Innholdsfortegnelse for Christmas 2021 i The Australian Women's Weekly

Danny Abdallah lifts two of his boys up at once, supporting Alex in one arm and Michael in the other, while his almost-teenage daughter Liana lets her mother, Leila, drape an arm around her and leans into her protective embrace. Storms were predicted for the family’s photo shoot and leaves in the garden are glistening from the morning showers. But up above, the dark clouds have broken and sun streams down on the family. “It was the same at the funeral. There were nine days of rain and I remember them saying they never saw rain like this in 30 years, and on the day, the clouds just broke and there was a ray of sun right on the church,” Danny says. The Abdallah family was thrust into the public…

When The Queen pulled out of the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph service last month, a gasp echoed around the world. Of all the engagements the monarch had cancelled in recent weeks, we were told this was one Her Majesty didn’t want to miss. Consequently it was all very last minute, adding to the shock. The reason – a back sprain – was entirely unrelated to The Queen’s doctor’s recent advice to rest. Nobody regrets her absence today more deeply than Her Majesty herself, noted a Buckingham Palace source, saying she was deeply disappointed. It shouldn’t really have caused so much consternation, of course. Her Majesty is 95. She was fatigued after coming a little too fast out of the blocks following COVID lockdown and now suffering a no-doubt-painful back injury. So,…

This time last year, Professor Sharon Lewin was “on a high”. The world-renowned HIV researcher and Director of The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity was looking forward to a summer break and “thinking that we had a pretty smooth run ahead”. “Melbourne had eradicated COVID, which was an incredible feat,” she tells The Weekly. “Our freedom at that stage was very welcome, very celebrated, though I knew it was precarious. I thought we would roll into delivering vaccines, which were looking promising as well, with a bit of time up our sleeves. What I didn’t anticipate was Delta.” In May this year, Australia’s first cases of the Delta variant appeared in Sydney, and the battle was on again, in no small part waged with armour furnished by the…

Awhile ago – “15, possibly 20 years” – Joanna Lumley purchased a limited-edition work of art that is the crowning glory on the wall of her study. We are meeting via video call, and in a flurry, the much-loved English actress and TV presenter excitedly picks up her laptop and swirls me – virtually – around the room, to fix my gaze on the wall opposite. There, in glorious shades of regal purple, gold, bright green and a hint of cerise, is Joanna’s icon, Her Majesty The Queen, immortalised by the late pop-art master, Andy Warhol. “He did four colourways and 40 prints of each of them, which he signed, and then that was it. This is one of the 40, so it’s not that rare but it’s pretty special…

The Samford Valley in south-east Queensland vibrates in every gradient of green. On a day of sun and rain I travel there, down country roads lined with rolling fields, gum trees and farmhouses slumbering in a sudden burst of light. At the foot of Mount Samson I am greeted by two peacocks in full spectacular plumage. A guinea fowl perches on top of a fridge. I alight from the car and a little deer nibbles on my notebook and rips a bag of treats out of my hand. This is Luka, 10 months old. He and his brother, Leo, were found as newborn fawns near Coffs Harbour, separated from their mum in the floods, and brought here to the Lyell Deer Sanctuary. “They still had their umbilical scab. Their mother…

From decadent wreaths with thick ribbon trim that greet guests at the sandstone gates, to the towering Christmas tree that bathes her library in light, Chyka Keebaugh is celebrating this special season in style. “I love Christmas!” the former Real Housewives of Melbourne star enthuses, throwing open oversized French doors to welcome The Weekly to ‘GreenAcre’. “Christmas is absolutely my season and it’s all about the little things that make people feel welcome, loved and special. After the year we’ve all had we need to celebrate and find our spirit again.” This stunning home, nestled among the lush rolling hills, vineyards and orchards of the Mornington Peninsula, isn’t always dressed for Christmas but it is always ready to welcome guests. The author of Chyka Home and her husband, Bruce, stumbled…

Tree CHANGE Dreamy Garland Jess chose a palette of soft, tonal pinks and peach shades for our garland, but neutral shades would also look gorgeous against twinkling lights and sparkling decorations. Once your filters are ready (see page 123), simply thread kitchen twine onto a tapestry needle and string the filters together by piercing the centre of each one with the needle. Continue until you reach your desired length, and then secure the ends with knots and hanging loops. When you’re ready to decorate, scrunch, fluff, and shape the filters with your hands. Under the tree One of the loveliest ways to personalise a present is to attach a considered gift tag. How to dye coffee filters “My favourite decorations are the ones I’ve made with my girls over the…

Coming up fosy 1. Holiday the Label terry towelling robe, $250. 2. Ferrero Rocher 3 Piece Star, $3.99. 3. KitchenAid cordless hand mixer, $259, from Harvey Norman. 4. St. Cloud silk skirt, $329. 5. Mejuri earrings, $150. 6. Sockss socks, $45, from thestandardstore.com.au 7. Poppet Stationery x Set the Table Nutcracker Menu cards (set of 8), $25; setthetable.com.au 8. Papier journal, $53.99. 9. Elizabeth Arden Grand Lashes gift set, $45. 10. Luna Rossa ice globes for tired under-eyes, $57.95. 11. Mara&Mine sandals, $355. 12. Wordbits alphabet magnets, $54, from wordbits.com.au 13. The Jacksons Amour basket bag, $143, from smallable.com 14. The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang, Allen & Unwin. Shimmer and shine “A shimmering wrap dress is the perfect party piece.”Mattie Cronan STYLE DIRECTOR 1. Subtle Bodies incense holder, $40. 2. Longines Master Collection…

Removing the rind Using a small sharp knife, cut through the rind 10cm from the shank end of the leg. Lift rind off in one piece by running your thumb around edge of rind under the skin; pull from the widest edge of the ham up to the shank. Remove the rind completely. Scoring the fat Using a large sharp knife, score across the fat at about 1-2cm intervals, following the curve of the ham, and cutting just through the surface of the top fat. Do not cut too deeply or the fat will spread apart during cooking. Carving 1 Place the ham on a chopping board and steady it with a carving fork. Using a large sharp knife, make a vertical cut toward the bone at the shank end…

Tahini beet slaw SERVES 4-6 PREP & COOK TIME 15 MINUTES 1 tablespoon tahini 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ cup (70g) Greek-style yoghurt 1 clove garlic, crushed 2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup 1 radicchio lettuce 2 medium (350g) beetroot, peeled and cut into matchsticks 1 red apple, cut into matchsticks 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted 2 tablespoon coarsely chopped chives baby mint leaves, to serve 1 Combine the tahini, lemon juice, yoghurt, garlic and honey in a small bowl. Season with salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper. Line a shallow serving dish with the outer radicchio leaves; shred remaining radicchio leaves. 2 Combine the shredded radicchio, beetroot and apple in a separate bowl. Drizzle over half the dressing and toss gently to combine. Spoon into serving dish…

Seafood is always popular for entertaining and freshness is key. This easy salmon recipe is a breeze to make and packs a flavour punch. Earl Grey & brown sugar salmon SERVES 6 PREP + COOK TIME 30 MINUTES (+ REFRIGERATION TIME) 1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves ¼ cup (55g) brown sugar 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1kg piece salmon, skin on, pin-boned ½ (125g) bunch watercress, sprigs picked 6 radishes (165g), trimmed, sliced thinly 1 cup fresh mint leaves 1 Combine tea leaves, sugar, rind and cumin in a small bowl; season. 2 Line a small oven tray with plastic wrap; place salmon, skin-side down, on tray. Rub salmon flesh with sugar mixture. Cover; refrigerate for 1 hour. 3 Heat a char-grill pan over…

Raspberry fruit mince slice SERVES 12 PREP + COOKING TIME 1 HOUR 1½ cups (250g) Sunbeam mixed fruit ½ cup (100g) Sunbeam red glacé cherries, halved 1 teaspoon finely grated orange rind ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice ⅓ cup (115g) raspberry jam 125g fresh raspberries plus extra to serve 250g cold unsalted butter, chopped 1 cup (160g) icing sugar mixture, plus extra to dust 1⅔ cups (250g) plain flour ½ cup (75g) rice flour ¼ teaspoon fine salt 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Lightly grease and line base and sides of a 20 x 30cm slice pan with non-stick baking paper, leaving a 2cm overhang. 2 Place the mixed fruit, glacé cherries, orange rind, juice and jam in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer…

The Swift and the Harrier by Minette Walters, Allen & Unwin Crime fiction queen turns to historical fiction as Father Hugh Green mounts the scaffold at Gallows Hill in 1642 to be hung, drawn and quartered. It’s the first phase of the English civil war and baying crowds witness an incompetent hangman allow Green to slip from the noose. Now he’s butchered alive by the local barber paid to quarter him. Jayne Swift, our charismatic heroine – who rides astride a horse, not side-saddle – is a physician tending both sides of the war, saving paupers to a Prince. We meet her heading to cousin Ruth’s sick two-year-old, Isaac, who is being treated with closed windows and prayer. Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead, Hachette If you’ve yet to discover this…

The Happiest Man On Earth by Eddie Jaku, Pan Macmillan Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku dedicated his book “for future generations” and that wonderful thread of wise optimism, despite the most heinous horrors he endured, is what made Eddie such a powerful icon for Australians following the release of this enthralling memoir in April 2020. Sadly, Eddie died – age 101 – before the hard-backed illustrated collector’s edition was published, but his joy, hope, resilience and empathy live on. Everyone should read Eddie’s story. We must never forget Shoah, nor, as Eddie shows us, the power of kindness. All In by Billie Jean King, Penguin Sensational story of the woman who won the Battle of the Sexes watershed defeat of Bobby Riggs in 1973. Billie Moffitt played tennis in public parks,…

0-5 Little Polar Bear and the Reindeer by Hans de Beer, Walker When Lars polar bear meets reindeer Oliver, who has lost his mother, they pair up and their different skills help them in scary situations. Wolves are afraid of polar bears and fluffy musk ox let them bed down between their hides for warmth. The River by Sally Morgan and Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr, Magabala Lilting lesson on river life – who lives beneath its surface, who stops for a drink of water and who forages on its muddy bank. “Look with your eyes, listen with your ears.” This will be top of the bedtime reading pile. Frankie and the Fossil by Jess McGeachin, Penguin Frankie knows everything about dinosaurs. One day at the museum where she visits fossils she…

The decorations have been dusted off; the fresh tree has arrived. The scent of pine competes only with the delicious smells emanating from the kitchen as friends old and new gather together to film the 2021 Christmas with The Australian Women’s Weekly special. Hosting the bash is Sarah Harris, who – having weathered personal loss, the breakdown of her marriage and a bout of homeschooling – is, like many of us right now, ready to reconnect with those she loves and cherish the happy moments that Christmas brings. “This year, more than ever, we need to be around our friends, our family,” she says. “We need to nurture that connection. And we need to really cherish the little moments.” Having lost both her grandmother and close friend Jonathan “Jono” Coleman…

Dr Mya Cubitt is an emergency physician, an acute medical unit consultant and the mother of three lively primary and preschool-aged kids. She smiles with her heart and her pale blue eyes. She has worked through the pandemic at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, she’s been a COVID patient herself, and now she’s trying to explain how these past two years have affected her. “There’s this graph of the emotional phases of a pandemic, and it goes like this,” she begins, waving her arms up and down like a heaving sea. “That’s my experience. There are moments when you have this anticipatory anxiety and there are moments when you feel like a true hero, mainly because you connect with another human being and make them feel like you care. There are…

This past year has been a momentous one for women in Australia, and much of the shift in public consciousness can be traced back to one young woman’s courage and honesty in speaking her truth. But this time last year, Brittany Higgins admits she wasn’t at all sure she was made of strong enough stuff to weather the storm that would surely follow if she spoke out about the sexual assault that she alleged she’d been subjected to in her workplace. Particularly as hers was the most powerful and intimidating workplace in Australia – Federal Parliament House. “It was a sombre Christmas, to be honest,” the 27-year-old former Liberal staffer confesses, casting her mind back to last year. “The Four Corners story [about sexual harassment in the Federal Parliament] had…

Sarah Pearce’s pregnancy was perfectly smooth so the doctors said it was safe to have her baby at the small hospital near her home in the Blue Mountains. But after her little girl, Anabela, arrived, they quickly realised something was wrong. “She was in a critical condition from the minute she was born. They didn’t think she’d survive the night,” Sarah says. Anabela was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, where she underwent surgery at just 48 hours old. Over the following weeks, in a humidicrib under the guardianship of a green knitted bear, she slowly grew stronger, but she was diagnosed with spina bifida, tethered cord syndrome, scoliosis and congenital birth anomalies. “It was a lot to take in,” says Sarah. “When we left hospital, I was given four…

After adding Christmas homewares to her Chyka Home for Harris Scarfe range, this year Chyka chose green and white as her colour scheme and her table is a showstopper. Her range includes mini-Christmas trees of different heights and sizes, bottle green gingham placemats and napkins, green glassware, white and green plates, sparkling gold cutlery and more, and all combine to create a decadent place to entertain. Chyka’s golden rule is to stick to one theme. “This year my theme is ‘Christmas Tree’,” she says, “and I’ve got little trees everywhere. In addition to my own range from Harris Scarfe, I bought some little trees from the local nursery for vases, as well as some cheap ones I’d previously sourced. I love a range of heights and shades to give the…

“When you craft, you’re truly in the moment, having a go and making Christmas good fun!”Jess Air-dry clay ornaments You will need Baking paper Air-dry terracotta clay (250g makes about 6) Rolling pin Crochet doily or textured lace fabric Cookie cutter shapes Drinking straw Drying rack Scissors Wooden beads Suede cording or twine Instructions 1. Roll out some baking paper to create a non-stick surface to work on and knead your clay to soften and get rid of air bubbles. Roll out a slab of clay to just under 5mm thickness. 2. Lay your lacy fabric over the clay and use your rolling pin to firmly press the fabric into the clay to create a pattern. 3. Carefully remove the lace to reveal the design that has now imprinted in…

BUY NOW Easy on the eye Rejuvenate the delicate skin around your eyes with this gentle yet effective formula, containing the gold-standard line-smoother, retinol. Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream, $115. Tr y THESE Them apples! One of the most flat summer make-up buys is a glow-giving cheek tint. Here are three we’ for a quick comple pick-me-up. 1. Milk Makeup Bionic Blush in Infinity, $37. 2. Vapour Beauty Aura Multi Stick in Courtesan, $55. 3. Ciaté Dewy Bronze Glossy Cheek Tint, $33. Soft touch Prime skin for a beach reveal with a fast-absorbing body cream. Biossance’s new formula has caffeine and niacinamide to help tone skin, and squalane to hydrate. Biossance Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body Cream, $75. TOP PICKS The problem with palettes is that for…

Hasselback potatoes with soy, chive & thyme butter SERVES 6 PREP & COOK TIME 1 HOUR 6 medium potatoes, peeled and halved 100g butter, softened 2 teaspoon Kikkoman Soy Sauce 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Peel and cut potatoes in half. Place one potato half, cut-side-down, on chopping board. Place a chopstick on board along each side of the potato. Slice potato crossways at 1cm intervals, cutting through to chopstic to prevent cutting all the way through. Repeat with remaining potato halves. 2 Whisk soft butter in a medium bowl with soy sauce and thyme and chives. 3 Place potatoes, rounded side up, in a single layer in an oven tray lined with baking paper. Coat potatoes in…

Lemon and herb bucatini SERVES 8 PREP & COOK TIME 30 MINUTES 600g bucatini pasta 2 lemons 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, chopped finely 1½ cups (375ml) cream 100g butter 1½ cups (120g) finely grated fresh Parmesan PANGRATTATO 4 slices of stale sourdough, crusts removed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, bruised 1 tablespoon thyme leaves 1 PANGRATTATO Blitz bread in a food processor until fine crumbs. Heat olive oil over a medium heat in a large frying pan. Add breadcrumbs and the whole clove of garlic, stirring for 5 minutes until golden. Add thyme and season well, stirring for one last minute. Remove from heat and set aside. 2 Put a large pot of well salted water on to boil for the…

Plum & spiced biscuit ice-cream SERVES 8 PREP & COOK TIME 30 MINUTES (+ COOLING & FREEZING TIME) 1 litre good-quality vanilla bean ice-cream, softened slightly 1 tablespoon Kikkoman Soy Sauce 75g nougat, chopped finely 1/3 cup pistachios, chopped coarsely, plus extra for serving 75g speculaas or Lotus biscuits, roughly broken, plus extra for serving VANILLA-POACHED PLUMS 8 Montague tree plums, halved, stones removed, each half cut into 3 wedges 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar 1 tablespoon finely shredded lemon rind 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped 1 VANILLA-POACHED PLUMS Place ingredients in a medium heavy-based frying pan over low heat; cook, covered, shaking pan occasionally, for 10 minutes or until plums start to soften and release juice. Remove lid; cook for a further 7 minutes, shaking pan occasionally, or…

● If you have a courtyard or garden, cocktails and finger food is a good option. As a rule, you need to allow at least four pieces of savoury finger food per person, however this depends on whether this is to be considered a meal. if so, then allow eight pieces per person. One or two sweet treats is enough and usually signifies the end of the food offering. When choosing the menu, it’s smarter and less preparation to offer less variety but more of it. ● Making the Christmas feast can be a mammoth task. Prep what you can ahead and add finishing touches before serving. The key is to create a list – who’s coming, any dietary requirements, ingredient shopping etc. A time plan will be your saving…

Christmas stuffing salad SERVES 6 (MAKES 24 STUFFING BALLS) PREP & COOK TIME 40 MINTUES 500g Italian pork sausages 1 cup (60g) fresh sourdough breadcrumbs ¼ cup (40g) Sunbeam pine nuts, toasted 1 cup (165g) Sunbeam Mixed Fruit, chopped coarsely 2 tablespoons finely chopped sage and rosemary 1 egg, beaten lightly 1 tablespoon seeded mustard 1 large (200g) red onion, cut into wedges 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 cups (60g) baby rocket 2 stalks celery, chopped finely 1 medium (300g) bulb fennel, sliced thinly 1 medium (150g) green apple, sliced thinly DRESSING 1 tablespoon Sunbeam Mixed Fruit, chopped finely 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon honey 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped chives 1 Preheat oven to 240°C (220°C fan-forced). Remove the sausages from…

Cold Coast by Robyn Mundy, Ultimo Based on the real-life tale of Ivanna “Wanny” Woldstad, who penetrated the fiercely guarded male domain of trapping bears and foxes across Norway in 1932. Mundy came across the cabin used by Wanny 80 years back in her research. A brilliant feminist bio/natural history novel. Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout, Random House This third book about fictional writer Lucy Barton is truly engrossing. When Lucy’s second husband dies, it prompts her to muse not on beloved David, but on her first husband William, who after the pain of their Separation became a friend. Canticle Creek by Adrian Hyland, Ultimo The rural crime fiction wave continues with this brilliant new arid drama. When Daisy Baker’s body is discovered it looks like an open and shut…

Future Steading by Jade Miles, Murdoch Jade and husband Charlie Showers and their three “chilluns” run the Black Bean Farm biodiverse orchard in Victoria. They live on Pallanganmiddang Country, which Jade acknowledges: “Our forefathers rewrote rules to separate people from place – people who are inseparable from place.” They coined the term future-steading for a regenerative life. It can be followed in a high-rise rental, a caravan. How can we live in a world of rampant food waste and global hunger? Mountains by Alasdair McGregor, NLA In a hard-hitting author’s note, mountaineer McGregor explains how in the months between the design and final editing of this fascinating book, the bushfires of 2019 destroyed 80 per cent of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. “Will we now act with courage…

When it comes to protecting the community, Bundjalung woman Donna Ah Chee has a sixth sense. At the start of 2020, as news reports of COVID-19 started circulating around the world, Donna instinctively knew that the previously unheard-of virus would pose a deadly threat to the Indigenous communities she works with as the CEO of health organisation Central Australian Aboriginal Congress. “I had this intuitive feeling that the virus was going to be serious and that if it came to Central Australia it would cause absolute devastation in our remote communities,” says Donna, who took note from a small village in Italy, which shut the community down to protect its residents. “We held a combined Aboriginal organisations meeting in Mparntwe [Alice Springs] and called on the federal and Northern Territory…

I lean over the side of the pool fence, watching my son perform his latest stunt. I try not to twitch. “Come and play!’ he yells. I shake my head. “Maybe later, I’ve got stuff to do.” Stuff means washing, work, phone calls, making dinner, more work, lunch prep … the list goes on. The truth is, I don’t really have time for fun. And I’m not alone. Research shows many adults believe life is the least fun after 45. “I want to have fun, but I’m too tired when the time comes,” one friend admits. “We’re like the police of our family, always planning, watching out and protecting. That doesn’t equate to fun.” Partly because fun involves stepping out from underneath that mental load and being in the moment.…

In 1970 Trudy McCullagh’s son, Darren, was born frighteningly premature, a full three months before his due date. Little Darren was strong, however, and in time the doctors told Trudy the pair would be able to make the journey home. But there had been complications. “Before I could take him home from the hospital, we were given the news,” she says. Darren was going blind. “Since then, I’ve been able to say, if only he was only blind,” Trudy adds, because that diagnosis was just the beginning. Photos from Darren’s early years in the 1970s show a sweet little boy, with blond hair like his mother, but Trudy became concerned when she started to notice changes in his behaviour. He was around two years old when she realised his needs…

Create a beautiful home where calm and relaxation are top of mind.These oversized Australian made lounges upholstered in complementary fabrics are the perfect place to unwind. BRING TOUCHES OF SUMMER TO YOUR INDOOR bright cushions RETREAT WITH IN A RANGE OF TEXTURES AND PRINTS Live-edged timber brings a natural vibe to any dining space.The Java dining table has a beautiful feature oak veneer table top making it the perfect addition to any entertaining experience. Black metal cross legs give it a bold, solid finish. WARM DAYS AND NIGHTS perfect time ARE THE TO LINGER OVER MEALS AND ENJOY THE COMPANY OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT HOME Create a space that carries through all seasons with these timeless leather sofas featuring button detailing in two and three-seater options. THROW OPEN THE…

“Layering the table is key – I start with the centre and then I tier down. I leave the napkins a little bit messy because it gives a bit of height, as do the crackers/bonbons.” “As someone who doesn’t understand the concept that enough is enough, I like to add a little gift to each setting, maybe a little box of nuts or chocolates, a Christmas cookie, just something that makes guests feel special.” “I believe a place card is important. I love the idea of showing people where they are sitting – it means you’ve thought about who is coming and how conversation will flow.” “I always layer a couple of plates because otherwise the table can look flat. They don’t have to be the same colour – mix…

DIY wrapping paper Create your own signature wrapping paper, using nothing more than your imagination, some paint and a few potatoes. Starting with brown craft or white paper rolls, cut your potato into simple shapes. We tried trees, stars and even snowflakes. A great shortcut is to use a cookie cutter to press shapes into your cut potatoes. Next, paint the flat surface and firmly stamp, repeat, and stamp again. Don’t forget to print “off” the edges of your page to create a continuous pattern. Simple stamps Start saving your wine corks for this easy activity. Simply cut craft foam into festive shapes or letters. Then afix to the top of your cork, which is the perfect size for little hands to grab and create colourful patterns. We used green,…

Orange & spiced soy glazed ham with roasted plums SERVES 16-20 PREP + COOK TIME 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES 1⅓ cups (450g) Seville orange marmalade ⅓ cup grated fresh ginger ⅓ (80ml) maple syrup ½ cup (110g) firmly packed light brown sugar ¼ cup (60ml) Kikkoman Soy Sauce 3 star anise 2 cinnamon sticks 1 tablespoon white vinegar 7-8kg whole leg ham leg ROASTED PLUMS 10 Montague tree plums, halved, stones removed 1 Stir marmalade, ginger, maple syrup, sugar, soy sauce, star anise and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan; bring to the boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vinegar. Cool. Reserve ⅓ cup of the glaze. 2 Place the oven shelf in the lowest position. Preheat oven to 180°C…

Porchetta SERVES 4–6 I love pork belly because its high-fat content keeps it moist and makes it very hard to overcook. If your barbecue has a rotisserie attachment it will be a game changer; if not, just close the hood of the barbie or use the oven. 1.5kg pork belly, stored uncovered, skin-side up, in the fridge overnight to dry out the skin finely grated zest of 2 oranges finely grated zest of 2 lemons 1 tablespoon fennel seeds 2 tablespoons dried chilli flakes, or to taste 2 garlic cloves, grated 5 rosemary sprigs, leaves picked 1 bunch of thyme, leaves picked 1 bunch of sage, leaves picked 2 large swiss chard or mustard green leaves, torn (or use English spinach or Tuscan kale) salt flakes and freshly ground black…

What I love most about food is its ability to draw people together. I love shared platters and colourful spreads, comfort food, my play on classics and baked goods piled high on serving dishes I’ve collected throughout my travels. The holiday season in my house is a time to celebrate family, give thanks to friends, teachers, carers, and show gratitude to those who hold our ecosystem together throughout the year. To me, that message of love is given back through food. Christmas day is about the day-long lunch. I hope this festive season my colourful and inviting Fig Glazed Pumpkin Salad becomes a centrepiece on your table too. Happy holidays! Kishwar’s fig glazed pumpkin salad SERVES 6-8 PREP & COOK TIME 45 MINUTES 2 tablespoons fig glaze 2 teaspoons extra…

“This year, with borders open, many families will celebrate being together with everyone involved in creating beautiful, simple food enjoyed outside.” Hafoumi with babaganoush & pomegranate dressing, served with walnut flatbread  SERVES 6 PREP & COOK TIME 1 HOUR (+ RESTING TIME) 400g haloumi, sliced 1cm thick flour for dusting 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, extra lemon wedges to serve 1 tablespoon finely shredded mint, to serve BABAGANOUSH 1kg (about 2 large) eggplants 3 garlic cloves, peeled 2 tablespoons tahini 1 tablespoon Greek-style yoghurt 1½ tablespoons lemon juice WALNUT FLATBREAD 1 cup (250ml) full cream milk 1 x 7g sachet or 1½ teaspoons dried yeast 2 tablespoons honey 2 cups (300g) plain flour, plus extra for dusting ½ teaspoon…

Cranberry port sauce PREP TIME 5 MINUTES MAKES 1 CUP Blend or process 275g jar Ocean Spray Whole Cranberry Sauce, 2 tablespoons tawny port, 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon until well combined. Serve with  Miguel’s Foolproof Turkey Roll (page 164). Also delicious with ham or pork. Chilli & mint salsa verde PREP TIME 10 MINUTES MAKES ¾ CUP Blend or process 2 quartered cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons drained baby capers, 2 seeded long fresh green chillies, 4 anchovy fillets, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, ¾ cup fresh basil leaves, ½ cup fresh mint leaves and ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil until well combined. Transfer to a bowl; season to taste. Serve with Sian…

Ombre ice-cream cake SERVES 10-12 PREP + SETTING TIME 5½ HOURS 100g plain chocolate biscuits ¼ cup (25g) hazelnut meal 395g can sweetened condensed milk 600ml thickened cream 1 teaspoon vanilla bean extract 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, sifted 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules 2 tablespoons Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread) 375g Ferrero Rochers CHOCOLATE SYRUP ½ cup (180g) honey ½ cup (35g) cocoa, sifted ⅓ cup (80ml) water 1 Grease and line the base and side of a 20cm springform cake pan (base measurement) with non-stick baking paper. 2 Place the biscuits in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Place in a bowl. Add the hazelnut meal and mix to combine. Set aside. 3 Spoon one-third of the crumb mixture into the base of the pan and place in…

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty, Pan Macmillan Aussie fiction sensation Liane Moriarty returns to familiar territory with this domestic mystery founded with the disappearance of grandmother Joy Delaney. Joy and husband Stan met as champion tennis players and went on to create their own tennis academy. When Joy goes missing, Stan and their four children aren’t nearly concerned enough. What’s afoot? The plot jumps around between the present and months earlier to fill in the path to where we are now as Moriarty’s creepy, noirish, sex-charged and ultimately gripping tale unfolds. The Russian Wife by Barry Maitland, Allen & Unwin A flamboyant murder mystery set in the multi-million art forgery world. Veteran London Met homicide cop and art aficionado Brock has been allowed back to the force in his…

How To Woo A Duke by Lady Whistleblower, Penguin Guide to navigating “the season” for fans of the Bridgerton TV hit. The “haut ton” (French for high fashion) refers to those of elite Georgian society displaying refined manners. The “Fan flirtations” translations are delicious – carrying in right hand in front of face means “follow me”. Twirling in left hand: “I wish to be rid of you.” Slow fanning: “I am married.” Fast fanning: “It’s hot in here.” On debut day, “never wear a court dress more than once”. Why Did I Buy That? by Kirstie Clements, Murdoch Former Vogue editor Clements’ mother Gloria was always ready for whatever life had to throw. When her father died, her widowed mother worked as a barmaid and in a plastics factory at…

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20 As the zodiac’s premier respecter of status, any event you host or attend is likely to be a top-shelf and impeccably managed publicity opportunity for an Insta shot. On good terms with your inner snob, you won’t appreciate cheap and cheerful offerings from the dollar store, and will have a staunch support team on standby to discreetly handle unforeseen eventualities. Your Capricorn gift guide: Capricorn cadeaux? Oh, any old criminally expensive piece of furniture, art, jewellery or couture will do. And for their sensitive skin: silk, linen or cashmere in deep earth tones of chocolate, charcoal, burgundy or aubergine. Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19 Chill out clues for a cool yule with a water pourer host or guest? Be prepared to justify your…