tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66508599252062945202024-03-22T02:46:51.387+13:00Nihowera1. [verb] be extravagant with food.
2. [noun] generous host.Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-31578174564893822962007-10-16T19:49:00.000+13:002008-12-11T03:50:15.213+13:00Fausto Foods<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RxRfpAWa5_I/AAAAAAAAAak/xtbo_aZV-e4/s1600-h/fausto.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RxRfpAWa5_I/AAAAAAAAAak/xtbo_aZV-e4/s320/fausto.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121823834300409842" border="0" /></a>Isn't it a great idea to have freshly smoked fish delivered to your office by bicycle?!<br /><br />There are a couple of people in wellington who have a business doing just that - <a href="http://www.faustofoods.co.nz/">Fausto Foods</a>.<br /><br />I was lucky enough to try some of their products last Friday afternoon. The cold smoked salmon was great, I don't think I have had such fresh smoked salmon before, having only had it from a shrink wrapped packet probably put in there several weeks previously. The smoked mackerel was delicious, possibly the best tasting and textured smoked mackerel I have ever had.<br /><br />They have a great system (which I imagine has to be very well organised since they are both public servants too) of an email sent on Thursday detailing the fish that is available for delivery the next day. Of course, it all depends on what is caught that week.<br /><br />All the information you need to try them yourself can be found at their website - <a href="http://www.faustofoods.co.nz/">http://www.faustofoods.co.nz/</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Don't forget it is a long weekend this weekend and don't you need some <a href="http://www.faustofoods.co.nz/">good nibbles</a> on hand to have with that glass of wine when your friends pop in?!</span>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-36237267398980666162007-10-11T11:02:00.000+13:002008-12-11T03:50:15.490+13:00Organic Fuel<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://xkcd.com/282/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/Rw1MPAWa59I/AAAAAAAAAaU/J7FPXEbv4lk/s400/organic_fuel.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119832172065908690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">From </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://xkcd.com/">xkcd</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></span><br /></div>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-34442280966199694522007-10-09T19:11:00.000+13:002008-12-11T03:50:15.671+13:00Worm Farm<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RwsbzAWa56I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/V3DqEQWAtXg/s1600-h/wormfarm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119215964518016930" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RwsbzAWa56I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/V3DqEQWAtXg/s320/wormfarm.jpg" border="0" /></a> I have been on holiday for a month (lucky me!) and now I am back I have finally got a worm farm. <br /><br />I couldn't be happier to get worms!<br /><br />I have been struggling to make myself take the vegetable scraps to the compost bin which is up the garden steps behind the garage ; a bit of a hike, especially in winter. My solution has been to purchase a small worm farm that can live out the kitchen door next to the rubbish bin. Isn't that great!?<br /><br />I purchased my Can-o-Worms and the worms crucial to the process from <a href="http://www.pottsburyfarm.co.nz/id35.htm">Pottsbury farm</a> - so easy : a quick email, an easy transfer of money by internet banking and before I knew it I was a proud owner of a fully functional, convenient and rather attractive composting solution!<br /><br />Go on, you know you want worms too . . . !Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-25998202352702707622007-08-24T10:41:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:15.971+13:00Is that "Spring" I smell approaching?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IpeE4Bfm1UOJJzCKEREuYTvLx2_gEWqtUhgUbKkW36I48pee60no4JZ2hr6O46H29OTgYgrFfTqyKBHfZovqdle2-FR8I8Qcpa-Uzs14LFvwJ-GsBQSAatS7o1Ad_3BKsZSHBCkza20/s1600-h/sow+red+seeds.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IpeE4Bfm1UOJJzCKEREuYTvLx2_gEWqtUhgUbKkW36I48pee60no4JZ2hr6O46H29OTgYgrFfTqyKBHfZovqdle2-FR8I8Qcpa-Uzs14LFvwJ-GsBQSAatS7o1Ad_3BKsZSHBCkza20/s400/sow+red+seeds.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102044974977628898" /></a> With only days until the official start of Spring... it's time, if you haven't already, to start thinking about what delicious vegetables you'll be growing for Summer. <br />Whether you only have a small pad or several acres, there is always room for a few herbs, tomatoes and/or lettuces, even if they're just in pots on the deck.<br />A great place to start your planning is with <a href="http://www.kingsseeds.co.nz/">Kings Seeds,</a> you can order online or get them to send you a catalogue!Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07995114554382104340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-48240347310747089392007-08-17T16:06:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:16.690+13:00Country of Origin Food Labelling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqU-AJSGRG6CPdUyKJPYiFbK3_-CVnAaiHD8W-C9coCFd8sxCE7Jt4feuman1uxtWRTeCUdP4PLydA7KbOduPdV-Z7Zjp-pNXdDXr5s1Dh1TwT2P0VdW5sA6wJToMqgQJQXb3qRWkp8E/s1600-h/labelling.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqU-AJSGRG6CPdUyKJPYiFbK3_-CVnAaiHD8W-C9coCFd8sxCE7Jt4feuman1uxtWRTeCUdP4PLydA7KbOduPdV-Z7Zjp-pNXdDXr5s1Dh1TwT2P0VdW5sA6wJToMqgQJQXb3qRWkp8E/s400/labelling.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099520947251821218" /></a><br />Green MP Sue Kedgley is calling for mandatory country of origin labelling on all meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables and other single component, single product foods.<br />Do you care where your food originates? Do you read the labels looking for "Kiwi Made" or does brand and price rule what you put in your trolley?<br />Were you aware as a nation we are importing 1.5 million tonnes of food a year, including 149,462 tonnes of fruit, 32,207 tonnes of meat, and 39,996 tonnes of vegetables?<br />For more on this subject visit...<br /><a href="http://www.greens.co.nz/searchdocs/PR11065.html">http://www.greens.co.nz/searchdocs/PR11065.html</a>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07995114554382104340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-45105598989950742892007-08-17T15:55:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:17.207+13:00Chemical BPA in Baby Bottles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN2vVZhJraZdA4BACemLR1tuCIbUxunOZUpmazeT0y1HqWfE9D16oI7BUIUfCuVg_IMg_gaiYqUGfE__ZUiXjv5pn3YrYcmt-aHFP1izJiEU0tDZB5WeRmtH7BwKqc1tXVNdijYNQDkY/s1600-h/breastfeeding.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN2vVZhJraZdA4BACemLR1tuCIbUxunOZUpmazeT0y1HqWfE9D16oI7BUIUfCuVg_IMg_gaiYqUGfE__ZUiXjv5pn3YrYcmt-aHFP1izJiEU0tDZB5WeRmtH7BwKqc1tXVNdijYNQDkY/s200/breastfeeding.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099525624471206578" /></a><br />If you needed another reason on why breastfeeding is preferable...<br /><a href="http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/01262/bpa-baby-bottle.html">http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/01262/bpa-baby-bottle.html</a>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07995114554382104340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-72583737414434336312007-08-13T16:54:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:17.486+13:00Cuisine's Top 33<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBnnkVhsV_HhJCuaVaGe5yA-SxJqzuEfNWtJxpnR18oCKNPr09sWLkCFX0q_x_V13S-cCIZIuKvYR5RQOxak92FB8qOo7P-TAewgNbArD03a3KXxiS50fL8LK4JWiP370C6QJq3NyG4I/s1600-h/cuisinecover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBnnkVhsV_HhJCuaVaGe5yA-SxJqzuEfNWtJxpnR18oCKNPr09sWLkCFX0q_x_V13S-cCIZIuKvYR5RQOxak92FB8qOo7P-TAewgNbArD03a3KXxiS50fL8LK4JWiP370C6QJq3NyG4I/s400/cuisinecover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5099530082647259842" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.cuisine.co.nz">Cuisine Magazine</a> has just published their <a href="http://www.cuisine.co.nz/index.cfm?pageID=54081&r=7">33 Best NZ Restaurants of the year.</a><br />How many have you dined at?<br />What/where would be your picks?Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07995114554382104340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-14933465820060231722007-07-30T10:19:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:17.741+13:00Carlo Petrini<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RqLpucIG4CI/AAAAAAAAAXM/jD2KZ4v1KhQ/s1600-h/logo_testata.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RqLpucIG4CI/AAAAAAAAAXM/jD2KZ4v1KhQ/s400/logo_testata.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089887512915533858" border="0" /></a>The New Zealand Herald has a <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=300&objectid=10449456&pnum=0">story</a> about Carlo Petrini, the founder of the <a href="http://www.slowfood.com/">Slow Food</a> movement, something which is close to the <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/">Nihowera</a> heart. It is a great read!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >T</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >h</span>anks to Mel for the tip!</span>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-23957325271747122042007-07-25T18:06:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:18.308+13:00New Zealand Wagyu Beef<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RqL0HMIG4DI/AAAAAAAAAXU/PHuKAljkkGU/s1600-h/wagyubeef.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RqL0HMIG4DI/AAAAAAAAAXU/PHuKAljkkGU/s320/wagyubeef.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089898933233573938" border="0" /></a>It recently came to my attention that New Zealand is producing Wagyu Beef. This is exciting! <a href="http://www.firstlightfoods.co.nz/">Firstlight</a> is the company distributing New Zealand <a href="http://www.firstlightfoods.co.nz/wagyubeef.php">Wagyu</a> beef.<br /><br />When I lived in Japan for a few months I often saw this fatty looking beef for sale, however I was never tempted to buy the highly marbled , and expensive, cuts. Fast forward ten years, and I am excited to see such meat at the butcher. I usually trim all visible fat from my steak before cooking, not being a fan of the taste, prefering all sides of the meat to wear a beautiful seared edge.<br /><br />You can buy New Zealand Wagyu beef at <a href="http://www.meatontory.co.nz/">Meat on Tory</a> in Wellington.Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-38039164890592029732007-07-22T17:07:00.001+12:002008-12-11T03:50:18.603+13:00Punjabi Spell<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RqLmLMIG4BI/AAAAAAAAAXE/gHoZALxUHkc/s1600-h/sfx7123.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RqLmLMIG4BI/AAAAAAAAAXE/gHoZALxUHkc/s400/sfx7123.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089883608790261778" border="0" /></a>For those of you in Wellington interested in Indian food there is to be a demonstration of Punjabi Cuisine at Little India on Monday 23rd July, Tuesday 24th July and Wednesday 25th July at 7pm :<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span id="_ctl2__ctrl_0_uiShowSynopsis" class="showSynopsis"><blockquote> Chef Jugnu Gill, who is also a very successful entrepreneur will demonstrate and prepare a special three course Punjabi meal for the attendees.</blockquote></span></span>Details <a href="http://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=PUJBIS07">here</a>.Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-84309918799800165122007-07-22T11:04:00.001+12:002008-12-11T03:50:18.963+13:00Mid-winter Christmas Feast Menu<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RqKRHsIG36I/AAAAAAAAAWI/9QcQq3jthcA/s1600-h/Mid-WinterChristmasFeast2007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RqKRHsIG36I/AAAAAAAAAWI/9QcQq3jthcA/s320/Mid-WinterChristmasFeast2007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089790090172358562" border="0" /></a> Bron and I are so pleased to present the following menu for the Mid-winter Christmas Feast of 2007 :<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Entree</span><br /><strong></strong><a href="http://blog.lemonpi.net/?p=1061">Gravlax</a> - from <a href="http://blog.lemonpi.net/">lemonpi</a>, a delicious and gorgeous way to start a feast.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Main</span><br /><a href="http://homemades.blogspot.com/2007/07/enjoying-traditional-roast-chicken.html">Traditional Roast Chicken</a> - from <a href="http://homemades.blogspot.com/">Homemades</a>, a fragrant and celebratory main course.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dessert</span><br /><a href="http://kitchenlaw.blogspot.com/2007/07/nihoweras-mid-winter-christmas-feast.html">Christmas pudding</a> - from <a href="http://kitchenlaw.blogspot.com/">Laws of the Kitchen</a>, a great example of Christmas pudding.<br /><a href="http://ilovemilkandcookies.blogspot.com/2007/07/easy-as-muffins.html">Dark Chocolate and Orange Muffins</a> - from <a href="http://ilovemilkandcookies.blogspot.com/">Milk and Cookies</a>, beautiful muffins with such Christmas flavour.<br /><a href="http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/paime/">Paime</a> - from <a href="http://www.trinigourmet.com/">TriniGourmet</a>, a fantastic dessert to add a delicious and exotic note to your Christmas feast.<br /><a href="http://sososimple.blogspot.com/2006/11/jellies-for-big-kids-and-for-little.html">Jellies</a> - from <a href="http://sososimple.blogspot.com/">so so simple food</a>, a clever and light dessert perhaps to refresh your palate.</blockquote>Aren't we lucky to be able travel around the world with such talented cooks for the Mid-winter Christmas Feast of 2007? Thank you to everyone who sent us recipes for the Nihowera Mid-winter Christmas Feast.<span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-8970839149596495842007-07-18T12:16:00.000+12:002007-07-22T13:44:01.152+12:00The Price of MilkMilk in New Zealand increased in price this week. This price increase has been attributed to increased commodity demand from China, the ongoing drought in Australia and more land in America being used to grow corn for ethanol instead of farming dairy cows.<br /><br />So milk is even more expensive, more per litre than petrol. I wonder how this affects people, will people have to cut down or ration something so good, perhaps choosing to drink, or give their children, cheap softdrinks?Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-43919822026826769662007-07-15T12:07:00.000+12:002007-07-15T12:13:55.086+12:006 of My Favourite Culinary PodcastsAs I walk to and from work I listen to a podcast, generally one of a culinary nature. Listening to a broadcast on a topic in which you are interested is a fabulous way to learn. Here are 6 of my current favourites :<br /><ol><li><a href="http://www.cjly.net/deconstructingdinner/">Deconstructing Dinner</a></li><li><a href="http://www.gildedfork.com/foodphilosophy/">FOOD PHILOSOPHY</a></li><li><a href="http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/gf">KCRW Good Food</a></li><li><a href="http://www.eatfeed.com/">Eat Feed</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hungrymag.com/category/podcasts/">Hunrgy Magazine</a></li><li><a href="http://offthebroiler.wordpress.com/podcasts/">Off the Broiler</a></li></ol><i></i>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-43195430598740826372007-07-12T17:10:00.000+12:002007-07-12T14:33:10.189+12:00How I gave up glad wrap<a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/07/reducing-your-packing-usage.html">Reducing your packaging</a> is good not only for your wallet - less disposable things to buy - but also the environment. Here is an example - how I gave up glad wrap.<br /><br />Every time you tear off a piece of glad wrap to cover a bowl or plate of left overs it is more than likely that you will only use that piece of plastic once and throw it away. There are also concerns about the impacts to your health of the plasticizers in the plastic leaching into your food.<br /><br />These are some substitutes for plastic wrap that I now use :<br /><ul><li>When leaving bread dough to rise cover with a damp tea towel.</li><li>Put a plate over a bowl of left overs in the fridge.</li><li>Buy small stainless steel containers to carry snacks to work.</li><li>Reuse glass jars to keep halves of lemon or other small items.</li><li>Wrap things in a tea towel to store or transport.</li></ul>I have not actually missed glad wrap since that last sticker telling me I had almost run out rolled off the tube.<br /><br />There is much debate regarding the environmental impacts of manufacturing plastic versus the washing of an alternative. But it seems to me that washing with a biodegradable washing powder is a much better option.Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-87625332697340909102007-07-10T17:00:00.000+12:002007-07-10T17:16:54.921+12:00Reducing your packing usageDo you find yourself getting annoyed with how much packaging you throw away? I did and I decided to do a few things about it. Here are some ideas :<br /><ul><li>I bought a couple of reusable shopping bags and tried to remember to take them with me when I went shopping. This is made much easier if you get a nifty fold up one that will fit in your handbag. My mother used to have a lovely orange and brown one, mine is a little less dated in chic black and white.</li><li>If you shop somewhere like <a href="http://commonsenseorganics.co.nz/">Commonsense Organics</a> choose to use the recycled bags at the counter that other like minded people have returned to the shop.</li><li>Take your own containers to refill with things such as dish washing liquid and shampoo.</li><li>Choose to use permanent stainless steel, glass or ceramic rather than throw away plastic containers to store things at home or <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/05/tiffin.html">to take your lunch to work</a>.</li><li>Use fabric napkins instead of paper. I now take a fabric napkin to work to use for my lunches during the week. <br /></li></ul>Look out for some more posts around this theme and of course your tips are always welcome!Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-65427800136563108302007-07-09T17:42:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:19.276+13:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/Tamasins-Kitchen-Bible-Tamasin-Day-Lewis/dp/029784363X"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RpHLETC_6kI/AAAAAAAAAVU/TdxeG4Equ60/s320/Tamasinskitchenbible.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085068728970766914" border="0" /></a>If you would like even more inspiration for your <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/06/mid-winter-christmas-feast-2007.html">Mid-Winter Christmas Feast</a> then pick up a copy of <b class="sans"></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tamasins-Kitchen-Bible-Tamasin-Day-Lewis/dp/029784363X">Tamasin's Kitchen Bible</a> by Tamasin Day-Lewis.<br />Christmas is covered in a dedicated chapter with recipes and a timetable. From the planning a month or so out and the making of the pudding to the count down to the <span style="font-style: italic;">Big Meal</span> itself, you are in very good hands.<br />Of course there is much, much more to this book than just how to have a low stress Christmas.<br />Actually, unsurprisingly with its biblical title, pretty much most aspects of cookery are covered : simple things that children can make, basic skills, classic dishes and more.<br />I reach for this book most weeks at some point whether it is for inspiration, a recipe or for something to read with a cup of tea.Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-37425025670448843042007-07-08T17:24:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:19.725+13:00A Mid-Winter Christmas Feast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/06/mid-winter-christmas-feast-2007.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/RpHHjDC_6jI/AAAAAAAAAVM/0db_t4TbAqo/s320/Mid-WinterChristmasFeast2007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085064859205233202" border="0" /></a>I enjoyed a <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/06/mid-winter-christmas-feast-2007.html">Mid-Winter Christmas Feast</a> with some good friends yesterday, would you like to see our menu?<br /><blockquote>Turkey, brined and roasted according to this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_8389,00.html">recipe</a><br />Potatoes roasted in goose fat<br />Roast pumpkin and kumara<br />Brussels sprouts with toasted almonds<br />Cranberry sauce<br />Bread sauce<br />Sausages and prunes wrapped in bacon<br />Sausages wrapped in bacon, baked on bread stuffing<br /><br />Trifle<br />Mince Pies<br />Cheese, dates and port<br />Mulled wine<br /></blockquote>As you might imagine there were many of our favourite Christmas foods included in the menu, from more than two families. It was just great to see and share what other people <span style="font-weight: bold;">must</span> have for Christmas - luckily we all pretty much agreed. But as you can see we had to have the two lots of sausages - but damn they are good cold the next day!<br /><br />Remember to send us your favourite Christmas dishes for our Mid-Winter Christmas Feast - the details are <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/06/mid-winter-christmas-feast-2007.html">here</a>. I can't wait!Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-69676384728731663182007-07-05T19:07:00.000+12:002007-07-09T17:24:13.549+12:00Bottled WaterTake a look at <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/117/features-message-in-a-bottle.html">this article</a> and see what it takes to bring you bottled water. Interesting. Scary. Wrong?<br /><br />Summed up very well in <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2007/07/02/what_it_takes_to_bri.html">this article</a> on <a href="http://boingboing.net/">Boing Boing</a> focusing of Fiji Water, topical here in New Zealand now :<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"><span class="rss:item">"Fiji Water produces more than a million bottles a day, while more than half the people in Fiji do not have reliable drinking water."</span></blockquote><span class="rss:item"></span>Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-83748475957487088742007-07-02T19:13:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:19.924+13:00Mid-Winter Christmas Appeal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fou4Wo5GoYB-OhqmfZfewzUidUIxnL4jFH6Z5epLQVuu-M8ATmg04lz3TJtdcvAe900gayMgS9xpZCDrsvP1EhfRtYZqhvKVsHc5_tyCkr3IHctLmIX1-aqs9hWM60Z-OszbHar_Sv0/s1600-h/Wise+men.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fou4Wo5GoYB-OhqmfZfewzUidUIxnL4jFH6Z5epLQVuu-M8ATmg04lz3TJtdcvAe900gayMgS9xpZCDrsvP1EhfRtYZqhvKVsHc5_tyCkr3IHctLmIX1-aqs9hWM60Z-OszbHar_Sv0/s320/Wise+men.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082512185347002850" /></a><br /><br />Please bare with me, I have a few questions for you all tonight!<br /><br /><br /><li>How much do you spend on food every week?</li><br /><li>Do you believe you create a healthy diet every week?</li><br /><li>How many adults, adolescents, children are you feeding with your weekly groceries?</li><br /><br />A recent Otago University Study estimated the cost of a basic healthy weekly diet as being NZ$50 for an adult male; $48 for an adult female; $64 for an adolescent male; $53 for an adolescent female; and $41 for a 10 year old child.<br />How then do minimum wage hard working families or pensioners survive, or have the least bit of a chance achieving a healthy diet?<br /><br />The government recently launched a $67 million campaign to combat obesity, to encourage New Zealanders to eat well and eat less, but where's the programme for those who don't get enough to eat?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.citymission.org.nz/">My City Mission</a> newsletter arrived in the weekend, and the Missoner shares a story about an elderly woman who recently lost her husband, I'd like to share the story with you. <br /><br />Together they were on a pre-tax pension of $277 a week. She and her husband were lead to believe by previous government that they would be able to live on the pension. But then her husband died and her rent increased and now she has to manage on $97 a week!<br />Of course she ought to move into a flat, but she has lived in the same small house for the past 27 years and her garden still provides most of her food. But when winter comes and the garden stops producing and her house needs heating; that's when she comes to the Mission to get a little help from her friends.<br /><br />Now the Mission does amazingly well from caring generous folk donating at Christmas in December when the weather is balmy and the vegetables in her garden are growing strong and granting her an ample supply. Thankfully the Mission is really good at budgeting too, however they still don't have enough to go around and therefore unfortunately they can't help everyone. They have to pick and choose who's most needy. More and more pensioners are no longer able to cope on New Zealand Superannuation. They need help from the mission and they need this help most during these cold winter months, a time when traditionally donations are at their lowest.<br /><br />Please help me with my <span style="font-weight:bold;">Mid-Winter Christmas Appeal</span> and <a href="http://www.citymission.org.nz">donate</a> as much as you traditionally donate in December or more! and make Winter 2007 a <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/06/mid-winter-christmas-feast-2007.html">Mid-Winter Christmas</a> for all New Zealanders!Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07995114554382104340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-66834791379738912032007-07-02T16:17:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:20.149+13:00Delia Smith's Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6xOE5c9hBeQlJj-0-VggxkBon2mcv_p52yGRaYKW7rEpR1ZETR2ld-l9M_U6VvdQ_L0aVS5mD0n3uFRCkr_OLEB4R9Yj3jGyyCTVt7bdSpUQYbJ4WlbNTzB6KKSKBcG8RHmX7aYvhI0/s1600-h/Delia+Smith+Christmas.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6xOE5c9hBeQlJj-0-VggxkBon2mcv_p52yGRaYKW7rEpR1ZETR2ld-l9M_U6VvdQ_L0aVS5mD0n3uFRCkr_OLEB4R9Yj3jGyyCTVt7bdSpUQYbJ4WlbNTzB6KKSKBcG8RHmX7aYvhI0/s320/Delia+Smith+Christmas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082449513184219602" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Delia-Smiths-Christmas-130-Recipes/dp/0563370645">Delia Smith's Christmas</a> begins <span style="font-style:italic;">"If there's one person in the world who probably needs this book more than anyone else it's me. For years now my own Christmas preparations have been to say the least, fragmented and fraught: recipes here, notes there..."</span><br /><br />Well I think that this is true for any foodie! So many ideas, so little time! Christmas is certainly a major highlight in the foodie's year, so why not indulge in it twice and hold a <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/06/mid-winter-christmas-feast-2007.html">Mid-Winter Feast!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.deliaonline.com">Delia Smith's Christmas</a> offers absolutely divine recipes for all the classic Winter Christmas Northern Hemisphere dishes including variants on Baked and Glazed Hams, Roast Loin of Pork, Roast Sirloin of Beef, Turkey, Duck, Pheasant together with delicious recipes for the traditional accompaniments, vegetables and sides. There's also a large section dedicated to a Vegetarian Christmas, Cocktail Canapé, Pickles and Chutneys, Classic Christmas Baking, Cakes, Gifts and Desserts. <br />Over 130 recipes in whole! <br /><br />However what makes this book truly unique is Delia's sensible shopping lists and planning guides to get all the ingredients and all preparations done in time and with the least amount of fuss and standing in supermarket queues! Perhaps not such a problem in July, however useful all the same!<br />It even includes an hour by hour guide for the "Last 36 Hours" to ensure your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day go without a hitch.<br />Oh and what to do with all those leftovers? Never fear Delia has a totally delectable answer to each and every one of them too!Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07995114554382104340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-62979202827345390892007-07-01T18:06:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:20.472+13:00How to Hangi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhQiamP7m6iR5U6W1cbwpQezJ4LDYaG5yLAWYj6WLCqQ3yuPqqfnAwWIr2mSNvSmfWzHH6ph57YRoHIP99EVcQvHiFq3Dhdutzi17yIvJCa509LM79ioKrpZepAzrqw_TvfUfxfOcCjU/s1600-h/Hangi.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhQiamP7m6iR5U6W1cbwpQezJ4LDYaG5yLAWYj6WLCqQ3yuPqqfnAwWIr2mSNvSmfWzHH6ph57YRoHIP99EVcQvHiFq3Dhdutzi17yIvJCa509LM79ioKrpZepAzrqw_TvfUfxfOcCjU/s320/Hangi.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082345892803236258" /></a><br /><a href="http://curiouskai.blogspot.com">Nigel from Curious Kai</a> has put together this definitive guide on Hangi, <span style="font-style:italic;">"a traditional Maori way of cooking food done in a pit using heated stones and/or pieces of iron, with water or leafy vegetation thrown on to to produce steam."</span> <a href="http://curiouskai.blogspot.com/2007/06/hanging-out-for-hangi">hanging-out-for-hangi.html</a> is a fantastic account with loads of photos and a flickr slide show to boot! A must see!Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07995114554382104340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-75536180507729202922007-06-30T07:49:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:20.883+13:00A Trifle Mad!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MNRmkCONRDC1iCJVtUPvjFpHfINR9tVR4g6gsboy9NSz0enReYyNYSZ_dxrHAXyFXkyKNy1TSDjWTLVIvK1UOJpGe17DrfFwRqZ1toQUTOcizJRxfV3kqUK7uHolvgHLdfm7B2vI9FU/s1600-h/bloom_trifle_2_018_copy_1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MNRmkCONRDC1iCJVtUPvjFpHfINR9tVR4g6gsboy9NSz0enReYyNYSZ_dxrHAXyFXkyKNy1TSDjWTLVIvK1UOJpGe17DrfFwRqZ1toQUTOcizJRxfV3kqUK7uHolvgHLdfm7B2vI9FU/s320/bloom_trifle_2_018_copy_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082357892941861314" /></a>There are as many trifle recipes as there are bowls to serve it in!<br />Trifle was always traditionally served for Christmas pudding by my Father's mother, my Grandmother. Her method was very simple, or <span style="font-style:italic;">Simply the Best!</span>, as it contained no canned fruit or jelly and hence was my absolute favourite. <span style="font-style:italic;">Ma</span> used homemade sponge, homemade from homegrown raspberry jam, custard, whipped cream and finished with chocolate chips, not forgetting the all important sweet Sherry, although often she would use a gorgeous Port which gave the sponge layers a beautiful colour.<br />Below I've rounded up a few more ways with Trifle from some of my favourite blogs to remind you of our <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/06/mid-winter-christmas-feast-2007.html">Great Mid-Winter Christmas Feast,</a> remember to send your entries to us by the 15th of July.<br /><br /><a href="http://creampuffsinvenice.ca/2007/06/29/putting-it-all-together"><br />Lavender cake and Grand Marnier Trifle</a><a href="http://www.spittoonextra.biz/english_pudding_a_trifle.html"><br />Nigel Slater's Delightful Blackberry Trifle</a><a href="http://whowantsseconds.typepad.com/who_wants_seconds/2005/05/imbb15_english_.html"><br />English Trifle</a><br /><a href="http://www.tomatilla.com/2004/05/trifle.html"> A trifle...</a><a href="http://food-forthought.blogspot.com/2006/04/drunken-dessert-berry-trifle.html"><br /> Drunken Berry Trifle</a><br /><a href="http://myplateoryours.typepad.com/my_plate_or_yours/2006/12/magbloomcom.html">Persimmon Cranberry Trifle</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Image courtesy of <a href="http://myplateoryours.typepad.com/my_plate_or_yours">Christine from My Plate or Yours?</a></span>Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07995114554382104340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-91475409596482456082007-06-29T16:20:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:21.845+13:00Happy Apple Pie Shots<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLR009Lc5-HAJoIuI7c72yjvM6cWbU5Fq8TY9OTKzJaAUS7P7DODks_IatS583Wjlma3U9OjtunCN1-MdUFBSHjlhI_HF2m6_5B2xwtVV3kNebD504Vwa6QVUZ4TfCvS4a2VUyRhk2DA/s1600-h/apple_pie_shot.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLR009Lc5-HAJoIuI7c72yjvM6cWbU5Fq8TY9OTKzJaAUS7P7DODks_IatS583Wjlma3U9OjtunCN1-MdUFBSHjlhI_HF2m6_5B2xwtVV3kNebD504Vwa6QVUZ4TfCvS4a2VUyRhk2DA/s400/apple_pie_shot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082125951822975378" /></a><br />While trying to think of a little treat for our Friday Happy Hour that matched our <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/search?q=pumpkin">Pumpkin theme</a> I thought something which honoured a <a href="http://cuisinedumonde.com/pumpkin_pie.html">Pumpkin Pie</a> and the spices normally included within would be ideal, however I drew a blank. But then I remembered<br /><a href="http://www.browniepointsblog.com/2006/03/10/apple-pie-shot-shf17"> these little beauties</a> from <a href="http://www.browniepointsblog.com"> Brownie Points</a> honouring another classic American dessert Mom's Apple Pie!<br />Now ain't they just the cutest little shots you've ever seen?!Bronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07995114554382104340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-2749870677648467322007-06-25T20:35:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:22.059+13:00The Prawn Cocktail Years<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/Rn9-ugTEsiI/AAAAAAAAAUM/DBEyEKX9JIM/s1600-h/theprawncocktailyears.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/Rn9-ugTEsiI/AAAAAAAAAUM/DBEyEKX9JIM/s200/theprawncocktailyears.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079918242106225186" border="0" /></a>The Prawn Cocktail Years by Simon Hopkinson and Lindsey Bareham. What a fabulous book, and I do not even have the nostalgia on which to draw! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys what we could call proper cooking. By this I mean Black Forest Gâteau, Chilli con Carne, Kedgeree, Fish Pie ; all things we can, and may well, make at home, but presented by a celebrated chef.<br /><br />There are 8 chapters : The Great British Meal Out, The Fifties Hotel Dining Room, The Gentleman's Club, The Continental Restaurant, Expresso Bongo, The Sixties Bistro, The Trat-era and Chez Gourmet. Something for everyone indeed!<br /><br />The first thing I tried was the garnishes for Wiener Schnitzel : a skinless slice of lemon, with an anchovy wrapped olive set on top and surrounded by a circle of capers. We were so impressed with how well this went with the schnitzel. Do try it!Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6650859925206294520.post-13223270172307138562007-06-24T10:31:00.000+12:002008-12-11T03:50:22.235+13:00How to Sneak Pumpkin into Your Food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/Rn2fiwTEshI/AAAAAAAAAUE/jYlQwV8go2Y/s1600-h/pumpkinparsley.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Lf1cdfJUY5g/Rn2fiwTEshI/AAAAAAAAAUE/jYlQwV8go2Y/s200/pumpkinparsley.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5079391374173057554" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/06/pick-pumpkin-pumpkin.html">Pumpkin</a> is very versatile and can be used for more than just its <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/06/pumpkin-varietals.html">pumpkin-ness</a>. And if there is someone you cook for who professes not to like pumpkin, there are ways to sneak it in to the foods you prepare. <br />You may like to sneak pumpkin into your food because you have some leftover from <a href="http://www.nihowera.com/2007/06/baking-with-pumpkin.html">baking</a>, or maybe you need a boost of antioxidants from the the fleshy orange goodness, perhaps you smoke, or have done in your past and could do with some extra carotenoids to help escape lung cancer, it could be that it is winter and you need some carotene to boost your immunity.<br />Add cubed pumpkin flesh to the early stages of a stew, chilli or curry and it will breakdown, beautifully thickening the sauce. The only evidence of its presence is that you will feel so good after.Emmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04239687384235518507noreply@blogger.com0