Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2019 i Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

Peta Mathias has been a Kiwi icon I’ve admired from afar for many years. I remember reading her memoir, Never Put All Your Eggs in One Bastard, years ago and thinking what a wild, funny, remarkable woman she was. Her TV shows over the years – as well as her flow of more books – only reinforced my admiration for a woman who was so wholly herself: colourful, adventurous and living an unconventional life. To me, she encompasses everything that I would like 2019 to be about: a year of stepping outside of comfort zones, of embracing opportunities; a year of living life more in the moment, and with joy. With the start of a new year, you may well be looking for some inspiration for what you want to…

The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100 is a smart toothbrush for everyday use that will be a cleaning favourite. Not only will it remove plaque from teeth and the gum line, it will also notify you when enough time has been spent on each part of the mouth and when two-minutes brush time is up. It’s also easy to take travelling with its built-in charging travel case. Our letter of the month writer this month will receive one Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5100, worth $249.99. Writers of other published letters will receive an Australian Women’s Weekly cookbook.…

There’s something magical about the nostalgia of childhood holidays. Whatever your childhood memories are, I’m sure the holidays feature big-time. To me they were the trips that defined my youth. We nearly always had Christmas at home but left for holiday on Boxing Day, probably with the rest of New Zealand all coming along for the ride. I grew up in Hawke’s Bay, so heading to the beach – Waimarama, Clifton and Westshore – was our favourite; or going slightly further afield to Mahia and Gisborne. We sometimes went to the lake and stayed in borrowed baches at Taupo or the Rotorua lakes. My parents knew lots of people who owned holiday houses. Dad always said we were so lucky to go to different places each holidays and it was…

Hypothyroidism When the thyroid is underactive as it doesn’t produce enough hormone. What you notice: Symptoms may be subtle or obvious. They include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin and hair, hoarseness, high cholesterol level, stiff joints, muscle weakness, depression, brain fog, intolerance to cold weather, infertility in women and period changes. There may be a goitre – a diffuse generalised swelling. What to do: See your doctor to investigate via a blood or urine test or ultrasound. Treatment is thyroid hormone replacement tablets, regularly monitored to ensure the right hormone levels. Nodules Nodules are lumps that grow in the thyroid tissue and you may see a lump that moves with swallowing. Most are benign but if a nodule looks suspicious on ultrasound, a needle biopsy will be necessary. Nodules…

Sweet chilli chicken with apple coleslaw SERVES 4 PREP 5 MINUTES COOKING 15 MINUTES 3 tsp vegetable or olive oil 850g chicken nibbles 1/3 cup sweet chilli sauce 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1/3 cup water 300g coleslaw salad mix 2 red-skinned apples, cored, grated 1 spring onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup light sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning, for 10 minutes, or until browned. Add sweet chilli, soy sauce and water. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked. 2 In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, apples and half the spring onion. 3 In a small jug, whisk the sour cream, mayonnaise and…

Mango and lemongrass soft serve sorbet SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 10 MINUTES (+ FREEZING TIME) 2 large (1.2kg) ripe mangoes, flesh chopped 1 stem lemongrass ½ cup (110g) caster sugar 2 tablespoons lime juice rockmelon, watermelon and pineapple, for serving 1 Arrange mango on a baking tray lined with freezer wrap. Freeze for 4 hours or until firm. 2 Chop lemongrass into 4cm lengths and roughly bruise with the end of a heavy handled knife. Combine the lemongrass, sugar and ½ cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil and boil for 5 minutes or until reduced by half. Strain into a small jug; add lime juice and refrigerate until cold. 3 To make sorbet, put the frozen mango into a food processor with the…

We pretty much all accept what we choose to eat and drink affects our health. Much attention has been given to the factors that influence heart, gut and liver health. Yet we really don’t talk about how food and lifestyle choices affect brain health. We’re aware the brain doesn’t always work so well as we get older. In fact, for the over 50s, concerns about dementia and “losing one’s marbles” have now overtaken those of cancer or heart disease. The good news is that while you can’t change the genes inherited from your parents, nor many aspects of the environment around you, you can change your diet and your lifestyle. The march of time is unstoppable and ageing is inevitable. Yet some people age more slowly than others. If we…

SERVES 4 PREPARATION AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES 170g asparagus, trimmed, cut into 2cm lengths 1 cup (120g) frozen broad beans, peeled ½ cup (60g) frozen peas 8 x 1cm slices wholemeal sourdough bread (280g) 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon lemon juice 90g drained marinated feta, crumbled 2 tablespoons small mint leaves 1 teaspoon lemon rind strips ROCKET AND ALMOND PASTE 60g rocket leaves 1 cup firmly packed basil leaves ½ cup (70g) natural almonds, roasted 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil 1. Cook asparagus in a medium saucepan of boiling water for 2 minutes. Add beans and peas; simmer for 2 minutes. Drain; refresh in a bowl of iced water. Drain…

FREEZER TO OVEN With their special borosilicate glass base, the new ClickClack Cook+ food storage containers can go straight from freezer to oven – perfect for storing and reheating leftovers. RRP from $12.99. HELPFUL COFFEE Generosity Coffee is an ethically conscious company that helps support the community. For every coffee blend bought via the website, 20 per cent of the purchase price goes towards a charity of your choosing. Available in regular, decaf and Nespressocompatible pods from generositycoffee.org.nz. DID YOU KNOW? How much are you wasting? If just 25 per cent of all food waste in the world was able to be saved, it would be enough to feed 870 million people!…

1 2017 IL VILLAGGIO NERO D’AVOLA DOC, $20 Extend your vinous wings with a fantastic, juicy, robustly fruited red from Sicily – you can feel the island’s warmth and la bella vita emanating from the glass! (It’s organic too.) From Scenic Cellars and Wine Direct. 2 2017 TE MATA ESTATE VINEYARDS HAWKE’S BAY CHARDONNAY, $19 Te Mata has a long, illustrious history of making wonderful chardonnay, and their entry-level wine is a great-value example of their pedigree. Bright citrus and white peach mingle with a dash of oak spice and creaminess. 3 BOSCA FIVE STARS PROSECCO DOC, $18 From the Veneto region of Italy, Prosecco is a dry sparkler with lots of yellow apple and ripe stonefruit – around 11 per cent alcohol, it’s frothy, fruity fun. Add fresh peach…

• Renovating a caravan is the adult equivalent of decorating a doll’s house. The cuter and more compact your accessories are, the better.  • With pop-up tables that fold down into beds, sliding cupboards and extra storage under the upholstery squabs, caravans are the ultimate tiny houses, but be careful not to weigh them down too much. For once, plastic is fantastic: there’s a good reason why vintage Duraware picnic sets were so popular. • Although retro styling suits caravans manufactured in the 1960s and 1970s, that’s no reason to limit your interior style to the same era. Personally, I’m not a fan of the black and white checkerboard tiles of milkbar-style fit-outs; I prefer faux wooden vinyl panels. These are inexpensive, lightweight, easy to trim and even easier to…

These holidays, give your elderly loved ones what they really want. Your time. More than ever, we’re stretched between children, work commitments and caring for our elderly loved ones. Personal Assist, a service from Public Trust, takes care of your loved ones’ life admin. A personal adviser can step in and manage and coordinate everything from financial and property admin, to the day-to-day household tasks, to helping them move house. Allowing you to give quality time to your loved one, because only you can give them you. To find out more visit ptnz.nz/givethemyou…

BODYGUARD (BBC/NETFLIX) Starring Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes and Gina McKee The BBC’s highest rating drama in a decade, there are many, many reasons to binge the six-chapter series Bodyguard ASAP. Nominated for two Golden Globes – Best Drama, and Best Actor for Richard Madden – the opening 20 minutes of the first episode are among the most gripping and tense I’ve ever watched. Madden (Game of Thrones/Cinderella) plays Specialist Protection officer David Budd, assigned to guard British Home Secretary Julia Montague. Battling his own post-Afghanistan PTSD amidst a growing and violent political conspiracy, this first season plays out with a refreshing intelligence and an impressive kinetic pace, with Madden’s first-class performance the icing on the cake. Not to be missed.…

Detox Keeping your liver healthy is essential for glowing skin, energy and vitality. Nature’s Sunshine Liver Cleanse Formula helps to cleanse, nourish and detoxify the liver and aid smooth digestion for a more healthful you. RRP $34.50. Available from health stores nationwide. naturessunshine.co.nz Skin nourishment Weleda Skin Food – new look, same iconic formula. 100 per cent certified natural, this deeply nourishing moisturiser is made from organic rosemary, wild pansy, calendula and chamomile. It’s ideal as a primer under make-up or as a face mask; for dry, rough patches on hands, elbows, knees and heels; or as a travel buddy to replenish skin in-flight. RRP $13.90, 30ml; $22.90, 75ml. Available at weleda.co.nz, selected online retailers, Farmers, health stores and pharmacies. Diamond dazzler Add some sparkle to any occasion with this…

AS THE STARS stepped out for the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Awards (AACTA), Nicole Kidman asked audiences to support smaller films like Boy Erased, for which she was awarded the Best Supporting Role gong. “Please go and see these movies,” she said, “otherwise we won’t have the chance to make them any more.” Rare find SNOW WHITE REINDEER This rare white reindeer calf nearly escaped discovery because of his snowy white pelt. “He almost disappeared into the snow,” said Norwegian photographer Mads Nordsveen, who spotted him on a hike. RADIO FOR ONE For 44 years, British radio broadcaster Deke Duncan has been running his radio station for the world’s smallest audience: just one woman, his wife Teresa. He started in the 1970s from a garden shed, presenting his…

Jacqueline Kennedy, the greatly admired former First Lady, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 64. The illness spread rapidly through her body, and Jackie opted to die at home, in her spacious apartment in Manhattan. Sister Lee Radziwill rushed to Jackie’s side. For a brief time, their long, complicated relationship seemed to melt away and they were just as close as they had been in their youth. She died at home on May 19, 1994 – ironically on her father “Black Jack” Bouvier’s birthday – surrounded by her family. Lee wept. But when Jackie’s 38-page will was read, Lee discovered that substantial cash bequests were left to family members (including Lee’s two adult children), friends, and employees – but nothing to her. Sibling rivalry It’s been 24…

It happened just before Christmas on the 10th of November 2002. “You never forget your date,” she tells me. It was the day Catriona Williams, one of our most accomplished horsewomen and leading contender for the Olympics, fell from her mount and broke her neck. “I knew it was a bit more serious than a collarbone because the pain was so severe.” Her striking blue eyes narrow at the memory. “My friends were beside me. I knew I was in trouble when I asked them to please put my legs on the ground.” She explains: “When you break your spine, your memory takes on the last position your legs were in, which was the jockey pose. My legs were already lying on the ground.” The fall left her a tetraplegic.…

On a rainy Saturday morning in August 2010, Sally Challen left her house in Claygate, Surrey, in the south of England. She had bought the house less than a year earlier, her first step away from a 31-year marriage. That morning, she returned to 1 Ruxley Ridge, just around the corner – her former marital home. Though she had told few people, Sally, 56, and her husband, Richard, 61, were planning to reconcile. They were about to begin clearing the family house so they could put it on the market. The Challens’ home was valued at about $1.84million, and with this they intended to take an extended trip to Australia, a late-life adventure, before deciding where to live next. But first Richard wanted bacon and eggs for breakfast, so Sally…

1 Single leg balance Good for balance Holding a chair or using a wall, put weight on outside leg and lift inner leg – if you can, lift foot completely off the ground. Remember to look straight ahead, press into your outside foot and squeeze your bottom as you do this. Count to three, put foot down flat, repeat on other side. “Balance is a critical element to maintaining good health, especially as you age,” says Michelle. “The last thing you want to do is fall, so work on balance.” Pump it up by: “Increase the time you hold – so 10, 20, 30 seconds – then rest and do other side. Take your hand off if confident. And if you’re more confident, work on a moving balance exercise, such…

Herb rump with coriander salt SERVES 4-6 COOK AND PREP TIME 25 MINUTES (+ MARINATING TIME) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 6 garlic cloves, bruised 6 fresh bay leaves, bruised 4 sprigs rosemary 1kg rump steak, a thick piece from centre cut 2 teaspoons coriander seeds 2 teaspoons cumin seeds 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup (30g) sea salt flakes 1 Combine oil, garlic, bay leaves and rosemary in a non-reactive dish or large zip-lock bag. Add steak. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight. 2 Dry fry spices in a small pan over medium heat until fragrant. Using a mortar and pestle, grind seeds until crushed coarsely. Add salt and pepper; mix well. 3 Remove steak from refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking.…

Smoky eggplant with lentil, walnut and pomegranate salad SERVES 4 PREP AND COOK TIME 45 MINUTES 4 small (920g) eggplants 2 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes LENTIL, WALNUT AND POMEGRANATE SALAD 1 medium (140g) lemon 400g can lentils, drained, rinsed ¾ cup (85g) coarsely chopped walnuts, roasted 2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley ½ medium (160g) pomegranate, seeds removed GREEN YOGHURT 1½ cups (420g) Greek-style yoghurt 1 cup baby spinach leaves 1 cup fresh coriander leaves 1 Preheat a covered barbecue with all burners on low and hood closed until temperature reaches 240°C (220°C fan-forced), or follow manufacturer’s instructions. Line a disposable foil roasting pan with baking paper. 2 Halve eggplant lengthways. Score deep diagonal lines 2cm apart in…

• Smoking: a further incentive to stop! • Obesity in midlife, although at least one study found that being underweight in midlife also elevated the risk. • High blood pressure in midlife, also a major risk factor for stroke. • Diabetes: probably due to elevated blood glucose levels damaging the brain. If you have diabetes, good management of blood glucose levels is key. • Traumatic brain injury: this isn’t always a modifiable risk factor, but shows we must do all we can to prevent brain injury, eg, wearing helmets cycling or during snow sports. Boxers, rugby players and those playing contact sports are at particular risk. • A history of depression. Dietary strategies in this book can help with depression, too. • Prolonged sleep problems such as insomnia and sleep…

SERVES 8 PREPARATION TIME 30 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 1 cup (160g) Brazil nuts 180g medjool dates, pitted ½ cup (45g) traditional rolled oats ½ cup (40g) shredded coconut 3 teaspoons powdered gelatine 3 cups (840g) Greek-style yoghurt, at room temperature 2 tablespoons pure floral honey ¼cup (20g) fine desiccated coconut 2 teaspoons grated lime rind 2 medium bananas (400g) 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 tablespoons passionfruit pulp ¼ cup (10g) flaked coconut, toasted 1. Lightly grease a 23cm round, 3cm deep, fluted tart tin with a removable base. 2. Process Brazil nuts, dates, oats and shredded coconut until mixture forms a coarse paste. Press mixture evenly over base and side of tin. 3. Sprinkle gelatine over ¼ cup (60ml) boiling water; whisk to dissolve, making sure there are no…

January is a time when we take stock of the year that’s been, and perhaps seek to make positive changes for the coming year. When it comes to wine, I’ve long been a proponent of drinking less, but better – think quality, not quantity. There are many benefits to this approach, not least of which are those relating to health. Obviously, wine contains alcohol so quantity is not a good thing. Yes, there are some healthy compounds in wine, but they categorically do not outweigh the impact of excess alcohol. Recommended New Zealand guidelines are no more than two standard drinks per day for women, with at least a couple of alcohol-free days a week. Remember though, a standard drink is NOT necessarily what you pour into your glass! Helpfully,…

Start by picking a theme or Resene colour combination that will work well in your chosen space. When it comes to pattern, the possibilities are endless but geometric shapes are simple, effective and timeless. WHAT YOU NEED • Resene testpot paints – I used: Resene White Resene Bardot (dark yellow) Resene Melting Moment (light yellow) Resene Glorious (dark pink) Resene Wax Flower (light pink) • Resene testpot paintbrush • Resene removable tape • Metal ruler • Hot glue gun and sticks FOR MOUSE PAD • 1 circle board (Kaisercraft round placemat from Spotlight) • 1 piece thick grey felt (to fit placemat) • Sharp scissors FOR STORAGE BOXES • 1 wooden cutlery drawer spacer (available from Kmart) • Wooden square box or similar • 1 piece A3 foam board •…

Living in the country is mostly a serene, pleasurable experience. But sometimes it can take you to the deepest, darkest state at three in the morning. It can have you huddled on the floor of the bathroom, both hands over your ears, rocking while singing to yourself. And it can give you bad dreams for nights afterwards. No, we don’t have a ghost. We just had yet another encounter with a possum. She was very cute, and she had decided to spend the day snuggled into our sun shelter on our deck. She had found a nice cosy spot where the shelter goes under the eaves of the house and had settled in for her day-sleep, since possums are nocturnal creatures. I noticed her when I went out there to…

Drama Clock Dance by Anne Tyler, Penguin A delightful dance through the time Willa has spent on earth – from an 11-year-old in 1967 asking Pop when Mom is coming home, full circle to the 61-year-old in 2017, acting as surrogate grandma to Cheryl, nine, a carbon copy old-head-on-young-shoulders. Willa associates grilled cheese sandwiches with Mom’s disappearances, because it is all her father can cook. Sister Elaine wants drive-thru takeaway, but the car has gone. “This was bad. Mom didn’t just walk to friend Mimi’s, she’d gone who-knows-where.” In 1977 at 21, Willa marries college senior Derek, against the wishes of mum Alice, who doesn’t want Willa to give up life and have babies. In 1997, at 41, with sons Sean and Ian, Derek dies in a road-rage…

Capricorn DEC 22-JAN 20 January capers off to a rollicking start with the sun and new moon in Capricorn on January 6, lighting up the start of your personal astrological new year. Heavenly heavyweights Saturn and Pluto also hanging out in your sign can tend to accentuate your serious side, which might need the occasional reminder that getting things done and having fun aren’t mutually exclusive. With Mercury on board as well for two weeks mid-month, a sense of humour’s absolutely key to negotiations – as is time for kicking up those goaty high heels with friends and activities that put a smile on the Capricorn dial. AQUARIUS JAN 21-FEB 19 As game-changing Uranus, your wild-card planetary ruler, hits January’s highway for its final hurrah in the let’s-do-it, pioneering sign…

Letter of the month I loved reading your December article about our Prime Minister and her lovely family. They are so humble, Kiwi and real. Jacinda makes decisions based on compassion and empathy and the needs of our country. In a time of horrific domestic violence statistics we need empathy. We need people to rally together and stand up to the injustices happening on our doorsteps. Clarke and Neve inspire Jacinda to make decisions that are right on so many levels. So thank you to our Prime Minister for caring about us and our tamariki and thank you to The Australian Women’s Weekly for sharing this beautiful story that results in such positive impacts on our future. Michele Meade JUST LIKE US Thank you Australian…

LOVING SERVICE George H. W. Bush’s service dog, Sully, was captured resting after his final mission – accompanying his master’s body to Washington. TIARA-RAMA The Duchess of Cambridge looked resplendent in the Lover’s Knot tiara at the Queen’s diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace. DAME HONOURED Dame Judi Dench has been awarded the Richard Harris Award at the British Independent Film Awards for an outstanding contribution to film over her career.…

On a squally December evening beside the River Thames, the faithful have been gathering for hours. London’s South Bank Arts Centre is a place you usually come to see the theatrical aristocracy, rock legends and opera divas, but tonight’s star turn is a middle-aged mother-of-two, whose self-declared vice is peanut butter. Nobody here has ever known such a demand for tickets. On the day of their release almost 60,000 applications were made for the 3000 available, and for weeks London has been humming with stories of astounding sums – up to £10,000 (about $18,500) a seat – being paid on the black market. All around the entrances there are huddles of the ticketless, mostly women, many clutching candles and photographs, who are here just to be in the proximity of…

They say money can’t buy happiness, but research shows that some spending habits can bring joy. • Buy experiences instead of things. Things get old, but experiences – concerts and shows, being out in the wilderness, travel, or just spending time with friends – stay shiny in your memory. • Buy many small pleasures instead of a few big ones. • Pay now and consume later. Anticipation is part of happiness. Also, you enjoy it more when you know the bill has already been paid. • Spend on others instead of yourself.…

Aries • MAR 21-APR 21 Big Picture Could there be a more inspiring start to the year than the dynamic duo of wildfire Mars and spontaneous Uranus in your sign for the first six weeks of 2019? You’re thinking positive, feeling confident and raring to get started on professional initiatives, creative experiments and most importantly of all, bold new steps on the love path. Money Matters Igniting your spirit of adventure, Jupiter beckons with more flexible office hours, working holidays, endless potential, as well as plenty of offers and opportunities, so no need for mad risks or gambles. In fact, your money mantra for 2019 is precisely what you’ve been refining over the past year: trust intuition over impulse. Connections As Jupiter’s luminous glow showcases the happy-go-lucky side of the Aries…

Flush of blush It's rosy in the garden with rusty pink and coral hues. Earthy tones Use sand or beige to ground pretty pinks and crisp white. Golden whispers Add textural interest to the softest shades of caramel and custard.…

1. MAC Iridescent Powder in Golden Bronze, $60. Dust over cheeks and shoulders for a radiant sheen or mix with moisturiser for an all-over glow. 2. MAC Bling Thing Liquid Lipcolour in Commotion Motion, $60. The most vibrant metallic formula we’ve come across. 3. YSL Rouge Pur Couture in Rouge Rose, $66. This cream colour gives great results with just one swipe. 4. Shiseido LacquerInk Lipshine in Coral Spark, $56. Brilliant, dense colour with a gloss finish. 5. Guerlain Terracotta Cushion Fresh Bronzing Fluid Makeup SPF20, $87. A light, sheer, sponge-on face colour in a lovely shimmer-free bronze. 6. Wet n Wild Holiday Glow Megaglo Highlighting Bar in Rose Gold, $13. An affordable way to try a touch of bronze; use as an eyeshadow too. 7. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc…

This is one of the most frequent patient stories I hear: “Doctor, I feel so tired all the time. I’m not eating any differently to normal, but I seem to be putting on weight. And my hair is falling out.” It alerts me to the possibility of a thyroid disorder – they’re reasonably common, affect women more than men and become more prevalent with age. The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland lies at the front of your neck, below the voice box. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system, which consists of a group of glands responsible for producing hormones that help the body function properly. It does this by producing two iodine-containing hormones – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) – which control the body’s processes, such as heart rate, digestion,…

Q I’m in my early 30s and have had an intermittent blocked left nostril accompanied by sinus pain – usually when I wake up. I’ve also noticed a bulging vein running down the middle of my forehead. What could the cause of the vein be, and could these two symptoms be related? E.D. The bulging vein is not likely to be of any concern. Because the pain in your left sinus region has been a problem for some time, you need to see your GP for an examination and possibly a CT scan of your sinuses. You may then be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist. Q I’ve read that the widespread use of antibacterial sanitisers is causing “superbugs”, and soap and water is better. Is this true?…

1 Summer salad SERVES 6 COOK AND PREP TIME 30 MINUTES 150g green beans, trimmed 500g frozen broad beans 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed olive oil spray 250g cherry heirloom tomatoes, halved or sliced 3 shallots, sliced thinly WHITE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon caster sugar ⅓ cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 Bring a medium saucepan of water to boil. Add green beans and cook for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon transfer to a bowl of iced water. Return water to boil. Add broad beans to water, cook for 30 seconds, drain then transfer to the bowl of ice water. 2 Drain all beans well, then transfer to clean tea-towel lined tray to dry. Peel and discard the skins of…

Breakfast frittata SERVES 2 PREP AND COOK TIME 15 MINUTES 2 eggs 2 egg whites 2 spring onions, sliced thinly diagonally 170g asparagus cooking-oil spray 50g shaved light leg ham, sliced thinly 1 tablespoon reduced-fat ricotta, crumbled 2 slices (90g) multigrain bread, toasted 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). 2 Whisk eggs, egg whites and onion in a small bowl until well combined; season. 3 Reserve half the asparagus, thinly slice remaining asparagus diagonally. 4 Lightly spray a small 15cm ovenproof dish with oil. Arrange sliced asparagus and ham in dish. Pour over egg mixture, sprinkle with ricotta and top with remaining asparagus. 5 Bake for 10 minutes or until golden and just set. Cut frittata into wedges; serve with toast. Sprinkle with parsley leaves, if you like. Nutritional…

SERVES 4 AS A STARTER PREPARATION AND COOK TIME 35 MINUTES ½ cup (140g) Greek-style yoghurt 75g blue cheese, crumbled ½ teaspoon wholegrain mustard ½ teaspoon pure floral honey 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind 2 teaspoons finely chopped chives 2 teaspoons finely chopped mint 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1kg Brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved 1. Process yoghurt, cheese, mustard and honey until smooth. Transfer to a bowl; season to taste. 2. Combine grated rind and herbs in a small bowl; season. 3. Heat olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook sprouts, in batches, for 2 minutes or until golden but still green. Drain on paper towel. 4. Place sprouts in a large bowl; sprinkle with herb mixture, then toss to combine. Serve sprouts drizzled with…

The cost of wine is usually something we measure in terms of what we have to pay for it, but have you ever considered what it actually costs to make your favourite tipple? A pretty popular price point is $12 per bottle. GST accounts for $1.55, with retailer margins from 70c-$2.50. Add fixed costs for packaging (bottles, caps, cartons) at around $2.50 per bottle, and $2.80 for government excise (none of which goes back to the industry itself). This leaves $2.65-$4.45 for the actual wine in the bottle: planting, growing, picking, making, storing and selling. Our predominantly boutique industry typically cannot make wine for less than $4 (the majority closer to $6-$9). It’s a sobering calculation and another reason why drinking less but better pays dividends not only for actual…

I have a thing for small-town New Zealand. To quote John Grenell (with a nod to Aussie songwriter Geoff Mack), I’ve been – almost – everywhere, man. I’ve been to Kaparoa, Whangaroa, Akaroa, Motueka, Taramoa, Benmore, Pongaroa, Horoeka... I’ve been off the beaten track, up loads of roads less travelled, from the wop-wops to the back of beyond, but it’s been a long time since I headed for the hills in summer – and I’ve never headed to the hills with my own caravan in tow before. And yet, caravanning is in my genes. My great-grandfather Ted built his own bentwood caravan at Raglan; he pulled it in style behind his 1939 Ford V8 coupe. My grandparents borrowed it for their one and only holiday (their five kids were left…

The Children’s House by Alice Nelson, Penguin Random House A fascinating, poignant meditation on what home means, set in Harlem, New York, as multiple family stories intertwine. Lost Without You by Rachael Johns, HarperCollins When Paige decides to wear her mother’s wedding dress for her big day she thinks she’s honouring her parents’ love. But the dress is missing and searching for it reveals family secrets. Sisters and Brothers by Fiona Palmer, Hachette This page-turner sees five seemingly different protagonists connected in a well-wrought tale of heartbreak and relationships. The Water Thief by Claire Hajaj, Oneworld A beautiful and compassionate tale in which Nick leaves his safe London life to build a hospital in a remote desert village in Africa, and encounters…