding Food Editor, Kathy Paterson allows two-three lamb cutlets per person, adding that if your family or friends have a larger appetite, then allow four cutlets.