Devil of a Cookbook is the result of two of its author’s passions in life. Fiona Hoskin is the Tasmanian branch manager for Thermomix, so the recipes in the book are designed for use with the advanced kitchen appliance. But the thing that really appeals to us about the book is this: all proceeds from sales will go to the Devil Island Project, to protect the endangered Tasmanian Devil, a much-loved icon of wildlife in Tasmania.
Thermomix: Devil of a Cookbook by Fiona Hoskin
Devil of a Cookbook: the Launch
Fiona Hoskin launched her Devil of a Cookbook in Hobart on Monday with the help of some of her friends. The room at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre was filled with media representatives and Thermomix consultants, who all seemed thrilled to be associated with the project. Given that these (mostly) women are all dedicated to taking fresh Tasmanian produce and creating stunning gourmet food, you can just imagine the spread on offer!
Devil of a Cookbook: Hobart Function Centre
Thermomix consultants prepared morning tea
After guests were treated to morning tea and a celebratory glass of champagne, Grace Mazur, Managing Director of Thermomix in Australia, took to the microphone. Congratulating Fiona Hoskin on the launch, she then introduced Tasmanian parliamentarian Kerry Finch, a patron of the Devil Island Project. He spoke about Fiona’s efforts to raise money and awareness of the plight of the Tasmanian Devil and the fight against Facial Tumour Disease.
Fiona Hoskin: Devil of a Woman
We met Fiona Hoskin about 12 months ago. Intrigued by the Devil of a Cookbook concept, we kept in touch, keen to share the outcome with you. As with many worthy fundraising initiatives, it’s been a mammoth effort from idea to realisation, with delays and hurdles along the way. The eventual publication of the book is a triumph in itself. But now (having heard Kerry speak) we have a renewed respect for Fiona, the driving force behind the book.
Fiona Hoskin with Gavin from Think Tasmania
As a well-respected and celebrated Tasmanian chef, Fiona was able to lend her name and recipes to the Devil of a Cookbook and gain instant recognition. And she could well have left the association there and been praised for her involvement. But that’s not what she did. She jumped in, boots and all, as an ambassador for the conservation of the iconic and endangered Tasmanian Devil.
Recipes for the latest in the Thermomix collection of cookbooks, have been designed by Tasmanian consultants and customers. There’s a Sticky Lime Cake by Joan Wylie of Burnie that sounds divine; and a Sixty Second Fruit Cake by Tina Singline of Bicheno that will make Christmas a whole lot easier for some! Fiona worked tirelessly to collect and collate all the contributions, as well as donating recipes for some of her own signature dishes (from acclaimed former Launceston restaurant Fee and Me).
Fiona Hoskin demonstrates the Thermomix
Tetsuya Wakuda: Devil of a Cookbook
Fiona also convinced world-renown chef and Tasmanian ambassador Tetsuya Wakuda to join her mission. Tetsuya wrote the foreword for Devil of a Cookbook and contributed a handful of recipes. They include Lobster Ravioli with Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette; and Grilled Fillet of Veal with Wasabi and Sea Urchin Butter. He was also in attendance at the launch and spoke of his passion for fresh produce; the worthwhile cause to protect a native species, and his love of Tasmania in general.
Tetsuya Wakuda, Tasmanian ambassador
Working on recipes and collaborating with industry colleagues for Devil of a Cookbook might sound like just a day’s work for a top chef. But Fiona also ran the London Marathon to raise international awareness and funds to build the first Devil Island. A marathon! And more than once, actually. That’s some serious commitment. Other events have been held over the years, involving dinners and dancing… but a marathon? Wow! Apparently a Tasmanian Devil runs the equivalent of a marathon every night in the quest to eat, so there’s the connection.
We must stress that Fiona did not embark on all these tasks on her own. The Devil Island Project (DIP) is the brainchild of Bruce Englefield, and actually deserves a separate feature article (that’s coming soon). Suffice to say that an army of men, women and children have volunteered their time, effort and expertise to raise an enormous amount of money over several years. Some of them with a high profile, such as Shane Gould, also a patron of the DIP and in attendance at the launch.
Fiona Hoskin, Tasmanian manager for Thermomix
But for now we’d like to add to the chorus congratulating Fiona Hoskin on the release of Devil of a Cookbook. She’s an inspiration to all of us. Next time someone complains about being too busy… thoughts will return to Fiona. Her campaign to help save the Tassie Devils proves that one person can make an incredible difference.
Devil of a Cookbook sells for $40 and is a stunning collection of recipes, with images of both food and scenery from Tasmania. For more information you can like Devil of a Cookbook on Facebook. If you’d like more details, just contact Think Tasmania or leave a reply on this article and we’ll forward your details.
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Thanks for your kind words and for helping me celebrate the launch of this beautiful book! So many people played a part in bringing it to life and deserve my thanks and praise.
Thermomix Australia Head Office team led by Grace Mazur – their contribution was HUGE! They tested all the recipes (to the detriment of their waistlines at times!)and have paid all design, printing and publishing costs for the book – Thanks Thermomix!
Tetsuya and Thermomix customers and consultants for contributing recipes towards the book and for their hard work leading up to the launch and for ensuring the launch went smoothly – Thanks heaps!
To my Devil Island team members who were present and to those absent after completing the latest London marathon – you are all an inspiration to me! Thank you!
So many people working together making a difference – together we will go down in history as the generation that helped save the Tasmanian Devil. It’s up to the public now to support us by buying the book – hope you all enjoy it!
Hi Fiona,
I am an ex-Thermomix consultant in Sydney and would like to order two copies of your book – Devil of a Mix. Could you please let me know how I go about this? Thank you. Mandy 0419 982029
Hi Mandy
We’ve sent an email to Fiona with your contact details to make sure she receives your message.
Regards, Tania
Hi Fiona
Im looking to purchase your book ‘Devil of a cookbook’ and cant find it anywhere how do i purchase please ? Thanks
Juls
Hi Juls
We’ve had another enquiry about the book this week too, and we contacted Fiona via email. Apparently “Devil of a Cookbook” is no longer published, so you probably won’t be able to purchase a new copy from Thermomix. We managed to connect another reader with a second-hand copy via our Facebook page. Maybe Thermomix will be coerced to re-print if there’s enough interest? Sorry we can’t give you more good news.
Hi Fiona, congratulations on producing such a superb book AND helping to save our devils !
I received my copy two days ago and can’t put it down…cooking up a storm and can’t wait to get to the rhubarb champagne!
Congratulations also to all who helped and Thermomix whose generosity helped towards costs.
I love my Thermomix, Pam Fanning
Hi Pam,
It’s so good to hear that you are loving your Thermomix and now this gorgeous cookbook! I think everyone on King Island would benefit from owning both so keep cooking and spreading the good news!
Cheers,
Fiona
Fiona, hope you are well. Heard you have left Tas. Do you know how can I contact Peter here in Launceston, please? Thanks, Lillian
Dear Tania
I am the founder and CEO of the Devil Island Project. Fiona has kindly forwarded on to me a copy of the article about the cookbook. It is brilliant and I want to thank you very much for taking the time and making such an effort. Fiona is my original Devil’s Angel and her contribution to the Devil Island Project is unquantifiable. We would never have achieved what we have without her, simple as that.
I would like to put your article onto our website and so I am asking your permission to do so. Naturally, I would give full credit to you and Think Tasmania. It would be very exciting to have you on board.
You probably know I’m in the UK at present recovering from the marathon and fundraising. The Devil Islanders team have just passed the $10000 dollar mark from the marathon run. I’m also meeting up with Elizabeth Murcheson who is researching about the devil over here at Cambridge uni. We will be talking about our new project to build the ‘Great Devil Wall of Tasmania’ (GDWOT) etc. I’m also project managing at arms length the building of the latest Devil Island at Tasmania Zoo which is nearing completion. We are hoping to have an official opening in September and to officially launch the GDWOT then on threatened species day.
Thanks again for helping to keep the dear Tasmanian Devil in the public eye. Our slogan is Too precious to lose–FOREVER!
Best wishes
Bruce Englefield
Well done to you all in the UK on another marathon effort to raise more funds! Have a well earned rest now!
would like to congratulate you on your book launch and would like to know where it can be purchased in Coffs Harbour New South Wales. My son-in-law is Mark Lunnon who was a chef at fee and me.
Hi Jeffrey
I hope Fiona was eventually able to contact you. We sent on your message, but she did have some difficulty trying to reach you. If you haven’t heard from her yet, please contact us again (maybe with a different email address?).
All the best, Tania
Could you please advise if we can purchase Devil of a Cookbook at a wholesale price to sell in our old world grocery store?
Thank you.
Stacey Abbott
Solomon Merchants
Hi Stacey
We’ve sent your message on to Fiona Hoskin, who will be able to help you with your enquiry.
All the best,
Tania
Great news for everyone involved with this project. Devil of a Cookbook has won the Best Fundraising, Charity, Community Book in the Pacific category at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Paris! This note came from author Fiona Hoskin…
Hi Tania, thank goodness you wrote the article about the book! A huge thank you to YOU for getting the ball rolling for our very exciting win! It is a wonderful achievement for all concerned but particularly for our little devils who will benefit the most from extra book sales generated from the media attention and kudos the book will receive. A win for Tassie too with all those beautiful shots of Tassie tempting people down to our beautiful Isle! Thanks again, Fiona
We are just so pleased Edouard Cointreau of Gourmand International (France) read the article and contacted Think Tasmania about the awards so the book could be nominated. Well done to everyone involved in such a worthwhile project. We’re very happy to have assisted such a good cause in our own small way.
Such a shame the recipes are only for Thermomixers! I am sure many more copies would be sold if it was known whether or not the recipes are adaptable and it was available in bookstores.
It’s possible the book may not have been written at all if it weren’t for the Thermomix community and their supporters, Angela. Their team have such a great marketing department and network, they would have sold lots of copies and they have actually already raised a great deal of money for the cause. Maybe someone could write another recipe book aimed at the non-Thermomix market to be sold in bookstores and donate all those proceeds to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Fund as well. Wouldn’t that be terrific?
Hi, will you be so kind to let me know where I can order A Devil of Cookbook from? I stay in Scotland.
Thank you
Hi Susan
Nice to hear from one of our readers in Scotland. I have sent your message to Fiona Hoskin.
Regards, Tania
Hi, I’m looking too purchase one. Can you please let me know if there are any websites to buy the book from? Thank you, such a great book.
You can purchase Devil of a Cookbook online Amber. Thanks for dropping by, and happy cooking! Cheers, Tania
Hi, just wondering where I could purchase the book? Thanks.