Table of contents for February - March 2017 in Nadia

I hope it’s off to a cracker start. Isn’t it amazing what a break at the end of a busy year can do for your motivation and mood? I had a couple of weeks off in stunning Central Otago – the dramatic landscape and colours never cease to inspire me. I gorged on kilos of freshly picked cherries and apricots, drank delicious pinot noir and even cooked a few rabbit recipes. Picnicking in the vines at Gibbston Valley surrounded by the towering mountain range was another highlight (to see what else we got up to, turn to page 124). Though summer was slow to start, I think it’s finally here, so it’s time to get family, neighbours, friends and colleagues over for relaxed feasts in the sun. This issue is…

1 Cushion, $69.95, from Adairs. 2 Scarf, $139, from Citta. 3 Rug, $199, from Freedom. 4 Deutz Blanc de Blancs, $25, from liquor stores. 5 George & Co platter, $27.60, from themarketnz.com. 6 Citronella candle, $19.99, from The Aromatherapy Company. 7 Tealight candle holder, $5, from Kmart. 8 Twinkle lights, $6, from Kmart. 9 Tea towel, $35, from Linarte. 10 Napkin holder, $4, from Kmart. 11 Specimen bottle, $14.95, from Freedom, with sweetpeas, POA, from Victoria Park Flowers. 12 Citronella brass pot candle, $7, from Kmart. 13 Wild Fennel Co pig rub, $5, from Father Rabbit. 14 House Doctor trivet, $69, from Father Rabbit. 15 Herb scissors, $29.90 set of three, from Crave Home. 16 Side plate, $12.95, from Freedom. 17 Cutlery, $25 16-piece set, from Kmart. 18 Marc Newson…

Taking time for yourself is not selfish, and a selfie obsession is not always the route to self-love. In fact, stepping away from the glare of social media at times, and taking a break when you need one, is necessary for your health and happiness. In our Self Workshop over the page, we look at self-care and self-awareness strategies, ways to treat yourself with kindness, ideas on how to build in a little me-time at home, and tools to help you discover your true self.…

1 Check in with yourself regularly. Are you happy with the state of your physical, mental and emotional health? If not, get working on a plan to change that. 2 Spend time in nature. When was the last time you felt grass between your toes or watched the clouds for an hour? Connecting with nature is deeply grounding. 3 Limit screen time to what is necessary. Put your phone on silent and turn off mail notifications so you can limit returning calls and emails to two daily sessions. 4 Choose foods that nourish rather than harm you. If you come from a place of love for yourself this is easier. 5 Treat yourself like your best friend. What would you say to your friend who works long hours and hasn’t…

“Looking after bubs is number one but you are a very close second. If you’re in need of some ‘me time’, put things off so you can fill your tank before taking on any new requests (and don’t feel guilty about it!)” – Nadia When a first baby is born, the event also gives birth to new parents. Gradually, over those early weeks and months, parenting becomes more instinctual as new mums and dads start to trust their own judgment, thanks to the intensive newborn boot camp. At its core, this journey is about learning to listen to your intuition. But how can you tell it’s your intuition talking? Very simply: often it’s when a fast thought enters your mind, accompanied by a physical manifestation, for example an ache in…

“My Food Bag has given me the opportunity to introduce new veges and new ways of cooking with them – which has been great for getting the kids to try different things” A commitment to eating well and exercising regularly has seen mother-of-two Nicola Saunders lose an incredible 8kg over the past few months. Feeding her family healthy and nutritious meals is hugely important, and with My Food Bag she has not only been able to pack a vege-filled punch into dinner time, but her husband loves helping out in the kitchen, too. All in all, says Nicola, she is now a “less stressed mummy” with a calmer, healthier household. 80% OF MY FOOD BAG CUSTOMERS SAY THEY’RE EATING HEALTHIER.* If you’re keen to try My Food Bag, use the…

We all do things a little differently in the kitchen. Perhaps you’re passionate about following your favourite chef’s recipes to the letter? Or maybe you’re a food fashionista who leads the way when it comes to new cuisine trends? Whatever your cooking style, from Weekend Gourmet to Busy Baker, you need appliances that will complement your skills and assist you in extending your culinary boundaries. A traditional cooktop doesn’t always provide the precision, power or flexibility that today’s courageous home cook requires. Electric restricts those with a creative cooking streak; stir frying in a wok without gas is not ideal, and developing a flavoursome jus is near impossible when you lack the precision of an induction cooktop. With Fisher & Paykel Mix and Match combination cooktops you can now have…

Pack up the picnic hamper, grab some blankets and make the most of the free facilities your local park or beach has to offer this summer. Skewers are an easy way to feed a big group, with everything prepped in advance and ready to sizzle away on the stainless-steel public barbecue or a portable cooktop. Chermoula fish skewers with cauliflower, lemon & golden raisin couscous Ready in 30 minutes plus marinating time | Makes about 12 (serves 4-6) CHERMOULA 1 cup chopped coriander (washed roots, stalks and leaves) ½ cup chopped parsley 4 cloves garlic, chopped Zest and juice 1 lemon 1 Tbsp white vinegar 1 Tbsp ground cumin 1½ tsp ground coriander 2 tsp smoked paprika 1 large red chilli, chopped ¼ cup oil 1 tsp salt SKEWERS &…

Make summer entertaining even sweeter with some frozen fun for the whole family. Spoon icy granita into glasses for a refreshing reprieve from the midday sun, or make your own ice cream sandwiches for a tasty twist on dessert. It’s time to treat yourself! Frozen banana, mango & apricot dairy-free ice cream Ready in 10 minutes plus at least 6 hours’ freezing time | Serves 6 | GF In the food processor combine 2 ripe bananas, 1 mango (peeled and sliced from the stone), 3 ripe apricot halves and ¼ cup liquid honey. Blend until smooth. Add 2 cups coconut cream and whizz until thoroughly mixed. Pour into a metal container and freeze for at least 6 hours. Remove from the freezer about 5 minutes before scooping. Serve with toasted…

JAPANESE DRESSING Ready in 10 minutes | Makes 1 cup | GF In a bowl, combine ½ cup freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice, ⅓ cup light soy sauce* (use tamari* for gluten free), 2 tsp sesame oil, 2 tsp mirin* or sugar, 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 finely chopped shallot and 1 finely chopped red chilli (optional). Serving suggestion: Spoon over beef carpaccio with baby radishes, apple, carrot and coriander. RASPBERRY BALSAMIC DRESSING Ready in 5 minutes | Makes ½ cup | GF Place ¼ cup fresh or defrosted raspberries, 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1-2 tsp liquid honey, 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, pinch salt and pinch pepper in a screw-top jar and vigorously shake until raspberries have disintegrated. Serving suggestion: Drizzle over salad of roast…

In Greytown, South Wairarapa, where State Highway 2 meets impossibly pretty cottages with white picket fences, a famous Hollywood name is quietly selling vegetables to the locals and doing his best to walk softly on the planet. Tucked into Baillie House, an historic home that sprawls lazily across its 1182-square-metre site, Food Forest Organics is a plant-based store and eatery – one of a small but growing number in the country, and certainly the only one owned by a world-renowned film director. James Cameron (the creative force behind blockbusters Avatar, The Terminator, Aliens and Titanic among many others) and his wife, Suzy Amis Cameron, opened Food Forest Organics in February 2015 to showcase products from the Cameron Family Farm, their 1450-hectare rural property. The pair had grown to love the…

Hi Nadia Since it is strawberry season I thought I would share with you my use for those over-ripe strawberries you get in the punnets. (This is for when you only have a few over-ripe ones and not quite enough to make jam.) Put the over-ripe strawberries into a small pot and add 2 tsp sugar or 1 tsp natural sweetener and let it boil until the sugar has melted and the strawberries are mushy. Remove and place in small ramekins to freeze. My kids love these. You could also wait for it to cool and put it into ice-block moulds. Yummy for the summer months. – Suzanne Keys, via Facebook Hi Nadia I’m currently on holiday in stunning Central Otago at Lavender Loft and, having experienced a My Food…

5.30am I like to wake up at 5.30am on the dot. Why wouldn’t you when the sun is starting to peek in and the birds are chirping? I don’t know why Mum doesn’t think this is a good time. I have some milk and she puts me back to bed for another hour for a doze. When I wake up, Bonzo, my fluffy black bear, is just above my head and I pull him down for a chat. 6.45am Mum gets me out of bed, we do the ‘nappy-change dance’ (she looks so silly when she does it) and then I sit on the floor near the kitchen and play with my toys while Mum makes breakfast. It’s scrambled eggs – one of my favourites. Hmm, she’s added something else…

Have more date nights. Us before kids is a distant memory. It would be nice to spend more time hanging out and remembering why we actually like each other! – Sarah Davie My big goal for 2017 is to be kinder to myself (you know, have the same expectations of myself as I do of others – not 10 times higher). Then I can be kinder as I get back on the healthy lifestyle wagon. – Carol Buckley I want to open my pantry and see everything in its place. I want ingredients to have their own containers instead of snaplock bags inside ice cream tubs. I want to build up my staple ingredients for baking and cooking. The kitchen is my happy place; I love spending time in there.…

LATIN LINK ADVENTURE South and Central America Small groups + independent travellers Call now for a free brochure The Latin American Specialists Ph: 0800 528 465 info@latinlink.co.nz latinlink.co.nz ROCK-IT BOARDS For all ages. Fun versatile and effective for a whole body workout, or just to play. An awesome gift for the whole family! Ph: 027 220 5791 Designed and made in Hawke’s Bay, NZ. rockitboards.co.nz CINTESI Shop online for all your furniture requirements – chairs, barstools, tables, barleaners, couches, cabinets. FREE SHIPPING OVER $199 cintesi.co.nz FIVE STAR SLIPPERS Summer or winter, when you’re at home you should be wearing Five Star Slippers! Made in New Zealand by Minnie Cooper, available in store at 303C Rosebank Rd, Avondale, Auckland and online fivestarslippers.nz COVERTOGS Time for more cover? Covertogs are NZ designed…

1 Cushion, $99, from Holiday Trading & Co. 2 Tassel blanket, $299, from thefoxesden.co.nz. 3 Moroccan floor rug, $255, from thefoxesden.co.nz. 4 Linen scarf, $79, from Linarte. 5 Wooden bowls, $59.99 set of five, from Alex & Corban. 6 Vase, $59.99, from Alex & Corban. 7 Planter with snake plant, $33.90, from Flora n Fauna. 8 The Kinfolk Home book, $74.99, from Father Rabbit. 9 Wooden garland, $79.90, from Crave Home. 10 Nannestad & Sons rope trivet, $35, from themarketnz.com. 11 Mercer + Reid Calypso bottle, $21.95, from Adairs. 12 Linen rope pot holder, $59, from Linarte. 13 Cork placemat, $9.90, from Citta. 14 Bowl, $13.95, from Freedom. 15 Crystals, $5 each, from Crystal Mountain. 16 Crisp Aqua & Tiare Flower candle, $49.95, from Ecoya. 17 JS Ceramics Splatter plates,…

1 L’Occitane Roses et Reines 75ml EDT, $78. 2 Portus Cale rose blush candle, $48. 3 Dr Hauschka rose nurturing body wash, $29. 4 The Body Shop British rose fresh plumping mask, $39.95. 5 Katherine Daniels nurturing night balm, $84. 6 SugarBaby Glow Getter contour & glow kit in Perfectly Peachy, $19.95. 7 Mellow Cosmetics matte liquid lip paint, $20. 8 Burt’s Bees lipstick in Iced Iris, $22. 9 Essie nail lacquer in Muchi, Muchi, $22.99. 10 Ashley & Co mini bar soap in Blossom & Gilt, $9.99. 11 Diptyque roses candle, $81, from Mecca Cosmetica. 12 Ashley & Co soothe tube hand cream in Blossom & Gilt, $24.99. 13 Swisse rosehip oil, $19.99. 14 Jo Malone London red roses cologne, 100ml, $228. 15 Jo Malone London red roses bath…

“Our behaviour is the expression of our beliefs. The challenge is, most of us aren’t taught how to explore what we believe, particularly when it comes to who we perceive we have to be in order to be loved. The key to changing the way we think and feel about ourselves lies within. Harsh and judgmental self-talk will never foster self-love and can make taking care of ourselves quite a battle. Treat yourself gently and with kindness. Explore your inner world with curiosity instead of judgment. If you knew who you truly were, the absolute miracle that we all are, you would be in awe of yourself. In times of overwhelm or uncertainty, come back to this.”…

Looking after yourself can be a challenge, but loving the skin you’re in means balancing your exercise routine. This may include taking breaks when you need them or changing your usual form of exercise so you can keep active without getting bored or run-down. Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore and it doesn’t need to be done every day, but it is important for longevity and lasting health. If you need a break, have a rest day or a sleep-in or go for a walk instead of doing a big gym session. The next day you will feel more refreshed. Different personality types respond better to different kinds of exercise, so to help you find an exercise you’ll enjoy (which will make it easier to stick at) here are…

Taking the time to nurture yourself is always worthwhile, whether it’s a week, a weekend or just a day. I suggest booking a few mini retreats throughout the year. It may seem hard (and selfish) to find the space in your calendar, but you’ll never regret it. Everyone’s notion of a retreat is different, but at the heart of the idea is withdrawing, for a time, from the pressures of everyday life, whatever they may be. It helps to think of the military meaning of a retreat: ‘to withdraw from enemy forces’. What has become the ‘enemy’ in your life? When brainstorming this question with clients, it’s amazing what can come up. It’s a great question to start with when planning your personal retreat. Other questions to ask yourself are:…

“What do you love doing so much that the words failure and success essentially become irrelevant?” ― Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Ideally, you want to live a life you enjoy now, but also be on track towards achieving your longer-term goals. Sustainable financial success is like eating healthier – if you deprive yourself too much, you won’t be able to sustain it long-term. Making small changes over time can make a big difference. A year from now you will wish you’d started saving today. So what can you do? Have a strong vision and plan for your future. If money was no object, what would you do? Write it down and put pictures around it. Understand the things you spend money on that make you…

“I think it saves us around $100 a week and I don’t have to toss a coin with my husband for who will do that hideous Sunday-afternoon food shop when we’d both rather be at the beach” Rachel Turner and her family of four started My Food Bag for a number of reasons, including better food choices, ease of cooking on busy weeknights and being more conscious of their finances. “We’d done a budget and I was shocked at how much we were spending at the supermarket – and I was still cooking mince more often than I wanted,” she explains. Rachel now lunches on My Food Bag’s tasty leftovers most days, which satisfies her inner greenie as there’s less food waste. Plus, the family are spending less overall thanks…

The Trailblazer You’re a food fashionista. In your circle of friends, you’re the one who serves deep-fried crickets or samphire salad first! Your workspace and appliances need to power your creative streak. The Weekend Gourmet Weeknights are about fast evening meals, but come the weekend, you relish authentic cooking. You spend time choosing quality local produce. Your kitchen is stylish, functional and inviting. The Magician You’re a kitchen alchemist. What secret ingredient have you used this time? Perhaps a dash of dark chocolate, a hint of citrus or was it your triple-cooking technique? Your ideal kitchen is all about technological functionality. Discover your cooking style by taking the quiz at fisherpaykel.com…

Smoothies, slushies, shakes and juices are an ideal way to feed and entertain a crowd of little ones. Once the drinks are all whizzed up, get the kids to help add the finishing touches – sprinkling garnishes on top, adding umbrellas or flowers, and choosing straws to slurp their delicious creations with. Tropicana smoothie Ready in 10 minutes | Serves 4 | GF 6 ice cubes 2 ripe bananas 1 cup frozen diced mango 1 cup coconut water 1 cup vanilla honey yoghurt TO SERVE 2 fresh pineapples, halved and hollowed out to fit a glass Cocktail umbrellas, straws and edible flowers 1 Place the ice in the blender and top with bananas, mango, coconut water and honey yoghurt. 2 Whizz or blend until smooth and creamy. Serve in glasses…

Let’s face it, we’ve been eating sprouts since forever, but when you hear just how power-packed these crunchy critters are, you’ll be wanting to jam them into every meal. Fibre for toxin removal and fat breakdown? Check. More vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids than stock-standard fruit and veg? Check. Cost-effective? Check! Read on to find out more. BABY MUNG SPROUTS Mung beans lead the pack when it comes to popularity as they are the most consumed sprout on the planet. They contain calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and niacin which helps keep your cholesterol in check, as well as vitamins A, the B-group, C, E and K. ADZUKI SPROUTS Robust, meaty and sweet, adzuki sprouts are the perfect vegetarian topping for nachos or Mexican rice dishes. Packed with…

Cooking with fish can sometimes fall by the wayside, in favour of poultry or other meat dishes. And we get it! With so many fish in the sea, it can be daunting trying to figure out which fish goes best with which dish. Here, we’ve cooked up some simple steps for baking, searing and eating raw – so you can get the best out of your seafood selection this summer. RAW – It’s essential to select very fresh fish when eating it raw or partially cooked. We used snapper in this recipe because of its tender, flaky texture, but tarakihi or gurnard also work well. The citrus juice and vinegar ‘cook’ the fish, turning it opaque – and the thinner you slice it and the more juice you cover it…

It’s that time of year when it’s too hot to cook and cravings kick in for fresh, juicy ingredients. If you planted tomatoes and basil in your garden earlier this season, you should be reaping the rewards by now. These simple recipes – from smoky tomato bruschetta to plum and basil granita – make the most of their fresh flavours and will keep you cool through summer. · Tomatoes · Nothing beats the taste of sweet late-summer tomatoes. This simple bruschetta combining tomato and basil – with some locally made Il Casaro mozzarella for a little protein – is a winner. Smoky tomato bruschetta Ready in 25 minutes | Makes 12-15 pieces (serves 4-5) BASE Large sourdough loaf 1 clove fresh garlic, halved ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (a fruity…

“Turn your idea into a business” – Rob Fyfe The success of a business is not ‘the idea’. I am surrounded by people with great ideas and as soon as you bring the business to market, everyone can see the idea. Success comes from being able to turn that idea into a profitable business and that’s all about identifying sustainable sources of competitive advantage (something that can’t be easily replicated), operational excellence, and your ability to engage and inspire customers and prospective employees. “Understand what’s profitable” – Sarah Gibbs It is imperative to focus on your profitability. That means asking yourself whether something you do will give you a return worthy of your investment. That may seem like a basic concept but working with small businesses and start-ups…

Dear Dr Kv Our cat Ruby is always getting into the cot with our son Maclin. How do we discourage her from doing this? – Jennie, via email Dear Jennie It’s often said that cats train us but that’s usually because their patience outlasts ours. If we persevere, they finally budge. You may need to try restricting access during the training period or as a stand-alone method. Ideas include shutting the room door and using a video baby monitor; restricting Ruby to a different part of the house, especially at nap, night or alone times; or using a crib tent. The more rigid crib tents keep climbing toddlers in and help keep cats out, but be wary of the flimsy, draped-mosquito-net versions as they are not strong enough to keep…

1 Chop off the stem end then turn the onion over onto the chopped end and slice it in half, straight through the root. 2 Peel off the paper skin and the first layer of the onion, with the root of the onion still attached. 3 Slice the onion lengthways, right up to the root (without cutting through the root). 4 Cut the onion horizontally, stopping just short of the root. Cut once through the middle for a rough chop, and up to three times if you want fine dice. 5 Then chop across the onion, with the knife parallel to the root. Voilà!…

When you think of Queenstown, your mind probably goes straight to the 43-metre-high bungy on the historic Kawarau Bridge, the jet boats that soar across the Shotover River at heart-pumping speed, and the plethora of mountainous peaks ready to be conquered. But there’s another side of Queenstown that’s equally as appealing – just with less adrenaline. It’s the side of this small but thriving tourist town that boasts world-class restaurants and hotels, meandering riverside walks, quaint hole-in-the-wall bars and inviting wineries for whiling away hours in the afternoon sun. It was with relaxation, eating and exploring in mind that the NADIA team hit Queenstown for 48 hours, ready for fun and determined to discover as many delights as we could in the time. Feasting on local fare was at the…

1 Honest Coffee Company compostable coffee pods, $9.50 a pack, from honestcoffee.co.nz. 2 Ārepa caffeine-free drink, $6.99, from drinkarepa.com. 3 Mama Body Tea morning wellness tea, $18, from thebabybag.co.nz. 4 Mac’s Brewhouse lemon & barley sodas, $6.99 for four, from supermarkets. 5 Devonport Chocolates white chocolate with raspberry, $12.90, from devonportchocolates.co.nz. 6 Blue Frog zesty orange syrup, $14, from bluefrogbreakfast.co.nz. 7 Lumojo honey, $38 set of three, from lumojo.com. 8 Sacred Springs dry gin, $77, from dancingsands.com. 9 Three Peaks manuka honey, $160, from threepeaksnz.com. 10 Nutra Organics velvet latte, $24.95, from naturalthings.co.nz. 11 The Natural Beverage Company lemon & lime drink, $2.99, from supermarkets. 12 Akarua Rua Pinot Rosé, $24, from supermarkets and wine retailers. 13 Moa Tripel Savvy 2016, $9.99, from moabeer.com. 14 Maison Therese old-fashioned apple chutney,…

True self-love, and the ability to love others, is found by accessing the stillness and peace within oneself. This stillness is present inside us all but is usually obscured by thinking. However, this deeper intelligence cannot be known through thinking, analysing, judging or worrying. Thinking tends to dominate our lives, and bodily communications – such as sensations, feelings, emotions, aches, pains and tiredness – are frequently ignored or dismissed instead of being interpreted as vital sources of information. Our thoughts are shaped by individual experiences and are far from the truth about ourselves and others, yet our tendency is to take them as gospel. Thoughts go off on tangents, creating stories, most often with unhappy endings. This can breed self-hatred, anxiety, depression, ill health, relationship issues and more. TRY THIS…

Manuka honey mask This golden gloop is deceptively good. As well as being excellent for your health, manuka honey makes an amazing face mask. It draws moisture to the outer layers of the skin, reducing dryness and creating softness that lasts for days. Its anti-inflammatory properties help with redness and its natural antibacterial ingredients can assist in treating acne and infections. 1 Spread a tablespoon of honey onto your clean, damp face and leave for as long as possible. 2 Rinse off with warm water. Oat milk and Epsom salts bath This makes the perfect mini retreat or a great weekly ritual. When soaked, oats release a silky, cloudy milk that softens and soothes dry, red or itchy skin. It’s an amazing home remedy for eczema. Add in some muscle-relaxing…

“Everyone works best when they’re in their happy place and that may well not be in an office. Wherever you are happiest is where you will do your best thinking and be your most creative and productive. If you feel like working outside for a change, and your workplace is flexible enough, do it! If you have less flexibility, talk to your boss about incorporating elements of this idea into your day. You could try holding walking meetings, brainstorming in the park or writing up an important document from home.” – Nadia…

“It’s been hard to keep up with cooking when I can’t spend as long on it. But with Express Bag I’m more organised so I can still cook gorgeous meals without it taking up too much of my time – or sanity!” As a working mum with twin girls, life for Amy Madden can be hectic. So being organised is key. The launch of the Express Bag has been a game-changer for Amy. She still enjoys the pleasure of cooking and learning new skills, but the pre-chopped veges, ready-made sauces and ingredients ready to throw into the pan mean she can have a nutritious dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. And it’s been ideal for getting the twins to try different meat and veges. 66% OF MY…

Sweet, juicy and plentiful at this time of year, corn (also known as maize) is a wonderfully versatile vegetable – you can eat it raw in salads, char it on the barbie, purée it for dips, bake with it, and much more. These delicious little recipes give a taste of the possibilities and are perfect for lunch, picnics and gatherings. Classic corn fritters Ready in 20 minutes | Makes about 8 | GF 2 cups cooked fresh sweetcorn kernels 2 eggs, separated ½ cup white rice flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 spring onion, finely sliced Small handful baby spinach, finely shredded Sea salt ¼ cup rice bran oil, for frying TO SERVE  Mashed avocado, sour cream, strips crispy prosciutto, sweet chilli jam 1 Place cooked corn in medium bowl,…

“The light, fresh and spicy flavours of this traditional Mexican salsa pair perfectly with the crunch of the Oat Thins and cooling dollops of ricotta.” Spicy pico de gallo with ricotta Served with Huntley & Palmers Pumpkin, Sunflower & Chia Oat Thins. Picnic weather is coming, and what goes better with sunshine and blue sky than crackers and salsa washed down with an icy drink! The light, fresh and spicy flavours of this traditional Mexican salsa pair perfectly with the crunch of the Pumpkin, Sunflower & Chia Oat Thins and cooling dollops of ricotta. 500g vine tomatoes, seeded, chopped 1 cup chopped shallots ½ cup coriander, roughly chopped ¼ cup fresh lime juice 2 small cloves garlic, minced 1-2 red chillies, deseeded and chopped 1 small tub ricotta, to serve…

Whether it’s a full meal with a protein hit (hello, haloumi) or a side dish for a summer barbecue, it’s hard to beat a fresh, crunchy salad. Here Nadia serves up a colourful twist on the classics with her favourite in-season fruit and vegetables. Herby potato, pea & egg salad Ready in 25 minutes | Serves 6 | GF Everyone needs a simple, tasty potato salad for a summer barbecue. 800g baby potatoes, cut in half (or quarters if larger) 4 eggs 1½ cups peas (fresh or frozen) 2½ Tbsp capers, chopped ⅓ cup finely diced gherkins ½ cup finely chopped parsley ½ cup torn mint leaves ¼ cup chopped chives DRESSING 1 tsp Dijon mustard* ⅓ cup mayonnaise* 1½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 Bring a large pot of…

Turn up the heat on Mexican-inspired meals by adding one of Nadia’s favourite condiments – chipotle. This fiery red, yet only mildly spicy, sauce is made from smoke-dried jalapeno peppers and gives dishes a delicious, earthy flavour. Spice up your life with these quick and tasty recipes. Olé! 1 Hot chipotle bean dip Ready in 30 minutes | Makes 1 cup | GF 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, finely diced 1 clove garlic, finely diced 400g can black beans, drained ¼ cup chipotle sauce* ¼ cup water 1 large vine tomato, finely diced ½ cup grated smoky cheddar cheese 1 red chilli, finely diced 2-3 sprigs coriander Corn chips and vegetable crudités, to serve 1 Heat oil in a medium frying pan and sauté onion and garlic over…

Robyn’s apricot sauce Great with any white meat. 1.5kg pitted apricots, chopped 2 medium onions, sliced 1 Tbsp salt ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp ground ginger ¼ tsp ground cloves ½ tsp ground pepper 2 cups white sugar 2 cups white or cider vinegar 1 Place fruit, onions and salt in saucepan and simmer until juice runs from fruit. 2 Add spices, pepper, sugar and 1 cup of the vinegar. Cook until fruit is mushy. 3 Purée mixture in a blender. 4 Return to pan, add remaining vinegar and simmer until mixture reaches the consistency of pouring cream. 5 Store in sterilised bottles. Top apricots Rob and Catherine Nichol are completely immersed in orchard life. The couple live on-site at their orchard in Bay View, just north of Napier,…

WELL-THY WORKSHOP What love and happiness mean to you, and how to harness a positive spirit. NEW-SEASON PRODUCE The autumn harvest is here, so we’re cooking up some heart-warming dishes with eggplant, pumpkin and capsicum. BREAKFAST FOR A CAUSE We invite some friends around for a delicious feast and support a worthy cause, too. LOCO FOR COCOA With Easter on the horizon, it’s time to prepare your sweet tooth for some decadent chocolate delights and find out more about our local chocolate makers. ON SALE 3 APRIL…

Make your own bases with Nadia’s winning recipe: Homemade pizza bases Ready in 1 hour | Makes 4 250ml lukewarm water 1 Tbsp active dried yeast 1 tsp sugar 450g high-grade flour 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp salt 1 To make the pizza dough, put the water in a mixing bowl and add the yeast and sugar. Stir gently. Stand in a warm place until the yeast has dissolved and the mixture is frothy. Mix well. 2 Place the flour, olive oil and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the yeast mixture and mix well to form a dough (note: there may be some leftover flour in the bowl once you’ve formed the dough; this is fine). Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then…

Hi Nadia I would just love to say that your cookbooks and magazine are amazing. I use them most nights (or take inspiration from them). However, I am allergic to onion which, let’s face it, sucks! I can eat chives and the green tops of leek and spring onion but not the whites. I currently just omit the onion from recipes. I was wondering if the greens of leek would work just as well as a replacement for onion or if there was something else that you can recommend as a substitute? – Sarah, via email Hi Sarah Thank you for your compliment – that’s awesome to hear! I know that quite a few of my savoury recipes use onion. If you can eat shallots (which are very similar to…