Jessica’s caption was simply “Oh Deere” and “Deerey me John, I asked for a bubble bath not a mud bath” was the caption suggested by Paul.

This month’s prize for the best caption of the rural letter box – see above – is ‘The Adriatic Kitchen’ by NZ author Barbara Unkovic, published by Exisle Publishing.

This photo of a tractor in a fix was the Country Funnies image for March.

This recipe book takes readers on a gastronomic journey to sun-drenched Croatia, celebrating the best of slow cooking traditions. Barbara has always been drawn to the land of her father, the island of Korčula, its way of life, its culture, history and food. Now, inspired by the island’s culinary traditions and its abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients, Barbara has produced a delightful, rustic cookbook full of gorgeous recipes and evocative memories.

From the vivid tangerine blooms of pomegranate stems in spring, to grapes and olives ‘beginning to grow fat and ripen’ beneath the intense heat of the Adriatic summer sun, Barbara viscerally evokes her love of place and intoxication with a landscape and culture overflowing with the rich bounty of the soil and sea.

More than 70 simple yet delicious recipes are included, such as Croatian Sweet Easter Bread fragrantly basted with sharp lemoncello; Black Risotto; Fresh Fig Crumble; Roast Chicken with Pomegranate and Spinach; Dalmatian Shepherd’s Lamb with Potatoes and Broad Beans; Sugared Almonds; Vanilla Horseshoe Biscuits; and Carrot and Mint Salad.

‘The Adriatic Kitchen’ by NZ author Barbara Unkovic is the book prize for May.

Infused with the warmth and vibrancy of Barbara’s beloved island, ‘The Adriatic Kitchen’ is a must-have cookbook for those wanting to experience traditional food at its best. And it is illustrated with rustic line drawings reminiscent of a family cookbook. Barbara is of Croatian and English descent and the author of six published books, specialising in “flash fiction”.

Barbara is the recipient of more than 30 writing awards in the United Kingdom and United States, including three International Book Awards and one USA Best Book Award. She holds a Master of Creative Writing from Auckland University.

Growing and cooking wholesome organic food has been a pivotal part of her life.

Thanks to Exisle Publishing Coast & Country News has a copy of ‘The Adriatic Kitchen’to give away.

To be in to win, caption the photo above and send with your name and address, with Country Funnies as the subject, to: elaine@thesun.co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to: Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 to arrive no later than May 15.