The New Zealand Pressure Cooker Cookbook by Lisa Loveday

Pressure cookers are right back in fashion. But luckily they are no longer the scary hissing monsters that were around in the seventies which were prone to spurt soup all over the ceiling. The new generation Pressure Cookers have several safety features that will release the pressure if it builds up too high, so no [...]

Celebration Cupcakes for a Royal Wedding Party

On the eve of the Royal wedding we’re planning a girls’ night out: bling, tiaras, champagne and a royal wedding cake. Actually it won’t be an exact replica of either of the two Royal birthday cakes being created for this very special event. The first, a regal multi-tiered brandy soaked fruitcake that Kate helped to [...]

Pizzas: Easy, Healthy and Tasty.

Right now we’re all craving comfort food so this week it’s been home made pizza. I hadn’t made one for ages. But it’s worth reviving the art as they are so easy to make and serve. Simply hand the slices out on paper towels. Pour a glass of wine and you’re done. For inspiration I [...]

The perfect cake for Valentine’s Day

I have just baked a luscious chocolate and blueberry cake, perfect for Valentine’s Day. But it would also be great for weddings, birthdays or other special occasions. It’s one of those rich, dense chocolaty cakes that are simply irresistible! The blueberries are a special surprise. Don’t let the idea of grated zucchini put you off. [...]

Healthy family, Happy family

Before the school year starts it is well worth reading Healthy Family, Happy Family by nutritionist and Mum of two Karen Fischer for some great ideas and sound advice on how to entice your kids into eating what’s good for them. For example there’s a whole month of healthy lunchbox suggestions and shopping lists to [...]

What’s up at the Great Ponsonby Arthotel?

I dropped into the Great Ponsonby Arthotel this morning to chat to Sally James and Gerry Hill to find out what a Boutique Lodging is, a style of accomodation I know very little about. It’s a charming little hotel which was once a historic old Ponsonby villa and has been renovated to accomodate 11 guests. [...]

Organic Delights for Christmas

This morning the tuis in the trees outside our house woke us up bright and early so I decided to avoid the Christmas rush and do an early vegie shop at IE Produce in Takapuna. I got there too early and the doors were still shut! But outside I happened to meet Pascal from Organic [...]

Julie Le Clerc’s new cookbook: Made By Hand

Thanks to her clever op shopping Julie Le Clerc’s Made by Hand is a very stylish book to look at. Over the years she has collected lots of charming old table ware, kitchen utensils, pre loved tablecloths and napkins and has used them to great effect in her food styling. But in my mind there [...]

A great place to visit: Nikau Cave

Just a few pics of a weekend staying at Nikau Cave in Waikaretu, lots of sunshine, great hospitality and a lovely natural environment to go walking in. You can find them at http://www.nikaucave.co.nz

Sprouting in Movember

It’s Movember again, when men are encouraged to talk about the fact that they can – and do – get depressed, and are prone to diseases which are unique to them, such as prostrate cancer. I’m proud of my rellies and friends who are joining in, and whose hairy upper lips are evidence that they [...]

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