Smooth, velvety and eggy

If life gives you lemons, make lemon curd. A delicious way to use surplus lemons, it’s also great for using up egg yolks left over from making meringues and pavlovas. Here are a couple of options (see also a third method on the following page). Microwave lemon curd – Ingredients 1 cup granulated […]

A space for celebrations: Sprig + Fern Merivale

When the holidays near, an after-work drink, or meal out with friends, family, or colleagues no longer needs justification, because it’s Christmas. Sprig + Fern Merivale shows no signs of stopping when it comes to creating exciting, tailored celebrations. A favourite of theirs is Football Shirt Sundays, which can be “exceedingly busy” according […]

Homemade chocolate truffles

Making your own creamy chocolate truffles could not be easier. Add a bit of butter to make them extra creamy. Ingredients 225g of 70% dark chocolate 2/3 cup cream 1 Tbsp softened butter 1 Tsp pure vanilla essence Method Warm the cream, and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let the cream and […]

Devilishly good pickles: Gordons Pickles

Someone once said, “Good pickles are crisp, enduring and devilishly hard to make”.   That person clearly had not met the team at Gordon’s Pickles. They are passionate experts on pickles of all shapes and flavours, from sliced and whole gherkins with dill, or chilli and honey, to traditional pickled onions. One of […]

Fruity wee salads

Fruit is a welcome ingredient in many salads, and we’re not just talking desserts. Fresh, frozen, or even tinned, many fruits add extra dimensions to time-honoured savoury vegetable salads. A classic example is a Waldorf salad with apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts. Variations include using dried fruits, such as raisins and dates. Fresh […]

A honey of a café: Spring Bank Honey

Like bees to pollen, nectar aficionados are heading to North Canterbury’s specialist honey café. Wanting to share some of its uniquely curated honey, much of it destined for international markets, Springbank Honey established ‘The Hive’ a café and shop for locals. “To enjoy beautiful coffee and food, and have the opportunity to experience […]

Asian-inspired barbecue fish skewers: United Fisheries

Ingredients 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil 2 Tbsp light brown sugar 1 Tsp ground turmeric 1 Tbsp Thai fish sauce 1/3 cup, coconut cream 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 Tbsp grated root ginger 1/2 Tsp red chilli oil, 2 Tbsp chopped dill 1-2 red peppers, sweet 480g salmon fillet, skinned, cut into 2cm chunks […]

Make it to the markets

Fresh vegetables and fruit lie at the heart of any good meal. They’re the base for every delicious kitchen creation. The benefits of fresh, locally grown produce are obvious. It feels great to know you’ve reduced your plastic consumption and carbon footprint, while enjoying food full of flavour. It’s not just your tastebuds […]

Bring your friends together: Three Elements Chinese Restaurant

When dining out is a fun-filled celebration lasting all night long, the memories endure. Agreat night starts with trying new authentic tastes, singing, laughing, and being entertained by your favourite people. Three Elements Chinese Restaurant is more than a delicious dining experience. The upstairs dining area includes a children’s play zone, a pool […]

Summer salad days

Fresh, colourful, and full of goodness, salads are a quick way to dress up brunches, lunches, and dinners. From full-on greens to rainbow coloured offerings, salads include a few basic ingredients, then the rest is up to the creator’s imagination. Lettuce is a popular starting point, yet spinach, rocket, watercress, and basil are […]