Cabbage kimchi

Anyone who loves Korean food will be familiar with kimchi. Mild or fiery, it’s your choice depending on how much chilli you add. This is a basic recipe using cabbage, although other vegetables—such as carrots, capsicum, cucumber—may also be added. Ingredients: (makes 4 cups), Prep Time: 30-40 minutes 1 medium cabbage 1/4 cup sea salt […]

The richness of rumtopf

Numerous recipes exist for rumtopf (or rumpot as many call it). Mostly this fruity offering is made with fresh fruit, however I have found it superb for turning dried fruits, especially strawberries, into delicious dessert toppings. Use only first grade fruit, and if fresh wash and dry thoroughly as any water will cause fermentation. Ceramic […]

Rhapsody in blueberry

At their peak, and in subsequent abundance, you might have noticed blueberries adorning the many fruit stalls of Canterbury this season. Small but mighty, blueberries offer powerful health benefits. Antioxidant-rich, and filled with vitamins and fibre, they’re a healthy fruit to add to your five-plus-a-day diet. The versatility of blueberries means now is a great […]

A smooth start

Blueberry smoothie Ingredients: (makes 2-4 glasses) 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1 banana (frozen) 1 Tbsp honey 1/2 Tsp vanilla essence 2 Tbsp vanilla protein powder (optional) 1 cup spinach (optional) Method Add the milk to your blender, then the rest of the ingredients. Blend, starting on […]

Abundant apricot pie

As the apricot season nears its end, stock up on these delightful orange fruits and indulge in that tart stone-fruit flavour, in pie form. Ingredients 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 Tsp salt 1 cup butter 6 Tbsp water, or as needed Filling 1 cup white sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 Tsp ground cinnamon […]

Enjoy February’s finest: Crowne Plaza

Christchurch is a hub of celebration, love, and indulgence this February. Joining the celebrations is the Crowne Plaza Christchurch, kicking off festivities as a sponsor of the Lexus Urban Polo, with a Champagne Brunch on 10 February. “Enjoy a delightful morning feast and glass of opulence for a luxurious start to the day,” says marketing […]

Valentine’s Day pink negroni

Nothing screams Valentine’s Day more than a pretty pink glass filled with deliciously smooth flavours and heart-shaped ice cubes. Prepare as many tumblers as you desire for your partner, family, or friends, and celebrate Valentine’s Day accordingly with this divine pink negroni. Ingredients 40ml pink gin 40ml grapefruit or blood orange juice 30ml rosé vermouth […]

Flowers for food flaunting

Edible flowers and their trimmings are a simple way to add colour and charm to any dish. Edible is the key word here. Simply plucking a posy of pretty wildflowers is not the way to go. Many flowers are naturally poisonous, some will have been sprayed with chemicals and pesticides, or encountered toxic materials. Take […]

Cutting the mustard

New Zealand is a nation of DIYers, and many people like to make their own sauces, pickles, and condiments, such as mustard. Here’s a quick and easy recipe for making wholegrain mustard, ready in three days. Ingredients (makes one cup) 30g black mustard seeds 40g white mustard seeds 2 Tbsp honey 1 Tbsp white wine […]

Meet the brew crew: House of Hop

At a picturesque spot just outside of Geraldine, great food and fantastic beer go hand in hand, spilling over into an epic afternoon chill. PS you’re invited. Enjoy a deliciously refreshing ‘home away from home’ experience with the charm of family-owned-and-run restaurant and brewery, The House of Hop. This welcoming environment makes its own phenomenal […]