I’ve been indulging in more than a little bovine excess of late. Pity my poor arteries. For various reasons, many of my Best Beloveds colleagues have been abandoning their posts lately , so she’s been out every other night … Read more
Can somebody please explain to me, why, oh why does the hospitality industry persist with their idiotic statutory holiday surcharge carry-on? Don’t get me wrong, I understand their reasoning. I manage a large team of staff in a 7 day operation … Read more
Green kiwifruit – cheaper than chips Marion Farrell If there’s one food that’s going against the tide of rising food costs – it’s our green Kiwifruit. I spotted them at my local supermarket for just 89c the other day, that’s … Read more
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Marion Farrell When it comes to buying presents I usually turn to edible goodies, the never fail to please option. I mean, who wouldn’t be pleased to receive a box of chocolates or a good bottle … Read more
Farming Old Breed Farm Animals in Ngaruawahia Marion Farrell It had been a few years since I last visited Jonathan and Sarah Walker of Soggy Bottom Farm to see their rare breed pigs, cows and sheep and knowing what an innovative … Read more
This year I got very excited about the prospect of growing broad beans. There were two aspects to this. Frstly I like eating broad beans, although I probably have never had them in any quantity and most of the broad beans I … Read more
While I am a complete novice gardener, my year old vegetable garden has so many merits that I am wondering how we ever lived without it. I love the fact that I can walk out each day and pick fresh … Read more
Regardless of my age or where I am, whitebait always takes me back to being a child in Hokitika. There, for the months of September and October, dad’s and grandads dotted the streets, cycling or driving down to the river armed … Read more
As each season arrives there is a huge pleasure that comes with the firsts of everything, whether it be daffodils, asparagus, lambs or in this case picnics. Last weekend had its bumps, our 4 very active and strong minded children … Read more
Years ago I gave up on Thai fish cakes wondered why anyone would waste their time eating anything with a texture akin to rubber. The Thai fish cakes in question were served at Thai restaurants or ordered as takeaways. What … Read more
The napkins are nicely folded in the cupboard, as is the tablecloth and the silver gets polished periodically. I think they came out last Christmas but maybe not – even then we did it casual. Has the dinner party really … Read more
With current research telling us that certain fruits and vegetables can prevent cancer, aging and many other ailments then it makes sense to eat more of them. For generations NZ mums have coerced, bribed and threatened children to eat their … Read more
There is something very comforting about an upside down cake. Perhaps it is its homely rustic qualities that differentiate it from many other cakes. I don’t know what started my fascination but this winter upside down cakes and puddings have … Read more
Last week on the Radio Live kitchen and Garden show Hester Guy and I discussed the merits of a good homemade stock and how we make them.Good stock is the basis to a well flavoured dish, if you use inferior … Read more
