Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2015 i The Australian Women's Weekly

TARTING ANY MAJOR project before Christmas is never a good idea. In my case, the project is a full-scale renovation of my small inner-city apartment. Four months ago, I was with Sarah, the unflappable interior architect, as the builder not unreasonably insisted the finish date would be in the middle of December. As anyone over the age of 20 knows, if you have any project, big or small, that involves tradesmen in December, you should think February. For months, I have been camping on spare beds and pullout mattresses, and making a nuisance of myself by hogging the bathroom or arriving home late and making a racket. My wardrobe has been in storage and my sanity at breaking point, although Sarah and her team of competent young women (why are…

ON TV, CHRISTMAS is all wide-eyed, appreciative children opening their perfect, yearned-for presents on a twinkly, magical morning. In reality, you’re catatonic after a midnight gift-wrapping marathon, you’ve forgotten to buy the requisite two dozen AA batteries, and you can’t dislodge the Barbie sewn into its box. The first child has cracked it by 5.20am after comparing her booty with her big sister’s – and, to make matters worse, you’re being assaulted by non-stop images of family perfection on your Facebook feed, making you think it’s only you who wants to put their kids on the nature strip, along with the half-tonne of primary-coloured plastic that’s just invaded the house. By 7am, the only thing you have to look forward to is your annual stoush with chauvinistic Uncle Nev, which…

ONCE UPON A time, there was a little girl who wanted to be a Fairy. She had all the right attributes – charm, grace and excellent dental hygiene. Every night, she would go to bed convinced the Fairy Queen would visit, sprinkle magical dust and, voilà, her life and wardrobe would be transformed. Yet sadly, as is oft the case in these ye olde tales, tomorrow never came for the little girl and she felt that her wings had been clipped before she’d ever had a chance to fly … One day, when she was all grown up, slightly chubby and with now questionable dental hygiene, she was working in a radio station and received a phone call that would change her life. “Amanda, it’s the Christmas Pageant here. We…

MIXED METALS FORGET THE OLD RULES ABOUT MIXING GOLD AND SILVER – TWO-TONE IS A MODERN WAY TO WEAR YOUR METAL. TRIBAL COLOUR LAYER NECKLACES, STACK BRACELETS AND EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT COLOURS AND TEXTURES. NATURAL TONES KEEP THE PALETTE NEUTRAL AND LOOK FOR ACCENTS OF GOLD, WOOD OR SHELL.…

AERIN Rose de Grasse EDP, 50ml, $290. A soft and feminine perfume with a beautiful blend of three of the most precious rose ingredients – Rose Centifolia, Rose Otto Bulgarian and Rose Absolute. Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Envious, $38. Simply glide on this bright and bold red nail polish to awaken your inner party girl. Molton Brown Oudh Accord & Gold Single Wick Candle, $85. An opulent candle featuring top notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and myrrh. Jurlique Limited Edition Rose Body Oil, $88. Indulge your skin with this rich and sweet-smelling body oil. My Burberry solid perfume, 4.5g, $70. A floral and fresh scent conveniently housed in a compact, making it a portable perfume for women on the go. Aromatherapy Associates Bath Jewels gift set, $60. Enjoy…

Q I get sore “fringy” bits around my fingernails in winter which sometimes become bulbous and red. Is there a cream that can help? C.E., Qld. This is called paronychia, inflammation of the skin around a nail. If you bite or pick around your nails this increases the risk of infection. The soreness and swelling you describe is usually caused by a bacterial infection with staphylococcus. You need to trim the irregular skin carefully with specialised manicure tools, or to have a regular professional manicure. Q My daughter reads late into the night. She keeps taking my husband’s torch from his toolbox because we removed the lightbulb from her bedside lamp! Other mothers tell me I am lucky because she could be up on a computer, but she already wears…

Turkey, cherry and pomegranate salad SERVES 8-10 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES 18 (70g) preserved vine leaves, rinsed, dried on paper towel 8 thin slices (100g) prosciutto 1 (650g) turkey breast fillet, halved lengthways 1 cup (250ml) chicken stock 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cup (140g) almond kernels, toasted, chopped coarsely 200g green beans, trimmed, sliced in half lengthways ½ cup (125ml) extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 500g cherries, halved, seeded 3 (450g) ripe tomatoes, seeded, chopped 1 pomegranate, arils (seeds) removed ½ cup firmly packed fresh mint leaves 4 green onions (green shallots), trimmed, finely sliced 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced). 2 Place a large sheet of baking paper on the bench and then arrange the vine leaves…

CHIVAS REGAL EXTRA Chivas Regal Extra is a rich and generous blend of rare whiskies aged in sherry casks from the Oloroso sherry bodegas in Spain. Best enjoyed on ice with friends. JACOB’S CREEK DOUBLE BARREL SHIRAZ Score compliments and complement a pan-seared scotch fillet with this beautifully smooth Shiraz matured in traditional oak barrels, then finished in aged whisky barrels to build layers of complexity. Give, share and enjoy this Christmas. Give a premium gift this Christmas season. Scan this page with the free viewa app for inspiring serving suggestions for your next Christmas celebration! Give. Share. Enjoy responsibly this Christmas. Get the facts DRINKWISE.ROG.AU DELIGHT YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WITH A BOTTLE OF SOMETHING DELICIOUSLY RICH AND SMOOTH TO SAVOUR THE MOMENT.…

ROAST TURKEY WITH BACON, ONION AND SAGE STUFFING SERVES 10-12 PREP AND COOK TIME 4 HOURS 15 MINUTES 5kg Woolworths Fresh Whole Turkey 50g butter, melted 1 litre salt-reduced chicken stock 1/3 cup plain flour ONION AND SAGE STUFFING 60g butter 4 bacon rashers, chopped 1 medium brown onion, chopped 2 trimmed celery sticks, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves 4 cups fresh breadcrumbs 1 egg, beaten lightly 1 ONION AND SAGE STUFFING: Heat butter in a large frying pan; add the bacon, onion and celery. Cook, stirring over medium heat until onion has softened and bacon is browned lightly. Combine the onion mixture, herbs, breadcrumbs and egg in a large bowl; mix well. 2 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). 3 Discard the…

ENTERTAINING AT home allows us to connect with friends and family on a more intimate level and also welcome new friends. It’s a great way to share experiences, let your guard down and relax over a glass of champagne. Having a gathering is all about good food and wine, good friends and good fun. The goal of successful entertaining isn’t so much about impressing people, but putting them at ease and having a few laughs. Cocktail parties are a great way to have more people over at once for some seriously good fun. I love creating an interesting mix of guests and just letting the conversation and drinks flow. SETTING THE SCENE Festive must-haves start with the tree and sparkling decorations. I like to celebrate the festive season with alfresco…

GINGERBREAD MEN Makes about 40 biscuits Prep and cook time 1 hour 20 minutes 3 cups plain flour 1½ cups caster sugar 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon mixed spice 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 200g Western Star Original Butter, melted 1 tablespoon golden syrup 1 egg, beaten lightly ROYAL ICING 1 egg white 2 cups pure icing sugar, sifted 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1. Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Combine butter, syrup and egg in a small bowl. Stir the butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Knead dough until smooth. 2. Divide the dough into three pieces. Roll one piece of dough between two sheets of baking paper until about 3mm thick. Slide dough in baking paper onto a tray; refrigerate for 30…

CHAR-GRILLED CORN WITH CORIANDER & LIME BUTTER Serves 6. Prep and cook time 15 minutes. 4 corn cobs, husks and silk removed 80g Ballantyne Spreadable 1 bunch coriander 1 teaspoon lime juice ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika Lime wedges, to serve 1 Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Blanch the corn for 1 minute. 2 Heat a char-grill pan over high heat. Brush corn all over with a little of the butter, then cook, turning occasionally, until cooked through and char marks appear. 3 Meanwhile, finely chop coriander roots and coarsely chop the leaves. Combine the roots and half the leaves with the remaining butter and the lime juice. 4 Remove corn from pan and place on a serving platter. Generously spread coriander butter over the corn cobs,…

PUDDINGS WOOLWORTHS Gold Champagne Pudding, 454g, $10. A rich, dense, dark pudding with a serious hit of booze. WOOLWORTHS Free From Gluten Fruit Pudding, 500g, $5. Sticky and boozy, a very dense, dark pudding. ITHA’S Traditional Pudding, 500g, $28. Individually made by hand, you can also customise the ingredients to tailor it to your taste. This is for those who prefer a very moist pudding. Other sizes are available. ALDI Specially Selected Premium Vintage Christmas Pudding, 700g, $13.99. Handmade in Australia and aged for 12 months, this deliciously rich pudding is laden with fruit and, given the quality, the price is very impressive. NEWCASTLE’S PUDDING LADY Traditional Christmas Pudding, 1kg, $44. This is our top pick of the puddings, full of delicious brandy-soaked fruit. Other sizes are available. CAKES COLES…

Honeycomb place-card WHAT YOU’LL NEED Teeny Tiny 5cm honeycomb balls, from Poppies for Grace, (03) 9761 4734, poppiesforgrace.com Double-sided tape Place cards Calligraphy pen or marker Scissors 1 Write the name of your guest down the bottom of the place card. 2 Cut a small piece of double-sided tape and stick to the inside edge of the honeycomb ball. 3 Open up the honeycomb ball and stick one inside edge to the top back of the place card and the other inside edge to the top front of the place card. Gold spray-painted bottles WHAT YOU’LL NEED Mixed clear glass bottles or vessels Gold spray paint Newspaper 1 Lay out the newspaper to cover a large flat surface. 2 Shake the bottle of spray paint and spray the bottle from…

Traditional trimmings Tree: Rocky Mountain fir Christmas tree, 1.8m, $199.95, from The Christmas Warehouse, 1300 293 981, christmaswarehouse.com.au. Jolly & Joy white cotton stars, 25cm, $9.99 each, and Jolly & Joy Nutcracker decorations, 14cm, $6.99 each, from Spotlight, 1300 305 405, spotlight.com.au. Sleigh and car wooden ornaments, $7.95 each, from Kikki-K, (03) 9645 6346, kikki-k.com. Vue Mode eight-piece shatterproof star bauble value pack, eight-piece shatterproof grid bauble value pack and eight-piece shatterproof plain bauble value pack, $12.99 each, from Myer, 1800 811 611, myer.com.au. Australian House & Garden Nordic six-piece white bells set, $12.99, from Myer, as before. Vue Mode glitter 3D snowflakes, $6.99 each, from Myer, as before. Down To The Woods Festival heart and hand, wings and horse decorations, $17 each, from The Woodsfolk, (03) 9853 7581, thewoodsfolk.com.au.…

Jackie French shares festive season gardening tips and sets a Christmas quiz. HOW TO HAVE A BLOOMING CHRISTMAS 1 DELIGHT in Christmas bells (Blandfordia spp), a native tufted lily with red or yellow bell-like flowers, for a pot or rockery. 2 PLANT “Christmas lilies”, thick-stemmed fragrant white lilies that bloom from December to January. Tiger lilies may bloom for Christmas, too, if you keep them well-watered with their heads in sunlight and their feet in dappled shade. 3 BUY pots of bloomers such as spreading petunias and hang them in baskets either side of the front door (as long as your front door gets plenty of sun) where they’ll have maximum impact. 4 WATER! In summer’s heat, a good feed and watering three or four weeks before Christmas and regular…

There’s no need to compromise your sense of style for great washing performance. Fisher & Paykel’s new range of larger load, smaller width top loaders can be combined with matching dryers – either mounted above or sitting side-by-side – to give you the perfect marriage of high-performance laundry results and clean-cut good looks. Fisher & Paykel, the experts in laundry, know that you want a laundry which not only meets your clothes care needs, but looks as beautiful as the rest of your home. Fisher & Paykel can help you create a streamlined look for your laundry with a matching washer and dryer that share the same control panels, material finishes and dimensions. Whether you prefer a top loader or front loader, vented or condensing dryer, Fisher & Paykel has…

THE FORGOTTEN NOTEBOOK BY BETTY CHURCHER, THE MIEGUNYAH PRESS. In a poignant dedication, Betty Churcher pays tribute to Roy Churcher, who died on Christmas Day 2014, “my husband for nearly sixty years”. Sadly, the artist herself died earlier this year, shortly after completing this, the third in her Australian Notebook series. The lost notebook was discovered by Churcher and contained a swag of beautiful sketches she had made from museums including The Louvre. She used to sketch the Great Masters to return to Australia, where she was director of the National Gallery between 1990 and 1997, and plan exhibitions. THE LAKE HOUSE BY KATE MORTON, ALLEN & UNWIN. Set over a 70-year span from 1933, on a rambling Cornwall, England, estate, the sense of place in Morton’s new novel is…

MORE LETTERS OF NOTE BY SHAUN USHER, CANONGATE. Anyone with a love of words or an appreciation for the lost art of letter writing will relish this follow-up to the best-selling Letters Of Note. A true literary treasure trove, inside you will find exquisite love letters and poignant farewell notes. There are witty exchanges between celebrated comedians, words from renowned writers and musicians, as well as revealing missives documenting the horrors of war. Intimate and illuminating, this is an inspiring gift for the bibliophile in your life. AFTER YOU BY JOJO MOYES, PENGUIN. If you had your heart broken by Jojo Moyes’ international best-seller Me Before You, you’re certain to have her follow-up novel on your Christmas list. After You picks up eighteen months after Will Traynor’s death, with Louisa…

This issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly magazine, published by Bauer Media Limited (Bauer Media), may contain offers, competitions or surveys which require you to provide information about yourself if you choose to enter or take part in them (Reader Offer). If you provide information about yourself to Bauer Media, Bauer Media will use this information to provide you with the products or services you have requested, and may supply your information to contractors that help Bauer Media to do this. Bauer Media will also use your information to inform you of other Bauer Media publications, products, services and events. Bauer Media may also give your information to organisations that are providing special prizes or offers and that are clearly associated with the Reader Offer. Unless you tell us not…

Sagittarius Nov 23-Dec 21 The New Moon in Sagittarius reminds you that everything about your exterior, from your name to your image, is now ripe for a strategy. You definitely need a game plan, as people are now judging you by your Christmas wrapping and will continue to do so until 2017. Have your calculator ready for an important new arrangement with those who also have a stake in your finances, home or business. This is not about power, it is about practicalities, but you will need to sidestep questions about control. Capricorn Dec 22-Jan 20 You may have given up on one important group involvement, but it will be back in your life by January and you will love the resurrected friendships. The Full Moon is a big, glowing…

SHE WAS THE original Elle Macpherson: a golden blonde poster girl whose easy smile and tanned bikini body attracted thousands of tourists to the Gold Coast in the 1970s. As a fresh-faced and leggy young model, she rose from twirling in fashion parades in her native Brisbane to modelling designer wear in front of Princess Anne and strutting the catwalks of London and New York, where she captivated the likes of legendary designer Valentino. Most recently, Maureen Boyce (nee Madden) was best known as a high-profile socialite and fashionista on the Brisbane social and racing circuits. At 68, she had maintained her striking looks and model physique, flamboyant style and effervescent personality. Kind-hearted and fun-loving, she was happily married to Dr Graham Boyce, a GP, and devoted to their children:…

LABEL LOVE: KATIES Katies’ new summer wardrobe is a real inspiration: practical staples in easy shapes, vibrant colours and energetic prints. This collection is full of pieces you will be wearing all summer long. SUMMER SNEAKERS Lightweight sneakers are a sensible alternative to sandals, especially at the beach. These Ziera pumps come with a wide fit. Look for breathable fabrics in playful patterns or chic metallic. Ziera canvas and rubber sneakers (yellow and red), 35-44, $129.95, and leather sneakers (silver), 35-44, $159.95, zierashoes.com. Retro swimwear Sirens Swimwear offers a range of ultra-feminine swimsuits in 1950s-inspired retro prints. The figure-flattering styles feature ruched tummy panels and underwire cups. Get the look STEAL CHRISTINA HENDRICKS ’ STYLE WITH A BOLD PRINTED MAXI DRESS, PERFECT FOR THE PARTY SEASON. WANT REAL-GIRL FASHION? Visit…

Summer’s finally on its way, heralding a change of season and a new and refreshing set of style rules. Crisp, white linen, floaty yet sophisticated dresses in neutral tones and denim-on-denim are all big news this year. If your go-to style is understated luxury, and your closet comprises a clever curation of shirts, pants, shorts and blazers in muted colours, then adding a point of interest to each look via animal print accessories should be your S/S 15 statement. Whether you prefer warm gold tones, or cool accessories in silver and white, try the Alex Perry range of elegant frames at Specsavers. With two pairs of designer glasses from $199, complete with single vision lenses, you’ll always be in style at Specsavers. Prices complete with standard lenses with scratch resistant…

As it uses the same hot-wax methods salons use, the Veet Spawax is a professional quality product for waxing. Veet Spawax has two refills with six stripless wax discs. Use four for half legs, one for your bikini line and one for underarms. The only trouble is deciding what fragrance to pick! Choose from Purple Lily and Sugar Fig, or White Orchid and Vanilla. With its strip-free technique and resin based formula, the wax is easy to work around the curves of your body. This means that even tiny hairs as short as 2mm can still be removed. HOW TO USE: Quick, convenient and oh-so easy in just four steps. STEP 1 Place the wax discs inside the pot and turn it on. Veet Spawax melts and heats the wax…

Santa ice-cream cake SERVES 14 PREP TIME 1 HOUR (+ FREEZING TIME) 220g chocolate Ice Magic (flavouredice-cream coating)2 litres good-quality vanilla ice-cream100g white chocolate freckles¼ cup (40g) red sour worms or jubes,chopped coarsely500g large strawberriesbrown and white writing icing BUTTER CREAM 125g butter, softened1½ cups (240g) icing sugar mixture1 tablespoon milk 1 Grease a 20cm springform pan and line the base and side with a double layer of baking paper extending 6cm above the rim of the pan. 2 Squeeze the Ice Magic over the base of the prepared pan and spread to cover surface. Tap on bench to settle. Place in the freezer until set. 3 Scoop the ice-cream into a bowl and stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes or until softened slightly. Stir in freckles and sour…

Roast lemon herb potatoes SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 10 MINUTES 2kg large sebago or Dutch cream potatoes, peeled, quartered vegetable oil, to roast 1 lemon ½ bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped ½ bunch fresh chives, chopped finely ½ cup loosely packed fresh whole small basil leaves 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes, crushed lightly 1 Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Place two shallow baking dishes in oven to preheat. 2 Place the potatoes in a large saucepan of cold, salted water; bring to the boil. Boil for about 20 minutes or until the edges are just starting to soften and a knife or skewer goes easily into the potato. Don’t cook any further than this or the potatoes will fall apart. Drain the potatoes well…

AS CHINESE Malaysian migrants, my family adopted Christmas, so our concept of it is untraditional. Growing up, my memories of it are kind of hilarious – a terrific clash of cultures with the Nyonya curry chicken sitting next to the ham and the leftover meat and bones going into Boxing Day rice congee. I’d like to think the cringe I felt in my youth is now replaced by a gratitude for difference because when I look back at those chaotic Christmas buffets, they in retrospect inform me of who I am – a proud Chinese Australian. Wishing you all great tidings of comfort and joy, xxx Scallop and shiitake custards SERVES 6 PREP AND COOK TIME 40 MINUTES (+ STANDING TIME) 4 (20g) dried shiitake mushrooms 8 large (170g) scallops,…

BERRY DELICIOUS Sweet and juicy, blackberries vary in colour from a true black to a dark glossy purple-red colour. Look for berries that are firm, plump and glossy, with an even colour. Store berries in the fridge, unwashed, on paper towel and covered with plastic wrap. Use within 1-2 days of purchasing. IN-SEASON – CHERRIES A must-have at the Christmas table, cherries are one of the favourite stone fruits for the festive season. Choose shiny and plump cherries with green stems attached. Generally, the darker the colour, the sweeter the fruit will be. Store unwashed cherries in a container in the fridge for up to 3 days and wash just before use. Visit woolworths.com.au…

CHOCOLATE RIPPLE CHRISTMAS WREATH Serves 6 Prep time 15 minutes (plus refrigeration time) 2 x 500ml (4 cups) Anchor Thickened Cream ½ cup icing sugar 1 cup Baileys Irish Cream 500g chocolate ripple biscuits fresh mixed berries, to serve 1. Beat cream, icing sugar and ¼ cup liqueur together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. 2. Place the remaining liqueur in a shallow dish. Quickly dip the biscuits into the liqueur, then spread with a little of the cream mixture. Dip another biscuit into the liqueur and spread with cream mixture. Sandwich the biscuits together and repeat. 3. On a flat, round serving platter or cake stand, arrange joined biscuits, standing upright to form a wreath shape. Repeat with remaining biscuits and half the…

CHRISTMAS IS ALWAYS a much loved celebration and our first choice as a family is to sit outside in the garden. The only thing that might change that would be a 45°C day. This year, for the first time, it just might be at our Orchard House under the shade of the apricot trees as shade is definitely a prerequisite for our climate. The food needs to be special, indulgent even, if you can afford it. Yet it’s more that it’s a feast where everything is on the table and no matter what age the guests are, there is something to tempt all. I love the festive feel that comes from decorating the table as much as the tree and having something personal for each member of the family. It’s…

Q I often make boiled fruit cake and want to know the secret to avoiding the burnt bits of dried fruit on top of the cake. Can you help? G. Porter, via email. There are several reasons your cake can over-brown. First of all, be certain that the pan you’re using is deep enough. Lining the side of the pan with two layers of brown paper and two layers of baking paper, and extending the paper 5cm above the edge will help protect the top. You can also try smoothing the top of the uncooked cake with a large, flat rubber spatula. Make sure your oven shelves are placed so that the cake isn’t too close to the top of the oven; it should be baked in the…

JEKYLL AND HYDE would be a good way to describe me when it comes to Christmas cards. In the office, I am one person; professional, mindful of cost and practical. At home, it is quite different. Christmas is a lovely time of year to hear from people and I would hate it if we didn’t send or receive cards. Real, physical cards. I am not an enthusiast for eCards (so impersonal – emails sent with a click of the mouse!), but on the other hand, every December, a stack of cards arrives on my desk, only to be sent swiftly to the recycling. At home, it is another story. Every card is pegged up on ribbon that I have strung up all over the kitchen. Other than the tree, they…

Does “kiss under the mistletoe” grow in Australia? Yes, there are hundreds of Aussie mistletoes – look for any leafy growth on a tree that doesn’t look quite the same as the foliage on the rest of the tree. Aussie mistletoes work just as well as European ones – Blu-Tack a sprig above the door and pucker up. Why is poinsettia called the Christmas flower? Because tradition says that a poor girl prayed (in mid-winter) for flowers at Christmas and the poinsettia (right) bloomed. In fact, poinsettia’s flowers are not made up of petals, but are the brightly coloured bracts and the potted poinsettias you buy for Christmas here have been “forced”to bloom out of season. Yet they are still gorgeous, bright and Christmassy, and make a stunning gift. What…

NEW easy single serve pouch. BENEFUL Medleys are packed with tender meat, wholesome grains and vitamin-rich veggies, all wrapped up in a home-style gravy - perfect for mixing with dry dog food. Preparing a healthy and delicious meal for your favourite little friend has never been better – from the moment you open the pouch right down to squeezing out the very last drop of gravy. FREE NUTRITION GUIDE Use the free viewa app and scan this page to check-out the free interactive nutrition guide for your furry friend!…

1. Animals Australia If you care about what you put in your shopping trolley and agree that animals don’t belong in factory farms, then this tote bag from Animals Australia is a must! Eco-friendly and 100% recycled. Get it online at AnimalsAustralia.org. 2. The Lake House by Kate Morton A missing child … An abandoned house … An unsolved mystery … From the top-selling author Kate Morton comes a tale of intertwined destinies in a spellbinding story of heart-stopping suspense. 3. Aldi Christmas Handmade in the Hunter Valley, the classic Specially Selected Premium Vintage Christmas Pudding, 700g, is boiled in cloth the way Grandma used to and then matured for 12 months, ready to be unwrapped on Christmas Day. RRP $13.99 from ALDI stores. Visit aldi.com.au…

Twists on classic tales 1 FINDING WINNIE BY LINDSAY MATTICK, ILLUSTRATED BY SOPHIE BLACKALL, HACHETTE. Did you know there was a real-life Winnie? The baby bear cub was found and rescued in Canada in 1914 by veterinarian Harry Colebourn, who was on his way to tend to injured horses during World War I. Mattick is his great-grand-daughter, so the perfect storyteller of how Winnie went from the war fields to London Zoo, where she met a real-life boy, Christopher Robin. 2 PETER PAN AND WENDY BY J.M. BARRIE, ILLUSTRATED BY SHIRLEY HUGHES, HACHETTE. Coinciding with the release of the movie Peter Pan, starring Hugh Jackman as Blackbeard, this nostalgically two-colour illustrated paperback edition will seduce new and existing Pan fans alike. Hughes, 86, is the author of more than 50…

1. Sara Lee New Sara Lee Incredibly range is incredibly easy to justify, making the world of everyday just that little bit yummier, with new crunchy cheesecakes, gooey lava puddings and creamy dessert ice-creams. Visit facebook.com/saraleeaustralia. 2. Peter Alexander Give the gift of sweet dreams this Christmas with Peter Alexander’s sleepwear, featuring playful prints in luxurious fabrics with lace and satin trims. There is no better place to find an indulgent gift for them (or yourself). 3. Dettol For effective cleaning and 10 x better protection from germs*, try Dettol’s new Healthy Clean products. *Dettol Healthy Clean products provides 10 x better protection from germs (S.aureus) vs the leading non-antibacterial surface spray trigger cleaner (MAT 16/12/2014) based on microbiology testing. Always read the label. Use only as directed. 4. Mortein…

“WHERE ARE YOU?” called one of the kids from behind a tower of presents she was carrying in the door. It’s still weeks before Christmas, but she’s “wrapped and ready”. “I’m down here,” I called out. I was on my hands and knees with my head in the cupboard under the bookshelves in the living room. This is where the “good” china lurks. The fragile, old-fashioned, historic bits and pieces I dig out for special occasions. “Are you sure you want to get all that stuff out this year?” she said. “Why don’t you use the kitchen dishes? Let’s do ‘simple’ – it’d be so much easier.” She is seriously right. It would be easier, but would it be Christmas? Christmas, to be done properly, has its rules. There must…

GIFTS LOVE What a Cracker! PETER ALEXANDER.COM.AU…

Summer means pool parties and lazy days at the beach. Nautical-inspired fashion is the perfect choice for the water-loving summer life – just team navy, white and a stripe. Target has the on-trend fashion you need, from tees and shorts to swimsuits, dresses and sunhats. So stay on trend with Target, where quality styles are always at affordable prices. Sail AWAY With its combination of navy, white and stripes, the nautical trend is made for relaxed summer living. Try this navy stripe tee with matching shorts in sky blue, espadrilles and a white sunhat. Stripe SENSE The stripe is an essential element of the nautical look, whether it’s on a neat tee with crisp white shorts or a relaxed tee dress teamed with strappy sandals, ready to take…

5 minutes WITH JENNIFER HAWKINS The model and TV star chats beauty with Sheree. 1 Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than … Happiness. You can see if someone’s positivity and energy is genuine. Of course, it’s not normal to be happy at all times, but when it all comes together for someone, you can see it and it's a wonderful thing. 2 My number one beauty tip is … Zzzs! 3 When I travel, I always take … Workout gear, a good book, my sense of adventure, camera, laptop and a few feminine and sexy outfits for the night. 4 My daily skin routine involves … AM: Cleanse, SPF50, minimal make-up. PM: Cleanse, moisturise, serums and Jbronze Face Flawless every second day. 5 The most common beauty mistake women…

SNEEZING, WHEEZING, itchy eyes and scratchy skin, hives, the constant fear of a life-threatening exposure ... this is the daily reality for the four million Aussies with an allergy of some sort, with the severity ranging from inconvenient to life-threatening. Given the magnitude of the problem, what should we be doing to identify, treat and even beat allergies? The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy has declared the need for a national allergy strategy to help improve the health and quality of life of people with allergic diseases. The strategy’s aims are to develop national, standardised and evidence-supported guidelines for the testing, prevention and management of allergies. Such a strategy would need to involve public awareness of allergic disease and include information about which health professionals are best to…

Retro starter platter DEVILS ON HORSEBACK MAKES 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 15 MINUTES (+ STANDING TIME) 10 (90g) pitted prunes2 teaspoons brandy5 thin slices cured bacon, halved diagonally2 teaspoons olive oil 1 Combine prunes and brandy in a small bowl. Cover; stand for several hours or overnight. 2 Roll each prune in a piece of bacon; secure with a toothpick. 3 Heat the oil in a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook wrapped prunes for 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. 4 Serve warm. Not suitable to freeze or microwave. SMOKED OYSTERS AND SMOKED OCEAN TROUT ON PUMPERNICKEL MAKES 24 PREP AND COOK TIME 15 MINUTES (+ COOLING TIME) 1/3 cup (80g) crème fraîche1 tablespoon horseradish cream4 slices pumpernickel bread85g packet (10) smoked oysters1 medium…

Panettone with sweet ricotta and cherry compote SERVES 8 PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice 1 cinnamon stick 3 cardamom pods, crushed ½ cup (110g) caster sugar 2 cups (500ml) water 500g fresh cherries, pitted 2½ cups (600g) ricotta cheese 2 tablespoons caster sugar, extra 500g panettone icing sugar, to serve 1 Place the juice, spices, sugar and water in a medium saucepan; stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Add the cherries to the pan. Return to the boil; simmer for 2 minutes. Remove cherries with a slotted spoon and transfer to a heatproof bowl. Simmer the poaching liquid, uncovered, until reduced by half. Pour the syrup over the cherries; cover. Refrigerate…

VODKA AND WATERMELON PUNCH Serves 8 240ml Smirnoff Vodka 600g of chopped watermelon plus 8 extra wedges to serve 8 leaves of basil 120ml lime cordial Ice Soda water 1. Muddle watermelon pieces in bottom of a large jug 2. Add Smirnoff Vodka, basil leaves, lime cordial, ice and stir 3. Top with soda water and stir once more 4. Garnish each glass with a watermelon wedge Contains 1 standard drink per serve Tips for entertaining • Chop the watermelon and cut the small wedges ahead of time, then keep an extra supply in the fridge if your guests ask for seconds of your delicious Welcome Drink • Make your table setting extra special by adding simple decorations in matching colours. Try scattering red and white straws and curly silver…

Ginger cake SERVES 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES 185g butter ½ cup (175g) golden syrup ½ cup (180g) treacle ¾ cup (165g) brown sugar 3 eggs 1 cup (250ml) milk 1 cup (150g) self-raising flour 1½ cups (225g) plain flour 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon allspice 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground ginger ¼ cup (55g) crystallised ginger, chopped finely maraschino cherries, to serve LEMON ICING 1 cup (160g) icing sugar 1½ tablespoons lemon juice, approximately 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease a deep 24cm (2.5 litre/10-cup capacity) fancy Bundt cake pan with a pastry brush dipped in a little soft butter. 2 Combine the butter, golden syrup, treacle and sugar in a medium saucepan and heat gently until melted. 3 Whisk the eggs…

SALMON BRUSCHETTA BENEDICT Serves 4 Prep 15 mins Cook 20 mins Preheat a chargrill pan on high. Spray 8 slices sourdough bread with oil. Chargrill for 1-2 minutes on each side until grill marks appear. Set aside. To make hollandaise, combine ¼ cup white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons water and ¼ teaspoon peppercorns in a small saucepan. Simmer on low, for 5-6 minutes until reduced by half. Strain into a jug and cool. Whisk 4 egg yolks in a heatproof bowl, over gently simmering water. Add reserved liquid, whisking constantly for 3-4 minutes until creamy. Remove from heat. Continue whisking for 4-5 minutes, adding 250g melted, cooled butter in a thin stream until sauce is thick and glossy. In a frying pan, melt 30g butter on medium. Pan-fry 200g Tassal…

Toffee brandy sauce MAKES 1 LITRE PREP AND COOK TIME 30 MINUTES To complete the gift, add ice-cream bowls or a scoop. 2 cups (440g) caster sugar ½ cup (125ml) water 2 cups (500ml) cream, at room temperate 2 tablespoons brandy ¼ teaspoon sea salt flakes 1 Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan; stir over medium heat, without boiling, until all the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to the boil. Cook without stirring for 10 minutes or until the mixture becomes golden brown (swirling the pan to colour evenly) or reaches 185°C on a candy thermometer. 2 Remove the toffee from the heat and slowly add the cream. The mixture may splutter so do this carefully. Stir until smooth. Stir in the…

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY FOOD TEAM Christmas trees, baubles and tinsel aside, nothing says Christmas more than a shared table and a wonderful festive feast. Every family has its own unique food traditions for the big day. Whether it’s a hot lunch with ham, pork, turkey and all the trimmings, or a relaxed seafood spread, our Christmas recipes will give you all the tips to make the meal a resounding success. We hope we have inspired you to share a little Christmas cheer with a glass of something special to kick off the big day, then finish with a flourish by creating one of our simple but showstopping desserts. On behalf of The Weekly, we wish you a very happy and safe Christmas, remembering to cook with…

Christmas is the season of celebrating with family and friends, and one way we show we care is by serving the traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. More and more Australians are deciding to make Christmas a time of celebration for everyone by adding healthy and delicious animal-free dishes to the menu. All the tempting dishes on these pages are tasty, easy to make, full of goodness and 100% animal-friendly! The wide variety of animal-free food now readily available — such as a Tofurky meat-free roast (see right for your chance to win one) — means it’s easier than ever to celebrate tradition and kindness at the Christmas table. Did you know DID YOU KNOW 1 IN 4 AUSTRALIANS ARE ALREADY ENJOYING MORE MEAT-FREE MEALS WIN ONE OF…

Beautiful bonbons You'll need • Jolly & Joy DIY bonbon kit• Small gifts to fit inside• Kaisercraft ‘Mix & Match’ paper collection: 1 sheet each ‘Crosses’ and ‘Confetti’• Decorative-edge scissors• Naturals burlap ribbon: Red and Cream• Scissors• Double-sided tape• About 4.5m narrow ribbon• Jolly & Joy assorted foam adhesive shapes 1 Following the instructions on the packet, assemble the bonbons, remembering to tuck a small gift inside each one. 2 Cut lengths of scrapbook paper or burlap ribbon to fit around the bonbons and trim edges of paper with decorative-edge scissors. Wrap paper or burlap around bonbons and fix in place with double-sided tape. 3 Tie narrow ribbon around both ends of each bonbon and finish with a small bow. 4 Decorate each bonbon with a foam shape. Festive lelt trees You’ll need For one tree • Felt (90cm wide):…

THERE ARE MORE than 510,000 registered boat owners in Australia and the passion and playfulness of those proud boaties is captured in photographer Simon Griffiths’ new book Boat. Beautiful, historic Defiance was the first eight-metre yacht to be completely designed and built in Australia. Shipwright Ernest Digby and his three sons built her in 1935 in their backyard in Williamstown, Victoria. Ernest was quite unusual in that he was a designer, owner, builder and racer of boats. He was also commodore of the Hobsons Bay Yacht Club for a time. Defiance is famous for having participated in five Sydney to Hobart yacht races and has had a colourful racing life, winning races in Victoria and New South Wales. Her current owner, Nicole Shrimpton (below), has plans to take her to…

ROLL UP If you’re making sparkly Christmas cards and decorations, use a sticky lint roller to clean up the vestiges of glitter from your work surface. Easy bake biscuits Dollop biscuit dough into ice cube trays, freeze, then pop out and store in ziplock bags. When needed, place on a greased tray, thaw, flatten with a fork and bake. Christmas all wrapped up Wrap Christmas-themed cookie cutters with narrow decorative ribbon (hold the ends with a dab of glue) and use them as simple ornaments on your tree. Push up with pegs If your small child has trouble pushing an ice-block out of its plastic packaging, clip a clothes peg across the bottom of the tube, moving it upwards as the ice-block is eaten. Ingenious ice cubes For a festive…

At the galleries  There’s something for everyone at art galleries around the country this month, showcasing some of the world’s most influential artists. The National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne is bringing together two of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries – Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei – to explore their influence on contemporary life. Andy Warhol/Ai Weiwei runs from December 11 until April 24. In Canberra, The National Gallery of Australia is celebrating one of Australia’s greatest artists, Tom Roberts, with an exhibition of more than 130 of his works from private and public collections. The exhibition, Tom Roberts, showcases his landscapes (below) and most famous paintings, from December 4 to March 28. At the Art Gallery of NSW, Modernists: Highlights From The European Collection…

DICTATOR BY ROBERT HARRIS, HUTCHINSON. Ancient Rome and all its violent political upheaval fairly zings off the page in this final book in Robert Harris’ trilogy of the life of the orator and philosopher Cicero. The author of Fatherland, Pompeii and An Officer And A Spy is a master at bringing historical dramas to life. In Dictator, an ageing Cicero is juggling the conflicting demands of Julius Caesar, Pompey, Mark Anthony and Octavian, as the world’s first republic descends into chaos. Buy this for history lovers. STORIES FROM OTHER PLACES BY NICHOLAS SHAKESPEARE, HARVILL SECKER. I would have bought this book just for the gorgeous chartreuse dust jacket adorned with colourful exotic birds. Yet the short stories between the covers are even more exquisite. Nicholas Shakespeare is a wonderful writer,…