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 – […]

Charcuterie

Warm weather and a drink and nibble in the sun. Bliss. A grazing platter, or charcuterie board, is the ideal appetiser for relaxing or entertaining. Here’s your guide to the perfect platter – the five key elements to effortlessly assemble and arrange yours. The beauty of platters is that they are fully customisable […]

Magic slice

An easy and delicious slice from the gorgeous new Beautiful Baking book by Sue Heazlewood. INGREDIENTS Makes 16 pieces 250g plain biscuits, blitzed 170g butter, melted 1 cup chocolate chips 1 cup dessicated coconut 1 cup dried cranberries 3/4 cup slivered almonds 395g can sweetened condensed milk METHOD Preheat the oven to 190°C […]

Spritz up your spring!

With just four ingredients, this strawberry limoncello spritz is simple and easy – a spring staple. Add two tablespoons of strawberry puree and ice to a wine glass. Next, add 60ml of Ali’s Lemons limoncello and stir. Finish by filling the rest of the glass with Prosecco, almost to the top, leaving room […]

Pomegranate punch

This quinoa and pomegranate salad recipe is perfect for spring events, Christmas celebrations, and beyond. INGREDIENTS 200g tri-coloured quinoa 75g kale 1/3 cup Pepper & Me Long Lunch Dressing (or balsamic vinaigrette) 2 oranges 1 handful fresh mint 100g pomegranate arils 1 tsp Pepper & Me Man Grind Flakes 100g feta METHOD Boil […]

Cottage cheese & spinach bake

From her third cookbook Seasoned, foodie and chef Cherie Metcalfe’s cottage cheese and spinach bake has a high level of protein and an equally high level of yum – a staple when on an end-of-year health kick between events. INGREDIENTS 600g frozen spinach 6 eggs 500g cottage cheese 1/3 cup grated parmesan 1 […]

Escape the race: The Pedal Pusher

Relax. Unwind. Recharge. Break free of the daily demands and incessant hustle. Easier said than done, right? Here’s a tip: head to The Pedal Pusher Rolleston – a contemporary gastro pub grounded in the values of slowing down. Inspired by the journey on wheels or through life, this is your place to pause, […]