Table of contents for December - January 2017 in Nadia

We had such amazing feedback from the first issue (a huge, heartfelt thanks, by the way) – and I reckon this issue is even better. It’s not hard to cram a magazine full of deliciousness, adventure and fun when it’s this time of year. Summer is here (yippee!) and Christmas and the holidays are just around the corner. Lots of you are getting a My Food Bag Christmas bag this year, so I decided to complement the traditional roast turkey, ham and other classic recipes with some more ‘unconventional’ ones – check out page 30 for a delectable Middle Eastern feast that would be perfect for a laidback festive lunch or dinner. I’d feel I was cheating you if there was no dessert section in this issue – I’m sure…

1 Shells, $17.99 a bag, from Freedom. 2 Pineapple plate, $9.95, from Freedom. 3 Sunny Life beach bat and ball, $129.90 a set, from summersupply.co.nz. 4 Rebel Kitchen kid’s banana mylk, $3.99, from naturalthings.co.nz. 5 Kid’s roundie towel, $79.95, from Adairs. 6 Kollab stainless steel bottle, $39.99, from Alex & Corban. 7 Visor, $140, from thebrimlabel.com. 8 L’Occitane Aromachologie revitalizing fresh sun protection mist, $39. 9 Peg Creative acrylic popsicles, $57 for three, from themarketnz.com. 10 Pure Fiji lemongrass insect repellent, $12. 11 Boules set, $99, from Freedom. 12 Moroccanoil dry shampoo, $44.50. 13 Charlotte Olympia for Havaianas jandals, $60, from havaianasstore.co.nz. 14 Cotton On Home tumbler, $6.95, from Cotton On.…

SHARE THE JOY Try to think of those without the means to celebrate Christmas or who are unable to take a holiday this year. Find out if your neighbours, local food bank, rest home or hospital would appreciate food, presents or even visitors. If you are thinking of donating to the Auckland City Mission, the most useful items are non-perishable food, including Christmas treats, money to help run the charity’s services (you can donate at becomesomeonesangel.co.nz), and unwrapped gifts for older children or adults. Don’t forget that Christmas isn’t the only time to give to charity – have a think about ways you can connect with your community throughout the year ahead. Make it count Try to think of meaningful presents to give Try for items that won’t get thrown…

HOW TO LEAVE A LONG, BORING CONVERSATION Everyone has the office punisher who just wants to talk and talk, while behind them you can see your workmates having a blast. How do you get away from them? Always the toilet card – nobody, even in the middle of a conversation, will stop you from going. Then avoid them for the rest of the night. HOW TO STAY ‘APPROPRIATE’ AT A WORK PARTY Sparkling water between each drink (people think it’s vodka and won’t ask why you’re on the water). No shots! And, if your brain tries to tell you it’s a great idea to talk to the boss about things that are annoying you, remember, it’s NOT. BEST MESS-FREE PARTY FOOD TO BRING Club sandwiches – the cucumber, cream cheese…

Now is the time when we start to think about the new year ahead and in what ways we’d like it to be different from the last. Maybe we’d like to give up sugar, be more organised or leaner. Have you made resolutions like that before? Have you ever struggled to achieve them? I’m guessing yes! I bet you’re full of enthusiasm for at least a week before losing your way and feeling… well, like a failure. That’s why I say: resolutions shmesolutions. They just don’t work. I’m not against setting goals. After all, without a target you’ll miss it every time. But if you’re going to stick to the changes needed to achieve your aim, the goal itself needs to be meaningful and specific to you, rather than generic…

Let's be honest. Christmas Day is not the day to be thinking about taking it easy on the food front. Over-indulgence is all part of the fun and, as we all know, there's a different stomach for desserts anyway, right? My idea of festive sweet treats involves lots of wow factor at the finish line and minimal effort behind the scenes. Don't believe me? Your guests won't either! I hope you enjoy making, decorating and eating these desserts as much as I did. Poached pear, salted caramel & hazelnut brown-sugar pavlova Ready in 2 hours plus at least 2 hours' cooling time | Serves 8-10 | GF This flavour combination is to die for. Adding brown sugar to the pavlova gives it a deeper, caramel flavour. And the best thing…

With sleigh bells jingling and plenty of occasions for mingling over the silly season, the last thing you want to feel is daunted by the prospect of hosting your own soirée. Make it easy on yourself by working with store-bought ingredients (especially of the pastry kind!) and dressing up fresh produce to its mouth-watering best. Feta & onion borek Ready in 45 minutes | Makes 36 2 Tbsp olive oil 300g onions (about 3 medium), halved and sliced 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus a few extra to garnish 9 large sheets filo pastry 3 Tbsp melted butter 50g parmesan, finely grated 170g feta 90g quince paste or other fruit paste 1 Tbsp manuka honey, to serve 1 Preheat oven to 180°C fanbake. Line an oven tray with baking paper.…

HOME HELP Hang lavender in your airing cupboard to dry out. The bunches will fragrance the linen and deter moths. Lavender Lavender is a common garden plant and is also often used in public areas by local councils. Bring the outside in by placing bunches of the purple-flowered stems throughout your home or spritzing lavender-infused water onto your pillows to help you drift to sleep. Try making this natural lavender spray to use on bedlinen and cushions, or anywhere in need of a little delicious fragrance. Lavender water Ready in 15 minutes plus soaking time | Makes 1 cup About ¼ cup fresh lavender buds 1 cup boiling water 2 Tbsp witch hazel or vodka 1 spray bottle 1 Place flower buds in a small bowl. Pour over the boiling…

Wherever you travel in New Zealand, there’s always inspiration to be found. Shell-sprinkled sandy beaches, rocky mountain peaks and lush green native bush are never far away and have the ability to fill our souls with a spine-tingling sense of nostalgia. Dulux has taken this feeling and bottled it with its unique Dulux Colours of New Zealand› range. Here the NADIA team share their favourite Kiwi destinations and show how to bring that sense of adventure into the home with colour. ~ WHANGAMATA ~ Lucy Slight Associate editor No matter what time of year you visit Whangamata, it’s a place that’s always full of colour with a vibrant spirit that’s completely contagious. I love sifting around Garuda Clothing & Jewellery for cheap incense and trinkets, and spending a lazy morning…

My Food Bag co-founder Cecilia Robinson is a woman Nadia describes as “one of the most positive and enthusiastic people I have ever met”. She’s not only an incredibly successful businesswoman who knows how to pull teams together, but a devoted mum to 4-year-old son Thomas and baby Leila. Nadia is inspired by the fact that Cecilia is a dedicated mum who’s kicking career goals left, right and centre. Here she shares some of the most valuable lessons she’s learnt from Cecilia – and Cecilia explains a little more about her approach to life and business. YOU DO ‘YOU’ Nadia: Cecilia taught me that it’s important to focus on what you’re best at doing. For me, it’s creating recipes and food content and staying ahead of food trends. Know what…

Hi Nadia I have just been reading NADIA, the magazine. To say I am enchanted and delighted would be an understatement. This is the most beautifully loving and positive magazine I have ever read! I know I will wait impatiently for each new edition to come out. A huge congratulations to you and your magazine staff. – Karen McArthur, via email Hi Nadia I know that you are probably inundated with messages from people. But this isn’t a question, more of a message to you, to say thanks so very much. You have changed my life. I recently moved in with two amazing women who are Nadia fans and who have turned me into a Nadia fan, too (within my first week of moving in, I bought all your cookbooks…

I decided to start waking again in the middle of the night for a few weeks straight, so Mum looks a bit like a zombie some mornings. But, hey, I could be worse. I mean, this tooth thing is pretty annoying… why don’t they just hurry up and pop up already? Mum tried giving me teething rings and they were okay but then one day she gave me some cold cucumber sticks – and they worked a treat! They’re so nice and cool on my gums and make them feel much better. Cold sticks of watermelon are pretty good, too. And they taste yummy – so refreshing. Remember last time I told you about how Mum was trying baby-led weaning and giving me whole pieces of food instead of just…

My then 10-year-old daughter wanted to make a cake, so she came to me to ask what self-raising flour was. Hubby was passing by and said, “Oh, you’ll have to use baking powder because we only have plain flour.” About 20 minutes later, I heard a shriek from the kitchen and then a panicked cry: “Mum! My cake is exploding in the oven.” We rushed into the kitchen to see her cake almost touching the roof of the oven. We asked what she had put in it and it turned out she had used baking powder instead of flour. Even the dog turned her nose up at it. – Diana Posthuma, via Facebook DO YOU HAVE A KITCHEN DISASTER? EMAIL IT TO US AT NADIA@BAUERMEDIA.CO.NZ…

The holidays are here, and there’s no better time to make the most of our beautiful country. One of Nadia’s top road trip tips is to use Google Maps to seek out secret spots, like this one she and Carlos stumbled across at Karikari Peninsula. If you’re planning on doing some exploring over the break, you’re sure to find some helpful hints (and more hidden holiday gems) in our ‘Happy Camping’ feature, plus we’ve rounded up loads of exciting events to keep the whole family entertained – wherever you may find yourself this summer.…

1 Peg Creative star, $59, from themarketnz.com. 2 Flavours of the East olive oil, $22, from Lot Eight. 3 Mouse decoration, $6.90, from Citta. 4 Christmas cracker, $69 set of six, from Father Rabbit. 5 Steinlager Tokyo Dry can, $3.99, from selected bars. 6 Bloomingville grater, $29.90, from Crave Home. 7 Star ornament, $7.99, from Alex & Corban. 8 Gift tag, $4.90 set of six, from Citta. 9 Tree ornament, $6.50, from Father Rabbit. 10 Instax Mini 8 camera in raspberry, $129, from fujifilm.co.nz. 11 Cazador: Game, Offal & the Rest, $68, from cazador.co.nz. 12 Christmas cards, $6.50 each, from studiosuedesigns.com. 13 Tray, $109, from Citta. 14 Salt and pepper mills, $89.99, from Russell Hobbs. 15 Cosmetics bag, $26.90, from Citta. 16 Candle snuffer, $34.99, from Alex & Corban. 17…

1 Weleda citrus deodorant, $25.90. 2 Matrix Biolage R.A.W nourish shampoo, $39. 3 Skin & Tonic body cleanser in You Little Beauties, $7.49. 4 Nivea lip butter in coconut, $4.99. 5 St Ives Even & Bright pink lemon & mandarin orange scrub, $9.99. 6 Essie nail lacquer in Berried Treasures, $22.99. 7 Linden Leaves Aromatherapy Synergy pick me up body oil, $29.99. 8 Clinique Happy gelato body cream, $69. 9 Korres Beauty Shots kiwi mild exfoliating scrub, $17, from Mecca Cosmetica. 10 The Body Shop pink grapefruit body scrub, $37.50. 11 Oasis Beauty Apple A Day SPF 25 facial moisturiser, $39.90. 12 Karen Murrell lipstick in Coral Dawn, $30. 13 Hurraw papaya pineapple lip balm, $7. 14 Olive pomegranate hand & nail cream, $17.95. 15 Radox Feel Energised shower gel,…

The commercialisation of Christmas leaves many of us feeling that in order to be good people, we have to make what we give others ‘bigger and better’. However, most of us know that when we receive gifts, it’s the intention which feels so much more valuable than the dollar value. In giving to others, think about the feeling you would like to communicate and see if you can match your giving (whether it is a kind deed or an object) with that value. And most importantly, remember that the art of giving to others sometimes needs to start with giving to yourself. In order to be able to keep up the value of giving throughout the year, it is important to give as much to yourself as you give to…

Keep it simple “My best tip, if you’re hosting Christmas Day, is to get My Food Bag’s Christmas bag – it’ll take any stress out of making food for the big day. Otherwise, writing a list of the dishes you’re making, and planning what you can prepare or cook in advance is key. Remember to keep it simple – a big bowl of strawberries and vanilla ice cream is as yummy as any flashy dessert. If you’re in charge of the food, make sure you get other people to do the drinks – there won’t be enough room in your fridge for both. And remember your sole aim for the day is to have fun – don’t put pressure on yourself to be perfect. If you’re making pavlova and it…

Those holiday blues A CHANGE IN ROUTINE, END-OF-YEAR FATIGUE AND THE PRESSURE TO CELEBRATE CAN LEAVE YOU FEELING LOW AND EVEN A LITTLE LONELY. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST NEIL MICKLEWOOD SUGGESTS MAKING A PLAN TO HELP DEAL WITH THESE EMOTIONS If you find yourself prone to the holiday blues, work out what may get you down and brainstorm ways to address these issues. Organising fun activities in advance means you will have a greater likelihood of sticking to plans. Find out what others are up to and see if you can join them, or look on social meet-up sites. A downtime plan is also useful when things get too busy. If you plan in advance, you are going to be less likely to over-commit yourself, and more able to keep pace with…

Spiced Lamb Lettuce Cups with Just Hummus roasted carrot & honey Makes 18 Prep Time (mins) 10 Cook time (mins) 20 500g lamb mince 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground allspice ¼ tsp dried mint ½ cup water 2 Tbsp tomato paste ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander 18 small lettuce leaves 175g tub Just Hummus roasted carrot & honey ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander for garnish 3 Tbsp toasted pine nuts Seeds of 1 pomegranate 1. Heat a dash of oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Add the lamb mince and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown. Add onion and garlic and cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cumin, allspice, mint,…

WHEN LIT, THE SPICED CANDLE JARS WILL FILL THE ROOM WITH A CHRISTMASSY SCENT Christmas is a special time of the year – and doubly so for children. The anticipation of Santa’s visit, gifts under the tree, the plethora of family flicks on the telly, and the school holidays stretching lazily ahead – they all help to amp up the high spirits. Harness this excitement by getting your youngsters to help decorate the house using these simple and creative ideas. Buckwheat gingerbread decorations for the tree Ready in 45 minutes plus chilling and cooling time | Makes about 24 | GF Hang these delicious, gluten-free cookies on the tree for a treat the whole family will enjoy (they make cute gifts, too). 175g butter, softened ¾ cup coconut sugar 1…

Smoothie bowl Ready in 5 minutes | Serves 2 | GF 1½ cups frozen mango pieces (find in the frozen section at the supermarket) 1 ripe banana ½ just-ripe avocado Juice 1 lime or ½ lemon 1½ cups almond or other milk (or 1½ cups cold water and 1 Tbsp almond butter) 1 cup chopped greens (eg spinach, kale), tough stalks removed Handful mint leaves 1 Place everything in a blender and blitz until smooth. 2 Pour into bowls or glasses and garnish with anything you like. I went with sliced strawberries, mint tips and chia seeds.…

Barbecue season is upon us, but this year why not impress your guests with something a little more exotic? My neighbour Mario is Chilean – and while he’s a dab hand in the kitchen (and on the pisco sours) I thought it was about time we had him, his wife, Jessie, and baby Diego over for a little South American-inspired feast at our place. Joined by our other friends Rosy and Guillaume, we cooked up a storm of ceviche, prawns, chilaquiles, slow-cooked churrasco and a whole lot more – with plenty of sangria for everyone, of course! Chilaquiles con pollo (fancy chicken nachos) Ready in 35 minutes | Serves 6 | GF Chilaquiles (pronounced ‘cheela-keeless’) are like fancy nachos without the melted cheese, and topped with salsa and queso fresco,…

Chris Wills is a family man. He lives and works on the Whangaripo Buffalo farm with wife Pam, daughter Annie and son-in-law Phil. He’s grandfather to two boys and plays mother to around 25 buffalo calves. Then there are the family dogs – Sergeant (an English toy terrier), Chopper (retired greyhound), Ulysses (German shepherd) and Red (an ancient huntaway). Read more about the farm, and its delicious produce, over the page.…

Buying a hydroponic strawberry farm wasn’t on Hannah Thomas and Clayton Morgan’s post-university agenda. But when Clayton’s father, Geoff, spotted one for sale near his Blenheim home, he immediately told the couple. Ten days later, the trio, along with Clayton’s mother, Annette, were the proud owners of Hedgerows. “Geoff knew I had a soft spot for strawberries,” laughs Hannah. (She eats them with ice cream for breakfast each year on her birthday and themed her 21st party around the berry.) “It’s like having 80,000 ICU babies. They can’t communicate with you so you have to think, ‘You’re looking brown, you need more calcium’” Having just completed geology and photography degrees in Wellington, Hannah and Clayton returned to Blenheim, where both of their families are based, to run the farm. First…

REBECCA’S TIPS FOR MAKING A BOLD MOVE: A good idea is equal parts creativity and cashflow. Don’t just pick a pretty font. Get a positive mentor, someone who encourages you to think things through but still keeps you feeling inspired. Deflated is not an emotion a start-up business can afford. Don’t just talk about it, do it. Nike nailed it with their slogan! Think bigger than just your competitors and be inspired by other businesses from around the world. There is nothing wrong with reworking someone else’s offering. Just make sure it reflects your brand value. What does it take to throw caution to the wind and start a business from scratch? Passion, determination and lashings of confidence. At least that’s what Lash Noir’s Rebecca Hutchinson had on her side…

Dear Dr Kv Last year I adopted two hens from the SPCA, both with very sparse feathers as, sadly, they had been neglected by their previous owners. One now has a lovely full coat of feathers, but those on the second hen just haven’t grown back. Is there anything you can suggest, or will she stay that way? – Fonteyn Smith, via email Dear Fonteyn It is lovely of you to have adopted some rescued feathered friends. The first thing we need to work out is whether the damage or loss was caused by the hen or her mates plucking out the feathers, or by disease, mites, worms, infections, allergies, lead or zinc toxicity, cystic ovaries, other organ-related problems, etc. External factors such as a nutritional imbalance, toxins (eg cigarette…

The Barossa Valley is beautiful at any time of year. Here’s what you’ll see through the seasons: Summer (Dec-Feb) The grape harvest begins, stonefruit ripens in the orchards, and paddocks turn from green to gold. Autumn (Mar-May) Enjoy field mushrooms, quinces, figs, apples and those magnificent sunsets. Winter (Jun-Aug) It’s pruning time in the vineyards, ripe olives are harvested for oil, and cosy fires take the chill off. Spring (Sept-Nov) Fruit trees covered in blossoms, grapevines in ‘budburst’, and a sea of yellow canola flowers. BAROSSA.COM…

1 Chocolate butter, $8.99, from Lewis Road Creamery. 2 Placemat, $19.90, from Citta. 3 Aotea blend coffee, $13.90, from Kokako. 4 Lighter Rosé, $17.29, from Stoneleigh. 5 CreativoNZ mini concrete orb, $20, from themarketnz.com, and certified organic blueberries, prices vary, from oob.co.nz. 6 New York Super Fudge Chunk ice cream, $12.99, from Ben & Jerry’s. 7 Plain cupuaçu chocolate, $12.50 each, from Wildness, and bamboo basket, $4.95, from Freedom. 8 Sachertorte Grand Cru capsules, $11.30 for 10, from Nespresso. 9 125+MGO manuka honey, $10, from Aotea. 10 Watermelon iceblocks, $3 each, from Nice Blocks (proceeds to Starship Foundation). 11 Christmas mince pies, $13.50 for four, from The Clareville Bakery. 12 Macarons, $38.50 for 12, from J’aime les Macarons. 13 Mandarin, lime & bitters fruit syrup, $6.99, from Hansells. 14 Fresh…

Christmas is a crazy time of year. It’s fun and festive, full of excitement and events, but it can also be hectic, emotional and rife with expectation. Add to that the over-indulgence that comes with the season and it can be hard to maintain healthy or mindful strategies. This time of year does, however, hold potential for growth, through giving to others, setting achievable goals for the year ahead and dedicating downtime to yourself. There are also opportunities to get active outdoors, and ways to have fun with the kids while taking a holiday yourself. Our hope is that through this well-thy workshop you can ease some of the pressure, and enjoy the social occasions, celebratory meals and family events with a side of sanity and joy.…

Is the silly season fun for you, or do you find the endless celebrations overwhelming? If large gatherings and parties drain you, you may be an introvert. It’s a common misconception that introverts are shy and extroverts are outgoing. The personality types actually refer to where you gain energy from. Introverts tend to prefer quieter environments and recharge by spending time alone, while extroverts gain energy from interacting with other people. Have a think about what personality type you might be – take the test at quietrev.com – and set some boundaries around your time this Christmas and New Year period. PEOPLE PRESSURE “The holiday season can mean more time spent with people than usual, and the pressure to have ‘a good time’. Tempers can shorten and people often drink…

MIX SMART What you mix your alcohol with can make a huge difference to the health impact. Sickly sweet mixers can leave you with a sugar hangover while adding heaps of calories and zero nutrients. Use soda water (tonic has as much sugar as cola) and add lemon, lime, mint or Angostura bitters. Healthier options such as vodka and soda or a dry white wine will reduce the negative effects as will buying good quality wine and beer. FILL UP FIRST Have a protein-rich meal when drinking to balance blood sugars. Also, drink 200ml water for every alcoholic drink and try to limit yourself to two per evening. If possible, use a normal-sized glass and avoid constant refills or top-ups. GOOD GUTS Some studies suggest alcohol affects bowel flora, upsetting…

Hopefully this doesn’t sound too nerdy, but every holiday period I’ll take time to think about the goals I’d like to achieve the coming year. I write these on a single piece of paper at New Year’s (to later pin to my bedroom wall), with the goal of achieving them by year end. The trick is taking time to boil it down to the two or three most important goals. This often takes a little time and contemplation. Don’t push it or let it be a distraction on your holiday – it should be a fun time for you to collect your thoughts and think about what changes or achievements you’d love to focus on. Having my goals written down is a constant reminder and a good motivation after the…

Nadia: On our first holiday with Bodhi, we were so nervous about the possibility of a screaming child on a long drive, and whether he would be able to sleep away from home. But it turned out okay – in fact, he loved the change of scenery, as did we. Here’s what we learned: Timing is important – plan your travel time around nap time. Take a blackout curtain (they’re $40 online). Some places you stay may have very light rooms – you never know what to expect. Pack in advance not right before leaving, or you will forget something! Allow extra time for everything. If you act as though you’re having fun (which hopefully you are), bubs will think it’s fun to be in this new place, too. Make…

Vibrant, colourful and full of fresh flavours, this Middle Eastern-inspired menu makes for a mouth-watering change to traditional Kiwi Christmas fare. Bursts of pomegranate, pistachio, harissa and dukkah will delight guests at this laidback, help-yourself lunch, with fruit and floral rosewater notes to round out the meal. Slow-roast tomato & baba ganoush canapés Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes | Serves 4-6 (makes about 18) SLOW-ROAST TOMATOES 1 punnet cherry tomatoes (red and/or yellow), cut in half Olive oil, for drizzling 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves TO SERVE 150-200g store-bought baba ganoush Crostini, lavash crackers or crispy pita chips 1 Preheat oven to 150°C. Line an oven tray with baking paper. 2 Arrange tomatoes, cut-side up, on lined tray. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar,…

Christmas cake is a simple way to share the special taste of the festive season. Cut into slices, wrap in waxed paper and give with love to your nearest and dearest. Whole fruit and nut cake Ready in 2 hours | Makes 1 loaf-sized cake which can be cut into 4 slabs for gifts ½ cup walnut halves ¼ cup pistachio kernels ¾ cup whole raw almonds ½ cup brazil nuts 150g mixed dried yellow or orange fruit – eg dried pineapple, mango, papaya, apricots 75g mixed dried dark red fruit – eg dried cherries or cranberries 75g crystallised ginger 75g green glacé cherries ¼ cup whisky 1 cup dried dates, chopped 1 cup sun-dried figs, chopped ¼ cup water 50g butter, softened ½ cup firmly packed soft brown sugar…

Nothing says Christmas like the scent of a beautifully glazed ham wafting from the oven. While dealing with a leg of ham may seem daunting, we assure you the process is actually very simple – and the result mighty impressive. Follow our step-by-step workshop for a gorgeous, succulent, citrus-glazed ham then flip the page for some handy ways to make the most of your leftovers. Happy holidays! Warm citrus-glazed ham for Christmas Ready in 1 hour 30 minutes | Serves 20-25 | GF Freedom Farms Champagne half ham 10 large oranges, well washed Long stems rosemary or fresh bay leaves 1½ cups water 200ml honey & whisky ham glaze (see page 45 for recipe) 1 Preheat oven to 160°C. Have ready a pack of toothpicks and some cook’s string. Remove…

It’s the same story every year… The Christmas festivities have come to an end and your fridge is packed full of leftovers. Instead of grazing on slices of ham or picking at the cheese platter for the next few days, why not give all that good food a new lease of life? These simple and tasty recipes will help reduce any food waste and keep the whole tribe happy with delicious meals before you have to head back to the food aisles. Mini shellfish fritters Ready in 30 minutes | Serves 6 as a snack (makes 12-15) 1 small red onion, finely diced 3 Tbsp finely chopped parsley 2 eggs, whisked ¼ tsp salt 1/8 tsp ground pepper ¾ cup chopped cooked shellfish, eg cockles, mussels or pipis 3 Tbsp…

“Buffalo are beautiful,” declares the Whangaripo Buffalo logo. And we’re convinced, too, after spending an afternoon exploring the two tranquil properties where the company’s artisanal cheese, milk, yoghurt and meat are produced – one at Dairy Flat, in north Auckland, the other in the lush Whangaripo Valley, east of Wellsford. The buffalo’s best ambassadors, though, are Annie Wills and her husband, Phil Armstrong, who run the company with Annie’s parents, Pam and Chris Wills. Their 95 water buffalo – a mixture of bulls, cows and calves – are cared for like the family’s own children, with the females lovingly referred to as “girls”. You may have tried the boutique farm’s distinctive cheeses at the Matakana Farmers’ Market, or at one of the stores or restaurants they supply, such as Orphans…

“Being Santa can be incredibly daunting. Putting on the black boots, red suit and red hat is a great responsibility – a tradition which has been going, in one form or another, for hundreds of years. Santa is instantly recognisable. From mall visits, to popping into hospitals and delivering gifts on Christmas Eve, you have a responsibility to uphold the Santa Oath (Google it, it’s a real thing; and yes, Santa uses search engines).” Pearls of wisdom Be kind to everybody. You don’t know what they are going through in their life. A smile costs nothing and can make a huge difference. I have learnt that things are not always as they seem. Fortunately, Santa is universal and multicultural. My most important duty is making children happy and keeping their…

Nadia’s chocolate, beetroot and orange cake – which is both gluten and dairy free – is getting a lot of love on Facebook this month. The beetroot makes the cake incredibly moist and gives it an earthy sweetness that tastes amazing with dark chocolate and a hint of orange. My 19-month-old played sous chef while we made your healthy chocolate brownie. What can I say! It was delicious and now it’s nearly gone. My new go-to for a fudgy brownie. – Shelley Pratt, via Facebook So the beetroot, choc and orange cake went down a treat tonight, served with Greek yoghurt. Even made little cakes for the kids’ lunch boxes. Thanks so much for the recipe. Love it. – Nadine McKane, via Facebook Hi Nadia. Your new chocolate, beetroot and…

Hi Nadia I don’t have any medjool dates and was wondering if I could use ordinary dried dates for my baking. Or won’t it work? – Hannah Hi Hannah Yes, you can use normal dried dates instead but just soak them in boiling water for a few minutes first. This plumps them up a bit and makes them more moist, like medjools. You need that little bit of moisture and stickiness to help the base ingredients stick together. Also, dried dates are normally smaller than medjools so you may want to double the quantity. Hi Nadia Just wondering if oats need soaking overnight. If so, is this to get rid of something on the outer layer of the oat that I was led to believe was toxic, or is it…

HONEYWRAP Created by three Kiwi mums on a mission to reduce waste; Honeywrap is your natural reusable alternative plastic. Keeping your food fresh and making your lunch look amazing. honeywrap.co.nz CHOCOLATE POST Chocolate Post – a natural passion. Our mission at Chocolate Post is to bring you New Zealand’s best artisan chocolates - in an online shop that you can access any time, anywhere! Ph: Miriam 027 242 0206 I Brett 027 211 8843 chocolateposted@gmail.com chocolatepost.co.nz A GOOD COOK’S KNIFE A good knife is your most essential kitchen tool. We stock every knife imaginable for chopping, dicing, carving, filleting and boning. In-store and online. chefscomplements.co.nz CHOCOLATE BOUTIQUE CAFÉ Indulge yourself or a loved one with exclusive handmade chocolates, rich hot chocolate, Italian Denso or a unique gift hamper. Open 11am…