Life

You can bake your own Vanilla Slice at home without the fuss of making puff pastry or any refined sugar, so you can put up a sign out the front of your house saying ‘home of the best vanilla slice’.

It’s not news that New Zealand has the highest rate of melanoma (skin cancer) in the world, thanks to lying right under a massive hole in the protective ozone layer of the atmosphere. This unfortunate positioning means that, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm, from September to April, we really do take our life in our hands when we’re working or relaxing in the big outdoors – and that includes in the garden.

It’s rich, fruity, concentrated and delicious; yet despite the best being valued as highly as fine wine, most of us in the 50 plus age group had to wait until we were well grown up to discover it! We’re talking about balsamic vinegar.

Christmas, is a time of fun, joy and celebration, but it can also be the most stressful of times.

A soufflé without whipping the whites and the prepared pudding can rest for more than a day before baking. Ideal for a busy schedule!

Not so long ago, I helped a friend with the difficult task of downsizing her home in preparation for moving into a retirement villa. What struck us both, was how many items of ‘value’ she had stored away for a special occasion, yet never used.

A quick and easy fruit loaf which freezes well. You could try making it with different types of fruit (and nuts), or even chocolate chips for when the grandchildren come to stay. We dusted ours with icing sugar, or you could do a simple vanilla glaze with orange zest dusted on top.

Talk to a friend in the northern hemisphere, and they can never understand why leaving the garden for a Christmas break is so difficult. That’s because their garden is well and truly on holiday itself by the time the festive season comes around, and probably buried under a layer of snow! For Kiwi gardeners, however, getting away for even a few days over summer takes some serious planning. To make it a little easier, here are a few tried and true tips to help.

I've made a Christmas resolution. This year, I aim to give 'consumable' gifts, which have a purpose, rather than just 'stuff.'

These protein-packed crepes are simply delicious, and can be eaten fresh from the pan or made in advance and reheated. We enjoy them for breakfast, but you could have them at any time of day. The choice is yours!