When a cookbook from one of Australia’s favourite food personalities, Lyndey Milan, landed on my doorstep, I was excited. Lyndey has rolled up her sleeves, donned her gumboots and set out to explore Australia. She has reported back her findings in a beautifully photographed tome, Taste of Australia [RRP $39.95], which hits the shelves this month. Expect to find a collection of easy to reproduce (and mostly single page) recipes bound together with producer stories from some of Australia’s finest. Lyndey tells me she is “proud it showcases Australian producers and fantastic cuisine.” While she says all the recipes are fabulous, she’s partial to the easy pulled pork with apple and Brussels sprouts ‘slaw, which speeds up the usual long pork shoulder cook by using pork scotch steaks. Lyndey’s red grapefruit update of the traditional lemon delicious pudding is going to make an appearance on my table, as will the baked (rather than fried) prosciutto-wrapped Scotch eggs. Even her twice-baked cheese and truffle soufflé manages not to look too ambitious, so I might give it a whirl.
lyndeymilan.com

Cake Picnic CakeCon, a community-led event celebrating cake lovers and home bakers is making its national debut in Sydney, giving locals a chance to bring a cake to share, swap tips, and show off their creativity. 

CakeCon was influenced by cake picnics trends as seen in big cities such as, LA, London, New York, with the concept finally being brought to Sydney. 

“CakeCon is our love letter to home bakers – a fun, inclusive picnic where creativity, community and cake all take centre stage,” said organiser Joan Caballero.

In creating CakeCon, Caballero wants to celebrate Sydney’s big baking community, and hopes to foster “a space where cakes don’t just sit prettily on tables, but bring people together in celebration.”

From being the “cake person” in her circles, with a growing passion for baking cakes passed from her mom to her three daughters, Caballero sees baking as her way of celebrating the people she loves.

Each ticket holder must bring a cake, and will receive a pizza box to fill up with as much cake as they can physically fit, before voting for their favourite.

Two celebrity chefs, Darren Purchese and Rachel Khoo, will be there to judge the cakes based on flavours and looks and are ready to hand out some prizes to the best in show.

Organiser hopes “feel good” event expands across country

CakeCon is not just for cake bakers, it’s also for cake enjoyers because, with organisers allowing those who are culinarily challenged to store-bought cakes, as long as they include allergen info and nutrition labels.

“We wanted a feel good city picnic where everyone brings a cake and leaves with ideas, new friends, and a phone full of photos.” Caballero said.

Tickets are selling fast with more than 130 tickets purchased already- which means more than 130 cakes! 

As this is a cake picnic concept, CakeCon will happen in an outdoor area that is perfect for picnics so BYO picnic blanket and non-alcoholic drinks as it is also a family-friendly event.

With Sydney debuting as the first city to host CakeCon, Caballero hopes to expand the event across Australia, with an event lined up for Melbourne if the launch proves successful.

Purchase your CakeCon tickets here.

Date: Sunday, 28 September 2025

Venue: Centennial Homestead, Centennial Park