Love a duck: Phat Duck

Discover where Ashburton comes to unwind. The Phat Duck Brew Bar and Kitchen is Ashburton’s most happening hangout – a warm, welcoming space where great food, cold drinks, and good company come naturally. Whether you’re stopping in for a family meal, a casual catch-up with friends, or a refreshing beer after work, everyone’s […]

Taking the cake: Mandeville Street Kitchen

This little local gem in Riccarton is a popular hotspot for those seeking great coffee, delicious food, and a warm welcome… not to mention their in-demand homemade Christmas cakes. At Mandeville Street Kitchen in Riccarton, the festive season is well and truly underway – and that means one thing: Christmas cakes. Made by […]

Biscoff bash

Biscoff seems to be the trend that won’t go away, so foodie and chef Cherie Metcalfe decided she may as well lean into it. This Biscoff mousse recipe from her latest cookbook Seasoned invites all the party energy in glassware to suit the season. INGREDIENTS 315g white chocolate 5 egg yolks 100g Biscoff […]

Chocolate Rum Balls

Sue Heazlewood of Tangleby Gardens introduces a family Christmas favourite, these delightful chocolate rum balls from her latest cookbook, ‘Beautiful Baking’. INGREDIENTS – makes 20 balls 395g can sweetened condensed milk 250g plain sweet biscuits, crushed 1/2 cup desiccated coconut 1/2 cup dry milk powder 1/3 cup rum 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 […]

Baked Brie

A hot, melty wheel of brie is one of those things that will always go down well. From the ‘Seasoned’ cookbook, this recipe takes literally zero effort and everyone always goes wild for it. INGREDIENTS – Serves 4 | GF 1 wheel brie of your choice 70ml of your favourite honey and chilli […]

White Christmas slice

We’ll all be dreaming of a white Christmas with this mouth-watering festive treat. INGREDIENTS 500g quality white chocolate 1 1/2 cups rice bubbles 1/2 cup red glacé cherries 1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered 3/4 cup unsalted shelled pistachio nuts 1/4 cup sultanas and/or golden raisins 1 cup desiccated coconut For the topping: 1 […]

Rhubarb, raspberry & ginger strudel braid

A beautifully braided pastry, bursting with tart rhubarb, juicy raspberries and warming ginger, all wrapped in golden puff pastry with a sweet almond crunch. From Nadia Lim’s latest book, it’s an eye-catching dessert or morning-tea treat that’s easier to make than it looks. SERVES 6 to 8 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: […]

Roasted fresh: Coffee Worx

There’s a good reason why coffee lovers choose freshly roasted beans, the difference in taste is undeniable. When coffee is roasted, hundreds of unique flavour and aroma compounds are created, giving each cup its signature note –caramel, chocolate, berry, spice. However, these energetic compounds degrade over time. Exposure to air, moisture, and light […]

Shaking it up

Protein drinks are all the rage. Ready in a couple of minutes, tasty, and nutritious. Great for breakfast on the go. Protein drinks are increasing in popularity, valued for their convenience, rapid absorption, and low fat. Powdered protein from ingredients like hemp, whey, pea, soy, and more, are readily available in an array […]

Summer fun

What visions does the word ‘festival’ evoke? Sun. Warmth. Laughter. Flavour. Music. Joy. That’s all to come as the summer festival season in Christchurch kicks off in Hagley Park. Celebrating its fifteenth year, the South Island Wine & Food Festival on Saturday 6 December from 11.30am to 7pm has something for everyone – […]