Dynamic and effervescent television and radio cooking personality Annabelle White is synonymous with good food and fun times in the kitchen. Annabelle believes that keeping food simple, easy, 'confidence building' and delicious, mixed with plenty of tips, funny quips and great recipes make for good times for family and friends.
Current work
Author
Annabelle was a long time food columnist for the Sunday Star-Times and also wrote the popular Food Detective column. She is the former food editor for NZ House & Garden and in October 2011 joined the New Zealand Women’s Weekly as Food Editor.
Annabelle's first cookbook Best Recipes was released in 1997 and had been reprinted multiple times. Many of her titles are now out of print but her sequel to Best Recipes entitled Simply The Best co-authored with Kathy Paterson in 1999 topped the New Zealand best-selling list and remained there for many weeks. Author of eleven cookbooks, Annabelle is also a regular public speaker and stand-up comedian. She also runs sessions on business etiquette for corporate clients - from cocktail parties to business lunches concerning the 'dos and dont's', and runs cooking classes.
Education
In 2009 the University of Waikato recognised her with the Distinguished Alumni award. Annabelle holds a history degree MA First Class Hons from Waikato University.
While Annabelle does not have formal chef's training her love of 'great honest cooking' came from watching her mother cook every day after school. Annabelle's extensive travels continue to be a great motivating factor in appreciating the global kitchen and learning about good food.
Television
Annabelle began her TV work as the zany food reporter for TV3’s Nightline in 1989 and then on a more regular basis for 5.30 With Jude and subsequently 5.00 With Jude in 1999-2001. She hosted her own prime time shows for World on a Plate featuring filming in New York City and Tonga in 2001. Her foray into Breakfast TV started with TV3 in 2008 and then moved to TVNZ in 2009. Her role with Breakfast has seen her filming food and travel pieces in China, the United States and Ireland. Annabelle’s radio work began in 1990 and she has been on-air nationwide on a regular basis since then.
Annabelle's life is a rich tapestry of experiences and she delights in sharing these in her interactive presentations, which are always interesting, entertaining and enjoyable.
Annabelle motivated all our staff and they are still talking about her speech. She received good positive feedback and was really entertaining at getting the message across. ... keep reading Unison Powerlines
Annabelle was wonderful. She knows how to work the crowd and had a major factor in making our networking lunch a success.
Annabelle was very well received and the audience were delighted. They learnt some tips and tricks and were able to relax and enjoy themselves.
Annabelle is very entertaining and witty and great fun. She exceeded my expectations and has enhanced my event. She fitted the occasion perfectly.
Annabelle was a fabulous entertainer. She catered beautifully to our crowd and kept them engaged and in laughter for the entire presentation. Annabelle makes keynote speaking look like the most natural thing in the world and I could have listened to her all day.
Annabelle was terrific, had all delegates involved and her humour appealed to all attendees. Would book Annabelle again at the drop of a hat!
Amazing performance by Annabelle White. She really gave it 120 percent. Had a mainly elderly rural audience literally rolling in the aisles.
