Innholdsfortegnelse for APRIL 2016 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

Visit bhgshop.com.au or phone 1300 745 898 Yarn season is here at last and these gorgeous throw kits are ready to ship! Choose from two equally beautiful colourways, vibrant jewel tones or tranquil naturals. Then, knit or crochet your way to a warmer, snugglier winter in record time. The key is the big fat needles or jumbo hook included in your kit to get your throw growing at super-speed. You can even join us online and we’ll make it together! hours ! 􀁖 Winter brights crochet kit Cheer up the bluest of winter days – these vivid jewel tones burst with energy. Carefully selected and blended as you work, the result is a gradual shift through the colour spectrum from rich reds to emerald to deep blue. Hook it up…

Snug as a bug in a rug 1. Call off the search – your knitting needles are safe and sound in these cosy yarn-covered jars! This simple idea can be made for free using glass jars from your recycling bin and spare 8 ply yarn you’ve got lying around. Full instructions start on page 187 Being creative needn’t be costly; you can decorate and organise your home in vibrant style for next to nothing with clever upcycling. Give a plain bedhead colourful appeal, stencil a stunning new mat for your kitchen and discover eight new ways to re-use old glass jars and bottles. Let the fun begin The 30-minute bedhead 2. Repurpose a tablecloth, curtain or any piece of fabric you adore to create a new look for your bed!…

1, 2. To make egg collecting easy, attach nesting boxes to the side of your coop and put a hinged lid on top. 3. Access all areas! Your chooks will appreciate a ramp to get to their roost and nesting boxes. Make the ramp removable for easy cleaning. 4. If your space is limited, go up! This two-storey design is great for tight spaces. Start with a box made from timber laid horizontally on the ground, then attach vertical posts. Construct an enclosure on top using exterior plywood, then dress with timber trim, roof shingles and a small window (check second-hand building material yards). A floral window box makes it picture perfect. 5. Create a fullheight coop by building simple stud frames on the horizontal timber base and finishing with…

Fish and shellfish can be rich and flavourful or mild and succulent – but it’s delicious in all its forms. A little daunted about cooking it at home? Fear no more! With these simple recipes, you’ll love making a sea change in the kitchen. And, there are plenty of new flavours for seafood aficionados, too. Now, cook yourself the catch of the day! How to choose seafood whole fish ■ Look – Select whole fish with bright, clear, bulging eyes. The fish should have glossy skin and tightly packed scales. ■ Smell – It should smell pleasantly of the sea. If the fish has a strong odour, do not buy it. ■ Feel – The flesh should be firm. When pressed, it should spring back. … fish fillets and cutlets…

Preparation time: 20 mins plus overnight chilling Cooking time: 35 mins Makes 24 230ml milk 14g dried yeast 40g light muscovado (unrefined) sugar 200g unsalted butter, chopped, softened 4 extra-large free-range eggs 500g plain flour ¼ tsp sea-salt flakes Vegetable oil, for deep‑frying and greasing BLACKBERRY GLAZE 1 punnet blackberries 1/4 cup water 2 cups pure icing sugar 1 Heat milk in a small saucepan over a low heat until warm. Remove from heat, stir in yeast and . of the sugar. Set aside for 10 minutes or until frothy. 2 Put butter and remaining sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk on high until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add milk mixture and beat until well combined.…

Cook’s tip Chicken and sesame rice balls For a healthier cooking method than deep-frying, coat the rice balls with a little cooking oil spray and cook in a 220°C oven until golden. Crispy fish tacos with smoky raspberry barbecue sauce and mango salsa Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 20 mins Serves 4 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 12 fish fingers Wholegrain tortillas, warmed Shredded cabbage Guacamole, sour cream, toasted coconut flakes, and lime wedges, to serve BARBECUE SAUCE 1 cup frozen raspberries 1½ cups barbecue sauce 2 Tbsp cider vinegar 2 Tbsp brown sugar 2 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp Tabasco (optional) MANGO SALSA 2 ripe tomatoes, finely diced 1 ripe mango, diced 1 red onion, finely diced 1 lebanese cucumber, finely diced ½ bunch coriander, leaves picked,…

From the Better Homes and Gardens test kitchen to yours, it’s as simple as prep, roast and serve! Want life made even easier? Have Pepper Leaf deliver the exact ingredients you need, along with plenty more tasty recipes like this succulent chicken thigh roast. There are enticing easy meals every week! Sign up at pepperleaf.com.au. PEPPER LEAF Roasted chicken with capsicum, garlic and fresh basil Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 20 mins Serves 4 650g chicken thigh fillets, sliced into 3cm pieces 1 large yellow capsicum, cut into 2cm pieces 1 large red capsicum, cut into 2cm pieces 1 medium red onion, finely sliced 2 cloves garlic, sliced 2 x 250g punnets cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup basil leaves 1⁄3 cup olive oil Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper,…

You told us these genius kitchen and deck makeovers did the trick, so here they are to love again! All you need is a quick trip to the hardware store to plan your flat-pack kitchen. Tweak the layout and funk up the finishes to totally revamp your food prep! Go for sleek blue-grey cabinetry paired with timber grain laminate, concrete-look benches and subway tiles for a hot new vibe. 1. So on-trend: an under-bench opening on your brekkie bar to accommodate bar stools. For va-va-voom, choose a concrete-look finish for your benchtop with a waterfall drop at the end. Include a new bank of tall cabinets by your fridge – great for storage – and refresh silver surfaces with a spray of appliance paint! 2. Try a mix of cabinet…

FAST FACT Yes, fat has more than twice as many kilojoules per gram than carbs or protein. However, good fat foods like avocados and nuts will fill you up faster, and for longer, than bread or pasta – so you’ll ultimately eat less. FAST FACT Don’t be afraid of cooking with healthy oils or choosing full-fat milk, cheese and yoghurt. Reduced-fat options are often pumped with sugar and additives in an effort to replace flavourful fat. FAST FACT Oily fish is rich in essential omega-3 fats, which are required for the formation of new tissue, including heart, skin, brain and bones. Eat it twice a week to reap its many delicious benefits. You’ve been counting calories, tracking your food intake, weighing and measuring every morsel and avoiding fat for years.…

UPLIFTING THOUGHTS An affirmation is like a mini meditation; your attention is focused for a short period, which gives your brain a chance to be calm. The affirmations in Carmen Warrington’s Today I Will… 100 Ways to Make Your Life Calm And Creative ($16.99, Hachette) aim to help you develop mindfulness in just a few minutes a day and make simple changes to daily routines and ways of thinking. For stockists, visit hachette.com.au. Coeliac awareness One of Australia’s most commonly under-diagnosed conditions is coeliac disease. It’s when the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten, causing small bowel damage. Both men and women can be born with a predisposition to it, but it may not be diagnosed until much later in life. Coeliac Australia is working to demystify and promote discussion…

from page 44 SNUG AS A BUG IN A RUG Gather your supplies Clean glass jars; 8 ply yarn in Cream, Red and Navy; 1 pair 4mm knitting needles; yarn needle Here’s how Cream cosy in 2 x 2 rib STEP 1 Measure around jar. To calculate stitches required, allow 22 stitches for each 10cm, rounding up to the nearest number that’s a multiple of 4. STEP 2 Using 8 ply yarn in Cream and 4mm needles, cast on required number of stitches. Row 1: Knit 2, * purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * to end. Row 2: Purl 2, * knit 2, purl 2, repeat from * to end. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until work fits jar. Cast off. Use yarn needle to stitch sides together. STEP…

If you talk to paint companies, the experts there will tell you we all want amazing colour ideas over and over to inspire us to decorate with courage and creativity galore. We look at beautiful schemes that transfix our imagination, our excitement and our decorating desires. We turn page after page with our eyes wide and flip those glorious paint chips over and over in our hands – envisaging. But when we exit the store, we leave loaded up with whites, beiges or very gentle greys… colour cowards that we are! But it’s BHG to the rescue! This issue we come armed with exquisite colours to inspire you again in your homes and just as much in your garden. Over the years here, we’ve learnt how to muster colour courage…

1Summerina collection Bearing a whole bunch of ultra-vibrant, daisy-like blooms, the new Summerinas provide a splash of fabulous colour in distinctly autumnal tones. There are three colours – Sunshine (yellow); Sunflare (orange) and Twilight (burgundy orange). Growing to about 60cm high with a spread of 45cm, they’re all bushy perennial plants suited to full sun or part shade. They also look great in containers – try them in patio pots to brighten up your outdoor living area as the weather cools. Botanically speaking, the Summerinas are a whole new addition to the plant world. They’re the result of a cross between two different plant genera – Rudbeckia and Echinacea – both of which are hardy and long-flowering perennial plants. These new hybrids offer an extra-long flowering period, starting in late…

Cheese croquettes Preparation time: 20 mins plus 15 mins freezing Cooking time: 20 mins Makes 24 croquettes 75g unsalted butter, diced 100g ham off the bone, very finely diced 1 leek, white part only, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 75g plain flour 500ml milk, hot ½ tsp ground nutmeg Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 1½ cups cooked potatoes, mashed ½ cup finely grated parmesan Vegetable oil, to deep-fry 2 free-range eggs, beaten 2 cups panko breadcrumbs Micro herbs, to garnish Aioli and sweet mustard pickles, to serve 1 Line an oven tray with baking paper. Melt butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add ham. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until beginning to crisp. Add leek and garlic. Cook for…

After a foolproof crowd-pleaser for your next dinner party or morning tea? Research shows 14 out of any 10 individuals like chocolate! So make your pick from this decadent collection of chocolate-laden recipes. Your most difficult decision? Dark, milk or white. And if you can’t choose, go ahead and use all three! You’ve heard about the antioxidants and the endorphins – yep, chocolate is good for you, so go for the best quality to create these delumptious desserts Chocolate freckles It’s easy to create a DIY version of these beloved discs. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Drop teaspoons of melted white, milk or dark chocolate melts onto tray about 5cm apart, using the back of a spoon to smooth into 6cm-dia. discs. Gently tap tray on bench to…

Karen’s mushroom pizza with Tassie washed rind cheese Preparation time: 25 mins Cooking time: 10 mins Makes 5 80ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra, to drizzle 4 x 200g punnets swiss brown mushrooms, sliced into rounds 8 sprigs thyme, leaves picked, plus extra, to serve 2 cloves garlic, finely grated 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 2 x 100g packets enoki mushrooms, trimmed 25 mini bocconcini balls 250g Tasmanian washed rind cow’s milk cheese or brie, thinly sliced 70g Parmigiano-Reggiano (or parmesan), finely grated, plus extra, to serve DOUGH 380ml warm water 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp (7g) dried yeast 400g plain flour, plus extra, to dust 150g semolina 2 tsp salt 1 To make dough, put water,…

Strawberry champagne mousse Blend 250g chopped strawberries and ¼ cup caster sugar until smooth. Cover and refrigerate. Beat 500ml thickened cream with an electric hand mixer until soft peaks form. With mixer on low speed, pour in 100g melted white chocolate, beating until just combined. Put 2 Tbsp of berry mixture in a small bowl, returning to fridge. Pour remainder into chocolate, whisking to combine. Finely chop 3 Arnott’s Tim Tam Virgin Strawberry Champagne, and fold through cream mixture. Spoon into 6 wine glasses and refrigerate overnight. To serve, drizzle over remaining berry mixture, and garnish with diagonally sliced Tim Tams and extra strawberries. Serves 6. Gourmet chicken and chorizo pie with corn salsa Preheat oven to 180°C. Cook 2 Herbert Adams Gourmet Chicken & Chorizo Pies following pack instructions.…

free PROJECT SHEET see right Adding a deck is an effective way to update any outdoor entertaining space. If you think building a deck is difficult or are put off by the ongoing maintenance, then this modular frame is for you – it’s almost maintenance-free! Top it off with a bench seat and a floating barbecue. free PROJECT SHEET So it’s easy for you to follow, we’ve put stepby-step instructions for the kitchen, deck and barbecue bench on project sheets. The instructions include a complete list of the materials and tools you’ll need to do the job. To get your project sheets, visit bhgshop.com.au/projectsheets and download them, or post a stamped ($2), self-addressed C5 (162 x 229mm) envelope to Better Homes and Gardens, TV’s Popular Projects, April 2016, GPO Box…

Celebrate YOUR STYLE BY CREATING YOUR OWN ODD COUPLE! 1. A smooth tan leather wedge subtly dresses up an outfit. It gives height and works well with this colourful leopard print clutch. 2. A felt grey heel softens the deep navy handbag in this combo. 3. While this is suede-on-suede, bold yellow suits a nude statement heel. Try this bright pairing instead of matching colours. 4. When you don’t want to wear heels, don metallic brogues to keep it dressy. A printed tote will complement the flat shoe option. 5. Tie together little details like the suede tassel on this cute shoe with the clutch’s gold embroidered detail for a boho feel. 6. Bold boosts bold with red shoes and a black-and-white print bag. The strong ikat print pouch is equally…

Waiting until the stork flies in with your bundled-up bub to find out if you’re welcoming a boy or girl is part of the excitement of having a family, right? However, the surprise element may leave you wondering what colour scheme to adopt in your nursery. Well, mums and dads, make it easy on yourselves by choosing a neutral colour palette highlighted with subtle suggestions of calming green. Go dotty! It’s easy to create a spotty pattern! Pour a little citrus-coloured paint on an old flat saucer. Dab a round foam sponge brush in paint and then on a clean patch of saucer a couple of times so the brush is loaded evenly. Carefully press brush on wall. Repeat this process to cover wall in a scattering of dots. Wash…

1 ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY, NEW YORK CITY Where the World Trade Center once stood is a dazzling skyscraper, offering 360° views of New York City and a dramatic location for fine dining. The new One World Observatory has three sky-high options: a cafe, a tapas-style bar serving authentic New York fare and a world-class restaurant on the mezzanine of the 101st floor. Memorable fine dining and panoramic views of this iconic skyline – what a way to experience the Big Apple! Where? New York City, USA Find out more oneworldobservatory.com Cheat it Skip the meal and just take in the view on the 100th floor at the Main Observatory. Tickets start at US$32. Buy now from the BHG Shop Want a camera with more grunt than your smartphone but still…

For great ideas to build the ultimate chook run, turn to page 74 cool for chooks Like us, chickens need a comfy, clean place with protection from weather, predators and pests. And a happy hen is a productive egg layer, so it’s worth fitting out your coop like their equivalent of the Hilton. Chickens love a north-facing outlook with an area of shade on the west side. Give them plenty of ventilation, but make sure the nesting area is snug and located on the cooler side of their digs, about 600mm from the ground. They’ll need a secure area on the ground where they can scratch and make dust baths. Kicking up dust is actually how chickens keep clean. If there’s no natural dry earth on your site, lay down…

soothing blues Sky blue + citrus yellow 1. The colours of your home office can influence not only your mood but also your productivity. As blue is said to affect the mind, its palest versions will keep things calm as you work, making you more effective. Need to think creatively? Add a dash of yellow (said to lift the ego and the spirits). A little ego around the office can’t be a bad thing, can it? Blue-green + raspberry red 2. Make colour scheming a no-brainer! When you’re stumped for a combo, look to furnishing fabric. It may just inform the choice of your wall colour. Use a colour in the design to match paint exactly or, for depth and interest, go lighter or darker. This setting is a good…

1. ‘Cool Baby’ from the Fantasy Flowers range displays both white and pink forms. Check out the new range of dwarf species to plant this autumn on page 58. 2. Autumn brings out glorious tibouchinas with an intense display of colour. If you’ve never looked closely at these flowers, take a minute to examine them – the stamens are beautiful. Even if you don’t recognise the name tibouchina, you’ll know the plant by sight. It’s a glowing display of brilliant purple appearing in gardens all over the place as late summer turns into early autumn. Tibouchinas are hugely popular in Australia and not just because they’re so spectacular in bloom – they’re easy to grow, trouble-free and, at about 4–5m tall, a good fit in smaller gardens. Breeding breakthrough Up…

BUNNINGS Special BHG TV in Tassie! The BHG TV team all hit the road this month, travelling to Bunnings Warehouse in Glenorchy, Tasmania. To get the full story, see the free project sheet – details opposite For shopping details, see Stockists page Whether it’s adding an extra room or creating a whole house from scratch, gaining the extra space you need – affordably – can be a challenge. Enter the shipping container. These mainstays of world trade can be recycled into comfortable homes that can be completed at lower cost and in less time than a conventional house. For loads more info on building a container home, go to containerhome.info 1. The Coastal Pod in Wynyard, Tasmania, uses two containers placed parallel, a few metres apart. The gap between was…

In each issue, we give ideas, tips and planting advice for different climate zones, so it’s important to find the zone number for your area. Naturally, there will be cooler, warmer, wetter and drier areas in each zone, so ask a horticulturist at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions. Shadow boxing They were popular in Victorian and Edwardian times – and they’re just as lovely today. A shadowbox is a shelved, open-fronted box or frame for hanging on a wall to display themed collections. Originally, they were presented to military personnel to display their medals on retirement, but today they’re more useful on a shed or verandah wall displaying potted plants, such as succulents. This example was knocked together using six lengths of leftover timber, with mini…

Preparation time: 10 mins plus overnight marinating Cooking time: 4½ hours Serves 6–8 PORK RIBS 2½ kg American-style pork ribs on the bone 1½ cups brown sugar, firmly packed 2 Tbsp smoked paprika 1 Tbsp freshly ground black pepper 1 Tbsp onion powder ½ Tbsp garlic powder 2 tsp chilli powder 400g can diced tomatoes 1 cup bourbon whiskey ½ cup barbecue sauce ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce ½ cup apple cider vinegar Coleslaw, to serve SOFT CORNBREAD ROLLS 1½ cups plain flour, plus extra, to dust 1 cup polenta 1 tsp fine salt 1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 2 Tbsp caster sugar 1 free-range egg, lightly beaten ½ cup buttermilk ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 Pat ribs dry with paper towel. Combine 1/2 cup of the brown sugar…

Set your Easter table as a magical scene to celebrate and enjoy with family and friends Create a whimsical scene for your Easter feast with an enchanted forest-themed table the whole family will adore. Use natural textures and a woodland colour theme of moss greens and timber, and add some golden glamour with the gorgeous range from Ferrero, for a table that’s every bit as delicious as it is beautiful. TABLE TIPS With a milk chocolate hazelnut shell and individual Ferrero Rocher chocolates inside, the Grand Ferrero Rocher makes a show-stopping centrepiece. Snuggle Ferrero Eggs and Ferrero Rocher Bunnies in fresh green potting moss around it. And the best part is, your gorgeous decorations can also be unwrapped, shared and enjoyed. SWEET IDEA Fill little individual nests with pretty Ferrero…

Chicken and fig salad Want to throw together a quick meal? Try this! It’s lovely and light, but the chickpeas, a good source of fibre, make it satisfying Chicken and fig salad Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: nil Serves 6 1 whole roast chicken, warm or cold 180g baby spinach leaves or salad leaf baby kale (see Cook’s tip, below) 4 ripe figs, cut into wedges 400g can chickpeas, drained, rinsed 3 green shallots, thinly sliced ½ bunch mint, leaves picked ¼ bunch dill, fronds picked Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season DRESSING 100ml extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar 1 Tbsp orange marmalade ½ tsp ground cumin Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 1 Combine all dressing ingredients in…

Welcome contemporary colour to your walls in the shape of a giant apple artwork, inspired by BHG TV’s recent trip to Tasmania, the Apple Isle. All you need is a stretched canvas, balsa wood and water-based paints to get started on this tasty artwork. For shopping details, see Stockists page get thelook For shopping details, see Stockists page APPLE ARTWORK Gather your supplies 100 x 1.5mm balsa wood, lengths to suit Water-based craft paint in orange, yellow and black, plus colours of choice Size 10 round paintbrush Size 12 flat paintbrush Square-format stretched primed canvas, size to suit (we used 60 x 60cm) You’ll also need Sticky tape; pencil; sharp scissors or craft knife; cutting mat (optional); ruler; PVA glue; 42 x 18mm vinyl-wrapped pine DAR in White (see Tip,…

Yes, I wake up with luscious locks every day,’ said no-one ever. Alas, there’s just no avoiding it – if you want smooth, frizz-free hair, you need to put in a little effort. Relax, all you need are these top tools and how-tos, and you’ll be styling like a pro! Plus, you won’t be spending any extra time in front of the mirror – promise! Hair hotties Whatever your hair type, styling tools are essential to take you from bed‑head to best ever 1. With four temperature settings, two speeds, an instant cold shot button, and two concentrator nozzles, this powerful yet lightweight machine will give hair fine form. 385 Power Light Ceramic and Ionic Dryer, $229.95, Parlux. 2. Helpful on holidays or work trips, this 2000-watt dryer features a…

STEP 1 STEP 4 STEP 7 STEP 11 Elaborate and sparkly, these impressive earrings come from simple beginnings – just beads stitched on a lightweight felt backing. Easy! So get set to dazzle with any combo of colours and shapes you love. OH WHAT A DAZZLER Gather your supplies For each pair of earrings: 1 A4 sheet felt; sharp scissors; invisible thread; beading needle; 2 squarish amethyst glass feature beads (approx. 21mm); 56 large copper seed beads; 8 copper faceted beads (8mm dia.); 120 silver seed beads; 80 blue bugle beads (8mm long); 20 large orange seed beads; 56 large green seed beads; fabric glue; 2 shepherd hooks Here’s how STEP 1 Using a photocopier, enlarge Earring diagram (left) to 235% and copy twice. Pin each diagram to felt and…

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Find the perfect real estate agent! MODERN COMFORTS Curvy, sophisticated and anything but ordinary, LA-Z-BOY Furniture’s new Harrow accent chair with its matching footstool will bring a contemporary look to your home. Whether it be in a bedroom, living room or office, Harrow’s contemporary style will make a statement. Visit la-z-boy.com.au YOU’VE GOT MAIL Updating your letterbox is a quick and easy way to improve the first impression of your home. Northcote Pottery’s collection of Elite Letterboxes come in a stunning range of colours, styles and materials to suit every home. And the letterboxes’ easy installation makes for a great DIY project on the weekend! Available from Bunnings Warehouse. Visit bunnings.com.au STYLISH HOME LIGHTING SOLUTION Achieve an eclectic warehouse feel with the new glass collection from Brilliant Lighting. Featuring industrial…

12 hours from start to finish, page 18 ● BoConcept: Indivi 2 Sectional Sofa in Light Grey Mojave fabric, as shown, $6688. Carlton Sofa in Light Caramel Oxford Leather, as shown, $10,824. Both available in all BoConcept fabrics and leathers, prices will vary. Adelaide coffee table, $699. White stoneware platter, $319. Stitch pouf in Grey felt with yellow stitching, $369. Meda lacquered wall unit in white, $7084. Neutron 100% wool rug in Petrol Blue, $1429. Fes 100% jute rug in brown, $2429. Lovestruck cushion in Curry Yellow, $199. Linen cushion in Petrol Blue, $115. Lacquered Vera coffee table in Matt Light Aqua Green, $699. Rico footstool in Navy Blue Frisco fabric, $787. Black metal snake floor lamp, $799. Meda wall unit in Walnut veneer, $7249. Concrete Text vase in Grey,…