Picnics

During  January, along with many New Zealanders  we plan to head to the beach, enjoy a summer break and do as little as humanly possible. 

I have been rustling in cupboards searching out insect repellent, hats and picnic rugs. Food for the week will be totally al fresco with meals eaten outdoors and weather permitting there will be lots of picnics. Continue reading

Christmas Pudding

This recipe is huge and is easily halved to make a generous pudding to serve 8

  • 350g raisins
  • 350g sultanas
  • 300g currants
  • 200g prunes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
  • 100g almonds, chopped
  • 1 carrot grated
  • 1 green apple, grated
  • 250g fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup (250ml) brandy
  • 4 eggs
  • 250g melted butter

 

 

 

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Summer Prawn Salad

 

100g rice vermicelli

1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed and finely chopped
2 teaspoons crushed palm sugar
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
600g prawn cutlets
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp sea salt
½ telegraph cucumber, peeled into long thin strips
1 cup mung bean sprouts
1 medium carrot, grated
1 cup basil leaves
1 cup coriander leaves
½ cup mint leaves
1 red onion, finely sliced
1/3 cup blanched peanuts, lightly toasted and chopped

Fried Noodles

 

 Serves 4-5

280g packet round egg noodles
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp sesame oil
3 eggs, lightly whisked
4 shallots, finely chopped (can use onion)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
12 prawns, shelled and deveined (optional)
1/2 head broccoli, divided into florets
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tsp fish sauce (more if you like)
1 tsp hot chilli sauce (optional)
1 cup chopped cooked chicken or pork
½ cup frozen peas
3 spring onions, finely chopped
1 cup mung bean sprouts
½ cup cashew nuts, lightly toasted