Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2015 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

On a magazine panel some years ago, I was partnered with two amazing gentlemen editors from very important current affairs and news magazines: they wrote very serious stuff. During the session we answered hefty publishing questions, then to round up we were asked which of our stories had been the biggest and most successful in terms of reader feedback. Their answers were awesome. One feature had unearthed deep corruption in a political arena leading to widespread and tragic outcomes in this country. The other was an Australian exclusive of an unsolved murder in America, which to this day remains a mystery. Spellbinding both! Then came my turn! ‘And what has been your most successful feature, Julia?’ Take a breath now. ‘Gentlemen, I know this is going to sound trite in…

Are you ready to be taken on an adventure? Set aside all you know about traditional gardening and step into this fun, quirky and original landscape. This garden in Cairns has been designed specifically for kids – you can see the playfulness in the fabulous collection of weird and wonderful plants and a bizarre mix of store-bought and handmade ornaments, but the real talk of the town is the steam train hedge and its team of cute furry conductors! Every corner of the garden is packed with elements to entice you further and encourage exploration. So, be refreshed by this unique landscape and let it inspire you to garden to the beat of your own drum. About the garden This enchanting garden is the creation of retired railway worker John…

WHAT’S ON Hailed as the longest running festival in the Southern Hemisphere, the 63rd Blackheath Rhododendron Festival is on in the Blue Mountains village of Blackheath, NSW from 23 October to 30 November. There will be floral displays, stalls, a grand parade, music in the park, the Rhodo Debutante Ball, a Rhododendron Revue and of course plenty of rhodies to admire and revere. The Campbell Rhododendron gardens will be open for visitors to wander through and a Composers’ Concert jazz festival will delight audiences after a day spent soaking up the sun and glorious blooms. For more details visit rhodofestival.com.au…

Friday nights just got a whole lot better – your go-to ready-cooked chicken from the local takeaway shop is the making of a spicy stir fry, a satisfying salad or an Italian classic, in minutes. Its store-bought origin goes to delicious finish in no time. Lemongrass and soy glazed chicken Preparation time: 5 mins Cooking time: 10 mins Serves 4–6 Cooking oil spray, for greasing 1 hot whole roast barbecue chicken 1 green shallot, thinly sliced on the diagonal ½ cup Vietnamese mint leaves Steamed rice, to serve GLAZE 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, thinly sliced 1cm piece ginger, finely grated 1 clove garlic, finely grated 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½ cup kecap manis (see Cook’s tip) 1 tsp water 1 Preheat oven grill to high or…

Sausage and sauerkraut hotpot Preparation time: 5 minsCooking time: 30 minsServes 4 ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 red onions, thickly sliced 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp thyme leaves Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 500g pork chipolatas 3 cups store-bought sauerkraut 3 cups beef stock ¼ cup mild American mustard ½ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped Mashed potato, to serve 1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Heat a large flameproof baking dish over a medium heat. Add ½ of the oil and onions and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes or until onion is just softened. Add garlic and thyme and cook for a further 2 minutes or until just fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer mixture to a plate and set…

Ooey-gooey banana chocolate toasties Preparation time: 5 mins Cooking time: 5 mins Makes 2 sandwiches 4 slices white bread Lurpak Spreadable Butter, to spread ½ tsp ground cinnamon 2 bananas, thinly sliced 50g dark chocolate, finely chopped ½ cup mini mallows 1 Preheat an electric sandwich press. Butter both sides of each slice of bread. Arrange 2 of the slices on a chopping board and sprinkle with cinnamon. Arrange the banana, chocolate and mallows on top and cover with remaining bread slices. 2 Transfer sandwiches to sandwich press, close and cook for 3–4 minutes or until bread is golden and mallows and chocolate are melted. Serve. Antipasto sandwich Preparation time: 5 mins Cooking time: nil Makes 2 sandwiches 2 thick slices olive sourdough Lurpak Spreadable Butter, to spread 4 thin…

THE BEST MACARONI CHEESE PREPARATION TIME 15 MINS COOKING TIME 55 MINS SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 400g dried macaroni Melted Wester Star Original butter, for greasing 1 bunch chives, chopped Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to season 1 thick slice sourdough 70g Bega Farmers’ Tasty Grated Cheese 20g Western Star Original butter, melted CHEESE SAUCE 40g Wester Star Original butter 1 own on on, roughly chopped 4 rashers (250g) rindless bacon, thinly sliced ¼ cup plain flour 3 ¼ cups milk 180g Bega Farmers’ Tasty Grated Cheese METHOD STEP 1 Cook macaroni in a large saucepan of salted boiling water following pack instructions. Drain well, then return macaroni to pan. STEP 2 Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease an 8-cup capacity baking dish with melted butter . STEP 3 To…

1 Branch out Replicate the family tree that Joh made with wall decals (you can find similar tree and leaf designs online at thewallstickercompany.com.au), then frame and hang photos of each family member in an arrangement that suits. You can easily add more photos – a beautiful way of displaying your gorgeous growing family! 2 Salvaged side tables Knock up similar side tables to Joh’s inventive additions by sourcing vintage metal containers. Find similar-sized pieces with a farmyard patina, then cut a series of rectangular-shaped openings using a metal cutter, filing down sharp edges. 3 A road well travelled Track your journey with a bus, tram and train style destination scroll. Here, Joh listed all the places they’ve lived and had them printed and mounted (for similar services, check out…

Move over frilly-faced Victorian doll’s houses, there’s a new kid in town! Enter this super-stylish studio pad, complete with 3D-printed replicas of designer furniture, artwork and mood lighting, too. 1. With the IKEA PS 2014 Storage module as the framework for this playhouse, your job is easy. Before you assemble, paint the floor and the narrow wall in white enamel paint. Let dry, then assemble. The roof is a storage module top, sold separately. To fit out your pad, cut a thin strip of timber for a fireplace. Prime, then paint white. Once dry, glue in place. Cut out a fireplace image from a magazine and glue in place. While you’re at it, cut out artwork to glue on the walls, too. Now it’s time for furniture – print those…

There is nothing like the beauty and grace of handcrafted furniture. Using pieces hewn from solid timber, the traditional art of chair-making has been practised for centuries. See how a classic stool is made, plus discover a few tools and tips for any woodworking project. Meet the HOMETOWN HERO Glen Rundell from Kyneton, Victoria, is a traditional chair-maker. He is also a champion of traditional trades – a believer that, without exposure, skills such as blacksmithing and coopering (barrel-making) that have been refined over hundreds of years will disappear. Glen founded the Lost Trades Fair to showcase traditional artisans and bring their skills to a wider audience in the hope that they would not just survive, but thrive. He also holds courses to give people hands-on experience with the art…

Holes, cracks and gaps are a part of life for any DIYer. Whether it’s a nail hole in a new timber project, a crack that needs to be fixed before painting or a leaky gutter, there’s a type of filler suitable for all situations at your place. 1 Paintable gap filler An essential part of preparation before painting is to fill gaps. Fillers such as Selleys No More Gaps are flexible, resisting movement between skirtings, architraves and walls, which causes more rigid fillers to crack. They are easy to work with and you can usually paint over them in a few hours. A new innovation is a lever on the tube, which means you don't need a separate caulking gun. Tip Try to complete a run of gap filling in…

Fast Ed’s Cypriot-style rib-eye with grilled veg Preparation time: 10 mins plus 20 mins marinating Cooking time: 15 mins Serves 4 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp dried ground sage 1 tsp dried Greek oregano 8 cloves garlic, crushed ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 4 x 230g rib-eye cutlets, French trimmed 18 mixed baby carrots, peeled, halved 2 heads baby fennel, trimmed, cut into wedges Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 250g punnet cherry tomatoes 4 lemons ½ bunch flat-leaf parsleyleaves, finely chopped Karen’s warm honey feta dressing (see next recipe) 1 Put vinegar, ground cumin, sage, oregano and ¾ of the garlic in a bowl, mixing well to combine. Set aside for 5 minutes or until dried herbs have softened.…

1 Stay in touch Connectedness to others is vital for healthy older age, so don’t cut off all your friends and relatives at once! Seriously, make it your business to get together often with your peeps to shoot the breeze, catch a movie or drink fine wine. (Cheap wine works, too!) 2 Stay sharp Keep up with what’s going on in the world, read a lot, do sudoku, try a cryptic crossword puzzle and become involved in your community. This all helps your brain stay fit and healthy. 3 Be active Regular exercise is a true tonic for everything from the blues to achy joints and weary bones. It also keeps your weight in check and your heart healthy. 4 Don’t neglect regular health checks You know the deal with…

PERSONAL POWER Psychologist George Dieter proposes in his new book, I Power: The Freedom To Be Me (Exisle Publishing, $24.99), that the key to happiness is taking responsibility for your actions and accepting that you are ultimately not responsible for how others respond to what you do or say. He explains how to set boundaries, enhance your feelings of fulfilment and lessen interpersonal conflict.Exislepublishing.com.au Inside out beauty The skin is the body’s largest elimination organ, getting rid of toxins and all sorts of nasties. But it’s also one of the last places to receive nutrients so the first to suffer. If your complexion appears congested, chances are your liver is, too. An alkalising blend will help detox and purify your body on the inside, promoting smoother, clearer skin on the…

The right furry friend can offer your household more than a warm cuddle and slobbery kisses – they can even help out with putting a meal on the table and boosting your winter wardrobe! We’re talking, of course, about ‘pets that produce’ and the perfect example is chickens. Who doesn’t love the idea of fresh eggs every day for free? Rhode Island Reds are prolific layers, with a single chicken producing more than 250 light brown eggs a year. If you’re after more variety on the colour spectrum, consider a Light Sussex hen – hardy and good for beginners, they come in lots of different colours, including speckled and silver. Showing off your fowl? The Pekin Bantam is a very refined exhibition bird, but pales in comparison to the splendour…

1 Inside out Even without access to an outside space you can create a similar feel indoors. A conservatory-like glass enclosure and decorative elements commonly seen outside is all it takes for you to commune with the natural world. Comfortable wicker seating with a collection of summery scatter cushions (note the colour-matched piping of the seat pads), lush potted plants, outdoor lighting and a blue-painted ‘sky’ do the trick here. Unrestricted views of sky and over treetops evoke a sense of calm and peace 2 Blue gem Have a fling with a country-style garden even if your plot is only the size of a postage stamp. Lacking traditional garden beds is no barrier to success. The key is to utilise multi-level planting with hanging baskets, pots and climbers. Nestle unexpected…

1 Modern MINIMALIST Walking into this garden you’ll instantly notice its modern feel. The use of clean-cut edges, contemporary materials and architectural plants help make this diminutive 60m² space feel larger. It includes entertaining and play spaces, a custom water feature, sandstone feature wall and sunken fire pit. The secret? By blurring the property boundary lines with pleached trees, screening plants and incorporating subtle level changes, it is transformed from a compact courtyard to a show-style garden. DESIGN: Impressions Landscape - Design, 0417 046 087, impressionslandscape.com.au 2 Inner-city SANCTUARY It’s easy to feel claustrophobic in a small garden, but clever design can make a 90m² area feel expansive. By dividing into functional zones and separating with screens and plants, this courtyard manages to have it all – entertaining, lounging, dining…

Looking for a stunning showpiece for your garden? Welded sculptures are ideal for imparting old-world charm and character. Just check out this wonderful collection by Sydney artist Christopher Hartshorn. If you want to give welding a red hot go, all you need is a bit of imagination, a MIG welder, scrap pieces and basic welding skills. Check your local community colleges for welding workshops. To get you started, check out the porker of a project on the next page. PIGS MIGHT FLY Make your own little porker! He’ll hog the limelight in any garden and is easy to make in an afternoon! Gather your supplies Steel gas cylinder for body (be sure it contains no gas. Valve must be removed) Round-ended shovels for ears and wings (2) Curved ‘leaves’ from…

Move over apples and oranges, there are five new kids on the block! Well, they have been around for a while but their exotic names mean you may have overlooked them. Aromatic and delicious, it’s possible to find them at your local Asian grocer but if you’re in the right climate zones, why not grow them yourself ? 1 Canistel Resembling a mango, the canistel (Pouteria campechiana) grows into a slender, erect tree that produces yellow-orange fruit. It has the soft consistency of hard-boiled egg yolk and can be eaten fresh or seasoned with salt, pepper or lemon juice. Height: 5–8m Harvest: 3 years 2 Star apple Star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito) can either have purple or green skins, but rest assured whichever cultivar you choose, the flesh of both is…

Flowers All zones: Alyssum, amaranthus, cosmos, marigold, petunia, phlox, portulaca, salvia, sunflower, verbena and zinnia. Zones 2-5: Ageratum, arctotis, aster, calendula, candytuft, carnation, chrysanthemum, cleome, cornflower, dahlia, delphinium, dianthus, godetia, impatiens, lobelia, nasturtium and snapdragon. Zones 6-8: Celosia, gomphrena, salpiglossis and sunflower. Vegetables All zones: Beetroot, capsicum, cucumber, lettuce, pumpkin, silverbeet, squash, sweet corn, tomato and zucchini. Zones 2-5: Dwarf and French beans, Chinese and red cabbage, carrot, celery, eggplant, kohlrabi, leek, parsnip, peas, potato, radish, rhubarb, spring onion and turnip. Zones 6-8: Snake beans, eggplant, marrow, melon and okra.…

HOW TO USE YOUR GUIDE this November Best days Second-best days On these days, thin out seed boxes, sow all types of seeds and plant seedlings that produce their crop ABOVE the ground. These include all varieties of peas, beans, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, eggplant, lettuce, celery, silverbeet, spinach, endives, Chinese cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, asparagus crowns, artichokes, marrow, pumpkins, capsicums, melons, zucchini, chicory, sprouts, rhubarb, all herbs (except garlic) and all agricultural crops, such as sunflower, grains, cereals, canola and cotton. During these days, you can also plant flowering shrubs, annuals, flowers (not bulbs), cactus, flax, tree ferns, passionfruit vines and kiwifruit. Plant all fruit trees and trees that produce edible nuts, such as almonds, pecans, macadamias and walnuts. Grapes and bananas can also be planted during these…

STEP 1 To remove leg and thigh from one side, use a pair of poultry shears (or kitchen scissors) to cut skin between leg and body. Open out leg and thigh so it ‘pops’ out of hip socket. Make a few small cuts to remove completely. STEP 2 To remove breast meat and wing, use shears or scissors to cut along top of chicken between breast and backbone. STEP 3 Cut chicken breast in half on the diagonal, leaving wing attached to one half. STEP 4 Make a few small cuts to separate chicken leg from thigh. STEP 5 Repeat on other side to make eight pieces in total. Discard carcass or keep to make stock.…

1. Always use the best hardwood you can find – the denser the timber, the better quality the coals. 2. Allow the timber to completely burn down to coals before cooking; there should be no flame. This removes the volatile components of the timber that can give your food an acrid aftertaste. Also, coals grill more efficiently. 3. Ensure the grill is not too high above the coals, otherwise the meat won’t cook with sufficient heat. 4. Remember to turn meat regularly to get an even result, locking in juiciness to achieve the best flavour.…

Unmistakably fresh and ever-so-slightly aromatic, Lurpak Butter is perfect for cooking, baking, spreading and just about anything you want to make in the kitchen. The delicious, subtle taste of Lurpak Butter is achieved using traditional methods along with state-of-the-art technology, where it takes 20kg of whole milk to produce every 1kg of butter. The most valuable and flavoursome part of the milk – the cream – is carefully ‘ripened’ before being used in the butter-making process. Lactic cultures are then added, giving a fresh and slightly aromatic note with that unmistakable Lurpak creaminess. And that’s it. Nothing more is added, apart from a pinch of salt to the Lurpak Slightly Salted varieties. It’s just the pure goodness of butter.…

Once upon a time, all you needed for a homemade icy pole was a fizzy soft drink or flavoured cordial. We’ve moved on since then (thankfully!) but these healthier, sophisticated versions are just as quick and easy to make with as few as three ingredients, which we bet you already have in your kitchen. Think nuts, fruit, herbs and common baking ingredients like chocolate, desiccated coconut and vanilla bean. These icy-cold sweet treats are so easy to make, we guarantee you’ll be enjoying their cooling effects all summer long. There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than with homemade ice-cream! Raspberry vanilla ice-creams Put 1¾ cups vanilla ice-cream in a large bowl and stir until softened. Put ½ cup thawed frozen raspberries and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste…

Ready to put your place up for sale? Before listing it, there are a few things you can do to spruce it up. You don’t have to go all out – investing in the right jobs will work wonders. Focus on ‘ugly’ areas and seek to modernise your space – fresh coats of paint, new curtains and furniture pieces inside. Outside, painting and mulching garden beds, updating fences and removing shonky sheds will look like there is less work for the buyer and therefore, more of a reason to throw in the dosh and buy your place! Here’s how to get started... 1 BEST FACE FORWARD When potential buyers pull up out the front of your place, or spot it online, you are really after the ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ factor.…

Give your floor a great big bear hug with this playful grizzly rug! Using a patchwork of floral fabrics, stitch together the body of the bear and then add the details (eyes, nose, ears and paws) with blanket stitch in coloured thread. Beary nice! Go, grizzly, go! Have fun with a bearskin shape for this playful rug, or get inventive and use any animal outline you desire! Our tip? Pick up fabric remnants (upholstery pieces are ideal!) to keep costs down. free PROJECT SHEET We’ve put comprehensive step-by-step instructions for this bear rug on a project sheet so it’s easy for you to make at home. How to get your project sheet Visit bhgshop.com.au/projectsheets where you can download the project sheet, or post a stamped ($1.20), self-addressed C5 (162 x…

When you think of accidents around the home, it’s likely that electricity, fire and water are the dangers that spring to mind. However, slips and falls rank ahead of all these for causing injuries. Whether you have a black spot, like a dodgy set of steps, or you know you should undertake maintenance more safely, here are a few ideas and techniques to protect you, your family and visitors. 1 Ladder laws Falls from ladders are the leading cause of DIY injury and death in Australia, so it pays to take safety seriously. Here are a few simple tips and a couple of new products to make sure you make it down the same way you went up. Set it straight 1. Place the ladder on firm and level ground.…

Orange jelly, cream and custard cake Preparation time: 30 mins plus 1 hour chilling Cooking time: 5 mins Serves 6–8 Cooking oil spray, to grease 85g packet orange jelly crystals 1 tsp gelatine powder 1 cup boiling water ½ cup cold water 1 Tbsp brandy 2 Tbsp golden syrup ½ cup orange marmalade 2 oranges 1 x 16cm store-bought sponge cake 300mI thickened cream, whipped 1 cup thick vanilla custard 1 Tbsp flaked almonds, toasted STEP 1 Grease two 16cm round cake tins with cooking oil spray and line with plastic wrap. Put jelly crystals and gelatine in a heatproof jug. Add boiling water and stir until crystals dissolve. Stir in cold water. Pour evenly into prepared cake tins. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until set. STEP 2 Meanwhile, boil…

a show of HANDS Give these hard workers some love by returning the moisture robbed by winter wind and chill. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the backs when outdoors and wear protective gloves for chemicals or hot water. 1. Protect your hands from sun damage while driving with this rose-scented SPF15 cream. HandDrink, $58/60ml, Jane Iredale. 2. Work this nourishing lotion into cuticles for strong nails and soft skin. Healthy Hands Nail Strengthening, $5.15/75ml, Vaseline. 3. This invigorating cream is scented with a sensual and relaxing fragrance. Lotus Flower Hand Cream, $24.95/75ml, Ecoya. 4. Revitalise with organic rosehip oil, jojoba and shea butter. Nourishing Hand Crème, $14.99/120ml, Rosehip by Essano. 5. Used daily, this cream builds a protective defence against moisture loss. Precious Rose Hand Cream, $75/150ml, Jurlique.…

‘I love getting older. My understanding deepens. I can see what connects. I can weave stories of experience and apply them. I can integrate the lessons. Things simply become more and more fascinating. Beauty reveals itself in thousands of forms.’ Victoria Erickson, writer ‘Some people are old at 18 and some are young at 90. Time is a concept that humans created.’ Yoko Ono, artist ‘Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice-cream fall from a cone.’ Jim Fiebig, businessman ‘I actually have better sex, which is the bottom line, is it not? At 60. Because you learn how to, you know, work the vehicle better.’ Lauren Hutton, model and actress, now aged 71 ‘My face carries all my memories. Why would I erase them?’…

Lush verdant foliage, wild sprays of colour and a Balinese pavilion to shade you from the relentless summer heat – sounds like an ideal tropical getaway, doesn’t it? But you don’t need to hop on a plane to get there, it’s all a stone’s throw from your back door. Planning and determination is the secret to this fabulous and flourishing garden. Begun just four and a half years ago, this young landscape is only 80m² and packed full of the inspiration you need to create your own backyard oasis. Top 10 tropical-style plants • Anthurium• Calathea• Croton• Pleomele• Cordyline• Palms• Ferns• Rhoeo• Flowering gingers• Bromeliads About the garden Located in Coffs Harbour, NSW, this homage to Bali was designed and created by Gavin Reid. His love of tropical plants and the desire to build a sanctuary within his backyard led…

The secret to having a gorgeous summer lawn is to give it TLC in spring. As temperatures rise and the soil warms, grass begins to flourish. With a little effort you’ll see that pallid, post-winter patch transform itself into a lustrous green sward – so the grass really will be greener on your side of the fence! 1 Check for weeds Before you start feeding your lawn, it’s important to give weeds the flick – otherwise you’ll end up feeding them too! Small lawns can be hand-weeded, but for larger areas it’s easier to use a herbicide formulated to kill the weeds but not the grass. These products are available from nurseries as ready-to-use sprays or as concentrates that can be mixed up and applied via a watering can or…

Summer is on its way and as the weather warms up it’s a good idea to think about heat-proofing your garden. One of the best solutions is mulch. Bare, exposed soil loses water rapidly through evaporation, and the hotter the weather, the faster the moisture disappears. So by insulating the soil surface with a layer of mulch matter, you’ll be conserving that moisture for the plant roots to use and saving yourself a whole lot of watering chores at the same time. This means less time working and more time spent sitting back and enjoying the summer garden! Major mulch For a convenient way to handle mulch, seek out mulch pellet products sold by the bag. These are spread onto the soil surface and, when thoroughly wet down, soften to…

…at the nursery Colour bursts forth in spring and summer but by late autumn things can get dull in the garden. That’s where Correa ‘Ring A Ding Ding’ comes in. If planted now, this hardy native will flower brilliantly with bright orange bell-shaped flowers from late autumn next year through to spring. Bred by Plant Growers Australia, it is compact, dense growing and a magnet for native birds. Grow it as a specimen plant or use for hedging and informal borders. Once established, it is reasonably drought tolerant and performs well in most soil types. …IN PRINT After her bestseller The Edible Balcony, Indira Naidoo is back, this time visiting Australia’s most innovative kitchen gardens in The Edible City (Lantern/Penguin, $45). This clever book offers tips on everything from…

Fire signs: Aries and Sagittarius are in harmony with all fruit. Leo is in harmony with nuts and all seed-producing crops. Earth signs: Capricorn and Taurus are in harmony with all root vegetables that produce crops below the ground, including garlic. Virgo is in harmony with all herbs. Air signs: Libra, Aquarius and Gemini are in harmony with plants that produce flowers and perfumes. Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are in harmony with above-ground crops, including trees, shrubs, lawns and leafy, juicy and fleshy vegetables. These symbols indicate which part of the zodiac the moon is in on a particular day…

The right wine will take even the speediest creations to new heights by enhancing the flavours. Here, top picks to partner with the chicken dinner you’ve just rustled up. Chicken curry with beans Even mild curry stomps on delicate whites, so serve something that stands up for itself: a full-flavoured but crisp semillon/sauvignon blanc blend from WA: Vasse Felix, Forester Estate, Devil’s Lair, Brookland Valley. Lemongrass and soy glazed chicken This bright and bold flavour combination calls for an equally charismatic wine. Our suggestion? A show-stopping verdelho: McGuigan, Tulloch, Margan, Ashbrook, Capel Vale, Moondah Brook, Sandalford. Lemon and thyme roasted chicken Kiwi sauvignon blancs have crisp, citrusy flavours that’ll complement this roast. There are lots of beauts to choose from: Oyster Bay, Stoneleigh, Villa Maria, Brancott Estate, Giessen, Peter Yealands,…

Corn with smoked paprika, chilli butter glaze, lime and parmesan Preparation time: 5 mins Cooking time: 45 mins Serves 4 4 corn cobs, halved 4 cloves garlic, finely sliced 3 long green chillies, finely sliced 1 Tbsp smoked paprika 1 Tbsp sea-salt flakes 1 Tbsp caster sugar 1 pinch saffron threads 100g butter, chopped Juice of 1 lime 40g parmesan, finely grated Lime cheeks, to serve 1 Put corn cobs, garlic, chilli, paprika, salt, sugar and saffron in a large saucepan. Add enough room-temperature water to just cover corn, then bring to the boil over a high heat. Reduce heat to medium, add butter and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove corn, reserving liquid, and set aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm. 2 Increase heat to high…

The only thing better than a classic lamb roast is one that packs an unexpected punch of bold flavours. By making a simple Italian stuffing, you can turn a loin of lamb into a powerhouse for the palate, and all with no extra cooking time! Italian-flavoured rolled lamb loin Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 40 mins Serves 4–6 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil1 small brown onion, finely chopped100g pancetta, roughly chopped1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs½ cup grated parmesan100g semi-dried tomatoes, chopped1 Tbsp pine nuts, toasted¼ cup basil leaves, finely shreddedSea-salt flakes and freshly groundblack pepper, to season2 x 500g boned, rolled loins of lamb500g vine-ripened baby tomatoesOlive oil spray, to grease1 red onion, thinly sliced3 baby fennel, trimmed, thinlysliced lengthwaysExtra basil leaves, to garnish steps STEP 1 Preheat…

Cheat’s chicken and mushroom risotto Melt 50g Western Star Chef’s Choice Cultured Unsalted Butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 200g sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. In same pan, melt an extra 50g butter. Add 2 diced skinless chicken breast fillets and cook for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook a 450g packet basmati rice in the microwave following packet instructions. Add to chicken along with onion mixture,1 stock cube and ½ cup each white wine and frozen peas. Cook, stirring for 5 minutes. Season. Stir in ¼ cup grated parmesan, ¼ cup chopped parsley leaves and an extra 50g chopped butter. Serve topped with extra parsley leaves. Serves 4. Crustless ham, cheese and noodle quiche Preheat oven…

Atop a hill at the end of a meandering country road lies the calm and cosy valley retreat of Johanna Griggs and husband Todd Huggins. As the fog lifts and the sun begins to break through, Joh and Todd invite you to take a peek in and around their peaceful property and say g’day to their friendly-faced cattle, too. Plus, as a duo of BH&G makers, doers and DIYers, Joh and Todd show off a few of their projects that you can use for your next big idea! Top tip Collections of like-sized, similarly themed objects, like these adverts, make for delightful details in your home. The repetition en masse is guaranteed to win the wow factor every time! WANT TO SEE MORE? Scan this page with the free viewa…

Love the idea of a full-height feature photo on your wall? Start by taking your own high-resolution shots before heading online to customise your image to fit your space. Then print, peel and stick! Meet the HOMETOWN HERO Aldona Kmiec, a Polish-Australian photographic artist, specialises in lifestyle imagery and portraiture, particularly the stories and faces of Australian migrants. Based in Ballarat, Victoria, Aldona is known about town for her contributions to local and regional projects. Better Homes and Gardens TV presenter Tara Dennis had the chance to collaborate with Aldona – they show you how to create a fab wall mural from your own photos. It’s a snap! Bring a new scene to your zone with a photo mural. It goes up just like wallpaper, but its design is unique…

All you need is a quick trip to the hardware store to make amazing changes in your kitchen. Tweaking its layout and funking up the finishes will make a world of difference. Go for sleek blue-grey cabinetry paired against timber grain laminate, concrete-look benchtops and smart subway tiles, and you’ll be saying hello to a magnificent multi-tasking space! Tip! Where the space permits, drop a raised servery down to brekkie bar height and increase the depth for maximum impact. An entertainer’s dream! Add equal parts function and style for complete kitchen bliss Psst… check out this clever fridge revamp. Paint yours with appliance paint for the same effect! Jargon buster! If you’re wondering what a ‘waterfall drop’ is all about, this divine detail sends your benchtop material cascading at a…

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Wish you had the confidence to go sleeveless this summer? A few easy moves will have you rocking toned, taut arms in no time. So ditch the cardie and stop pretending it’s chilly… Your time starts now If shapely arms and shoulders are on your wish list for summer, now’s the time to get cracking. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment either – you can get this party started with an inexpensive set of dumbbells (hand weights) for around $10 from sports stores, while some exercises require nothing more than your own body weight. How often? To begin with, aim to do this upper-body workout, targeting your biceps, triceps and shoulders, two to three times a week, with a day’s break in between, working up to four…

Make five lovely knitted items for the baby in your life with one clever knitting kit. Start with a cute animal hat complete with ear warmers, to fit sizes 3–12 months, then make a cuddly blanket, booties, vest and tiny toy! 5 easy knitting projects in one kit! Baby blanket Animal hat Sleeveless vest Animal toy Slip-on booties 3 accent colours to choose Choose your kit in wool ($60 +$9.95 PH) or premium baby acrylic ($40 +$9.95 PH) Choose your kit, wool or acrylic 17 Sunny yellow (100% Australian wool) Cleckheaton Country 8 ply 50g balls WOOL KIT $60 CODE: CY7031.3 17 A splash of orange (100% Australian wool) Cleckheaton Country 8 ply 50g balls WOOL KIT $60 CODE: CY7031.1 17 Pretty in pink (100% Australian wool) Cleckheaton Country 8…

SHUTTER STYLE Revolutionary LUXAFLEX ® PolySatin™ Shutters bring elegance to any interior and successfully emulate the look and lustre of freshly painted wood using the unmatched durability of Polyresin. And they won’t blister, peel, flake, corrode or fade even under sunlight or exposure to water. Visit luxaflex.com.au or call LUXA (13 8 92). WIN THE ULTIMATE KITCHENAID® COLLECTION Buy any two Bega or Western Star products in one transaction for the chance to win the ultimate KitchenAid® Collection worth more than $5000! Competition ends 11/10/2015. Find out more at kids-in-the-kitchen.com.au, including links to fun and easy recipe ideas to keep the kids entertained during school holidays. Delicious cheese and bacon muffins anyone? TREAT YOURSELF TO A DELIGHTFULLY WARMING BLEND Tetley Cinnamon Orange with a Rooibos Blend is hard to say,…