So cheesy. By Nina Tucker
For six years running, my better half and I have marked Valentine’s Day with easy, cheesy, homemade pizzas. We make the dough, shape it into hearts, and cover it with our preferred toppings. It’s so simple yet so special – an incredibly intimate date night activity and dinner in one. INGREDIENTS 2 tsp […]
Apricot tarte tatin
Golden, sticky and best enjoyed warm, this apricot tarte tatin captures a Canterbury summer at its sweetest – sun-ripened fruit, long evenings and just enough indulgence. INGREDIENTS 6–8 ripe apricots, halved, stones removed 1/2 cup sugar (white or light brown) 50g butter 1 tsp vanilla Optional twist (choose one): lemon zest or thyme […]
Super easy square truffles: Mind Your Temper
Has all this talk of chocolate inspired you to try making your own at home? Mind Your Temper chocolatier Nel Vincencio says this is the easiest recipe he knows for beginners. INGREDIENTS • 250g 70% dark chocolate • 1 Tbsp coconut oil • 75ml liquid (water, cream, coconut milk, or almond milk) METHOD […]
Mike Pero’s protein-packed brekky bowl
Entrepreneur, businessman, and family man Mike Pero took his cholesterol into his own hands after a heart health scare. He eats clean and with purpose from Monday to Friday, sharing one of his favourite ‘ritual’ recipes – this chia protein breakfast bowl. INGREDIENTS 2 dessert spoons chia seeds 1 tsp pumpkin seeds 1 […]
The 5-minute feel-good bowl
Ready to nail your health goals in 2026? This superfood salad does the trick. Local holistic wellness coach and yoga teacher Alex Ballagh shares this salad recipe with a detox dressing. “I give this recipe to most of my private clients because it’s so good. The rocket and lemon support the liver and […]
Choc-dipped almond and pepita bars
A healthy pick-me-up snack for taking to work or popping in the kids’ school lunchbox, these gluten-free nutty bars deliver a fix of healthy fats and a sustained energy boost. INGREDIENTS – Makes: 16 | Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 30 mins 1 cup white sesame seeds 1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin […]
NZ greenshell mussels in coconut broth
Like most seafood dishes, mussels are best prepared simply, with a flavourful broth for dipping. INGREDIENTS 20 greenshell mussels, scrubbed with beards removed 1 Tbsp oil 3 spring onions, sliced 1 large garlic clove, crushed 1/2 a red chilli, seeded and finely chopped 1 cup coconut cream 1/2 cup of water (more for […]
Pairing wine & seafood
You’ve probably heard the old saying, ‘white wine with white meat, and red wine with red meat’ but what kind of wine should you pair with fish or shellfish? Summer is the perfect time for seafood, and in New Zealand, we enjoy an incredible bounty of kaimoana from cod to crab and everything […]
Bach-cooking: pan-fried cod
What says Kiwi summer more than pan-fried cod (or any fresh catch) with courgettes and creamy baby potatoes on the side? INGREDIENTS 4 thick blue cod fillets, sustainably wild-caught 500g new baby potatoes, sliced or whole 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock 4 Tbsp olive oil 4 courgettes, thickly sliced Zest of 1 […]
Rasberry Cardamom Frozen Yoghurt
Tart raspberries blended with creamy Greek yoghurt, a whisper of rosewater, and the gentle warmth of cardamom, this frozen yoghurt from the latest book by Cantabrian Kate William, Floral Abundance, is a beautiful finish to a summer meal or a refreshing afternoon treat. INGREDIENTS – SERVES 8 2 cups frozen raspberries 2 cups […]
