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Tropical banana cake with salted peanut caramel sauce

<p>If you’re really looking to go all out, this tropical banana cake with salted peanut caramel sauce is a striking dessert that tastes as good as it looks. If there are any leftovers of, they will keep for a few days in the fridge.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> Six to eight</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <p><em>Banana cake</em></p> <ul> <li>125g butter, softened</li> <li>1 cup brown sugar</li> <li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li> <li>2 tablespoons rum</li> <li>2 eggs</li> <li>3 ripe bananas, mashed</li> <li>1/4 cup coconut milk</li> <li>1/2 cup desiccated coconut</li> <li>1/2 cup chopped tropical dried fruits, plus extra for garnish</li> <li>2 cups self-raising flour</li> </ul> <p><em>Salted peanut caramel sauce</em></p> <ul> <li>200g caster sugar</li> <li>60ml (4 tablespoons) water</li> <li>60g butter, cut into small cubes</li> <li>1/2 cup cream</li> <li>1 teaspoon soy sauce</li> <li>80g salted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped</li> </ul> <p><em>Filling</em></p> <ul> <li>300ml cream</li> <li>1 tablespoon icing sugar</li> <li>250g sour cream, whisked</li> <li>2 bananas, sliced, tossed in a little lemon or lime juice to prevent browning</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Heat oven to 180°C. Grease and line the base of a 22cm spring-form tin.</li> <li>Cream butter and brown sugar together. Add vanilla and rum, beating to combine. Beat in eggs, mashed bananas and coconut milk. Add desiccated coconut and dried fruits, sift the flour over and gently fold to combine. </li> <li>Spoon into prepared tin and bake 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool. The cake can be made the day before it is needed.</li> <li>For the sauce, place caster sugar and water in a small saucepan and swirl the pan over a medium-high heat until sugar dissolves.</li> <li>Bring to the boil and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until a rich caramel colour. Add butter carefully (mixture may spit) and whisk to combine.</li> <li>Add cream and soy sauce, whisking to combine.</li> <li>Add half the chopped peanuts. Serve immediately or leave covered on the bench (the sauce will become solid if refrigerated). </li> <li>For the filling, whip cream with icing sugar then mix into whisked sour cream.</li> <li>Keep chilled until needed. </li> <li>To assemble, split the cold cake and cover the bottom piece with a layer of sliced banana. Top with half the cream mixture then add the other layer of cake.</li> <li>Cover the top with remaining cream and garnish with remaining peanuts and extra dried tropical fruits. Pour over the caramel sauce and serve.</li> </ol> <p><em>Written by Bernadette Hogg. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span>Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Shutterstock</em></p>

Food & Wine

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National Duck Day: Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck Peking Duck breast with egg noodles, five spice sauce and fresh cucumber salad

<p dir="ltr">The family owned business and Australia’s leading duck producer Luv-a-Duck has partnered up with MasterChef alum and duck lover Diana Chan, to officially launch National Duck Day, which falls on Tuesday May 23rd, 2023. </p> <p dir="ltr">Diana Chan is a Malaysian-Australian and won the 9th season of MasterChef in 2017. She has since become a well-known TV host, menu designer, product creator and restaurateur, turning her passion for food into her career.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Diana Chan’s Luv-a-Duck Peking Duck breast with egg noodles, five spice sauce and fresh cucumber salad</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Serves:</strong> 2</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Prep time: </strong>10 mins</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Cook time:</strong> 10 mins</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>INGREDIENTS:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">2 x precooked Luv-A Duck peking duck breasts</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 x 400g packet fresh egg noodles (medium thickness)</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>For the five spice sauce:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp cooking oil</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">2 cloves garlic, minced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">3 shallots, finely diced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">50g galangal, sliced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">50g ginger, sliced</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Leftover liquid from the packet</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp five spice powder</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp tapioca starch mixed with 2 tbsp of water</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>For the cucumber salad:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 continental cucumber, halved and sliced into 5mm thick chunks</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">30g coriander, roughly chopped</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp black vinegar</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tsp sugar</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tbsp soy sauce</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>To garnish:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Freshly sliced spring onions</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1 tsp toasted sesame seeds</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>METHOD:</strong></p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Cook the peking duck breasts according to the packet instructions (microwave or oven) and set aside somewhere warm.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Preheat a large braising pot or wok. Add cooking oil. Add the garlic, shallots, galangal and ginger and fry until aromatic - about 3 minutes or so. Add the sauce from the packet and the five spice. Allow to reduce for 10 minutes.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Mix tapioca starch with water. Pour it into the sauce liquid while stirring at the same time and the liquid will start to thicken. You can add more tapioca mixture if you don't think the sauce  is thick enough.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">While the sauce simmers, reheat the noodles according to the packet instructions.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">To assemble, remove the cooked duck breasts from the packet and slice them into 5mm thickness.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">In a mixing bowl, add in all the ingredients for the cucumber salad and mix to combine.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Place the reduced sauce into the serving bowls, divide the noodles into 2 portions, top with the duck breasts and pour over the sauce. Serve with the cucumber salad on the side. Garnish with some spring onions and sesame seeds.</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Luv-A-Duck</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Top tips for growing tomatoes

<p>Nothing beats the flavour of home-grown tomatoes, so start your own crop today with our top tips for growing tasty tomatoes.</p> <p><strong>Don’t crowd seedlings –</strong> Crowded conditions inhabit growth so be sure to give your seedlings plenty of room. For each plant, prepare at least a 60 centimetre by 60 centimetre plot.</p> <p><strong>Prime location –</strong> Tomatoes need at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily and shelter from strong wind.</p> <p><strong>Plant a few varieties –</strong> There’s so many different types of tomatoes available so grow a few varieties. You’ll soon find that some types just suit your garden better, while others may be susceptible to disease.</p> <p><strong>Staking –</strong> This is essential for tall-growing varieties of tomatoes. Add the stake at planting time and as the plant grows, tie it to the stake. Use soft ties, such as old stockings rather than string. This trains your plant, keeps it stable, takes up less space, prevent damage from strong winds and escapes the adverse effects of damp soil.</p> <p><strong>Water well –</strong> Tomatoes need regular deep watering, especially during the warmer months. Even letting plants go thirsty for a few days will affect the quality of fruit. Water the soil, not the plant.</p> <p><strong>Inspect often –</strong> Check daily for signs of pest or diseases. Remove dead leaves, unwanted shoots and harvest anything that is ready.</p> <p><strong>Companion plant –</strong> Plant marigolds around tomatoes to reduce whitefly infestations. Or sacrifice some basil which will attract white flies away from your tomato. Garlic, nasturtiums or tagetes will repel aphids.</p> <p><strong>Pot plants –</strong> Tomatoes grown in pots are more likely to dry out than those in the ground. However, if that’s not possible, the small bush type do best in pots. Use a big pot and water well.</p> <p><strong>Yellowing leaves –</strong> Once tomato plants reach around a metre tall, the leaves at the bottom might turn yellow and die. This is normal so just snip them off.</p> <p><strong>When to give up –</strong> If there are many yellowing leaves and the plant on a whole looks unhealthy, it may have contracted a bacterial, fungal or virus disease. The plant generally won’t flourish now and it’s best to be pulled out and disposed of. Don’t attempt to grow tomatoes in the same spot for at least a couple of years.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Healthy creamy mushroom pasta sauce

<p>Serves: 4 | Cooks in: 15 minutes</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>350g farfalle pasta</li> <li>1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle</li> <li>1 bunch sage, leaves picked</li> <li>500g Button Mushrooms, cleaned, thinly sliced</li> <li>50g butter</li> <li>2 tbsp plain flour</li> <li>2 garlic cloves, finely chopped</li> <li>750ml (3 cups) vegetable stock</li> <li>1 cup milk</li> <li>250g fresh ricotta</li> <li>75g walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped</li> <li>Salt and pepper, to season</li> </ul> <p><strong>Method </strong></p> <p>1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to packet instructions, then drain and set aside.</p> <p>2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Toast the sage leaves until crisp and translucent, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.</p> <p>3. Melt the butter in the pan. Stir-fry the mushrooms and garlic for 4 minutes until golden. Sprinkle over the flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually stir in the stock and milk. Cook for 5 minutes or until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the pasta and toss to combine.</p> <p>4. Divide the pasta among bowls. Spoon over the ricotta, scatter with the walnuts and sage and drizzle with oil, to serve.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/recipes/healthy-creamy-mushroom-pasta-sauce" target="_blank">Wyza.com.au. </a></em></p> <p><em>Recipe courtesy of Mushroom Association Australia. </em></p>

Food & Wine

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Woman’s INSANE tomato hack goes viral

<p><span>It has always been considered a perilous task to peel back the skin of tomatoes, however one chef on TikTok has shown a simple, three-step hack to peeling them with your fingers.</span><br /><br /><span>British home chef Jax Hamilton revealed her "quick skin tomatoes" hack to people online, and claims her method results in "no mess" or "watery toms".</span><br /><br /><span>"Let's get the skins off these bad boys — nice and quick," she says in her video, filming a dozen, robust tomatoes.</span><br /><br /><span>First slicing the tomatoes in half, Hamilton says to drizzle olive oil in a pan over medium heat.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842543/daily-6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6c5b02a80f1c4bb59c63ed3f00e0df28" /><br /><br /><span>"When your oil [is] warm, you want to pack all your tomatoes in and pop on the lid," she adds.</span><br /><br /><span>She says that within five minutes of sizzling on the stove, the skin melts off the tomatoes with her method.</span><br /><br /><span>She then goes on to pinch the loosened flesh between two fingers, and lifts off the shiny skin and discards it to the side, revealing soft, warmed tomatoes.</span><br /><br /><span>"And there we have it, check it out — skin free!" she said.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842542/daily-5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8199922710c848e684721c6bc79da8b5" /><br /><br /><span>The hack has been viewed over five million times.</span><br /><br /><span>"This is amazing — tomato skins always make me stop eating when I find them in my sauce and it bothers me so much," one user wrote in the comments.</span><br /><br /><span>Another added: "This video relaxes me so much.”</span></p>

Food & Wine

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Chocolate pancakes with caramel and peanut butter sauce

<p>These delicious pancakes come packed with flavours and no dairy – perfect for the whole family!</p> <p><em>Serves 2</em></p> <p><strong><span>Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span>Pancake</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span>1 cup wholemeal spelt flour</span></li> <li><span>1 cup unsweetened almond milk</span></li> <li><span>3 medjool dates, pitted</span></li> <li><span>3 tbsp raw cacao powder</span></li> <li><span>1 very ripe banana</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span>Sauce</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span>1/3 cup coconut milk</span></li> <li><span>2 tbsp <a href="https://mayvers.com.au/product/mayvers-smooth-peanut-butter/">Mayver’s Peanut Butter</a> </span></li> <li><span>3 medjool dates</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span>Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li><span>Blend the dates and the almond milk until they are well combined and there are no chunks.</span></li> <li><span>In a mixing bowl, combine the flour with the cacao powder, date/almond milk from the blender and the banana. Mash the banana through the mixture with a fork.</span></li> <li><span>In a non-stick frypan over medium heat, cook the pancakes for approximately 2 minutes either side. </span></li> <li><span>Blend the sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour over pancakes when they’re ready.</span></li> <li><span>Enjoy! </span></li> </ol> <p><em><span>Recipe</span></em><span> <em>by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/young_rebecca/">Rebecca Young</a>.</em></span></p>

Food & Wine

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Perfect summer meal: Barbecued tuna steaks with walnut sauce

<p><em>Serves 4. </em></p> <p>This quick, simple dish showcases meaty tuna with a walnut sauce based on tarator, a Middle Eastern sauce often served with fish in Lebanon and Syria.</p> <p>Freshness is the key and Californian walnuts work best for this moreish sauce.</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>4 x 180g sashimi-grade tuna steaks (see notes)</li> <li>Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste</li> <li>⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil</li> <li>100g wild or baby rocket, washed and dried</li> <li>1 lemon, quartered</li> </ul> <p><strong>Walnut Sauce</strong></p> <ul> <li>100g shelled walnuts</li> <li>1 clove garlic, finely chopped</li> <li>1 slice stale white bread, soaked in water</li> <li>1 tablespoon white wine vinegar</li> <li>3 teaspoons lemon juice</li> <li>⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil</li> <li>Salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to taste</li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions</strong></p> <p>1. Place the walnuts and garlic in a food processor. Squeeze the water out of the bread and add to the walnuts. Pulse until walnuts are finely chopped. Add vinegar, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper and pulse to combine. Chill until ready to serve.</p> <p>2. Heat a barbecue or char-grill plate.</p> <p>3. Brush the steaks with some of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the steaks for 3 minutes on one side, then turn and cook the other side for 1 minute, so that they are still pink in the centre, or until cooked to your liking. Rest fish in a warm place for a few minutes before serving.</p> <p>4. Meanwhile, arrange rocket leaves on plates, drizzle with remaining olive oil.</p> <p>5. Place a steak on top and spoon walnut sauce over each steak. Serve with a lemon wedge.</p> <p><strong>Tips</strong></p> <ul> <li>Remove the fish from the fridge 20-30 minutes before you cook it, to allow it to come to room temperature, this is particularly important if it is being served rare in the centre.</li> <li>Sashimi-grade fish is normally sold trimmed, if it is not, trim off any skin and dark muscle before cooking.</li> <li>Alternative species: Albacore, bonito, mackerel, salmon, striped marlin, swordfish.</li> </ul> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/barbecued-tuna-steaks-with-walnut-sauce.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Feel fuller for longer with a roast sweet potato and cherry tomato omelette

<p>A perfect breakfast after an early morning walk or workout, this omelette is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied.</p> <p><strong>Serves: </strong>1</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>3 eggs</li> <li>½ small sweet potato (cubed)</li> <li>¼ bunch of fresh parsley finely chopped</li> <li>6 cherry tomatoes</li> <li>2 large handfuls fresh spinach</li> <li>½ tsp smoked paprika</li> <li>Salt and pepper</li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions</strong></p> <ol> <li>Cut the sweet potato into small cubes and lay onto an oven tray and roast until soft at 180°C. They should only take about 10-12 minutes. Half way through cooking throw the cherry tomatoes onto the tray and roast for the remaining time.</li> <li>Microwave the spinach in a bowl for 30s.</li> <li>Whisk the eggs then season with salt and pepper and smoked paprika, pour into a pan on medium heat. Stir the eggs quickly once or twice then evenly scatter the sweet potato and cherry tomatoes across half of the omelette, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top then carefully fold the other half over the top.</li> <li>Slide onto a plate and serve. I love a little squeeze of spicy sriracha sauce over the top.</li> </ol> <p><em>Recipe courtesy of Richard Kerrigan, <u><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rkthebeachlife/">The Beach Life</a></u>, Qualified Chef and Personal Trainer. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/roast-sweet-potato-and-cherry-tomato-omelette.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Tagliatelle marinara with light cream sauce & chives

<p>Time to prepare 25 mins | Serves 4</p> <p>This is a beautiful luxurious delicate pasta dish that won’t leave you feeling over full. It’s important to keep the sauce of this recipe light and creamy in texture, so that it doesn’t overwhelm the wine.</p> <p>The tagliatelle is effective at holding the sauce and wrapping it around the seafood as you eat. Many fish shops sell a pre-prepared marinara mix. For freshness of flavour the fish should be bought the same day as you intend to cook.</p> <p>Try a NV New World sparkling wine - ideally a fresh young wine - to pair well with this dish.</p> <p><em>Recipe from <u><a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/185116/69171/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fpaired-champagne-sparkling-wines-fran-flynn%2Fprod9780994348500.html%3Fclickid%3Dz3f1gQzLPx1yxbM33p0QbxC7Ukkw22Sim0LDV80">Paired: Champagne &amp; Sparkling Wines</a></u> by Fran Flynn and David Stevens-Castro.</em></p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 packet fresh tagliatelle pasta </li> <li>2 heaped tablespoons of butter</li> <li>1 garlic clove, finely chopped</li> <li>3 spring onions (scallions), chopped </li> <li>1/2 cup (125ml/4fl oz) dry white wine </li> <li>200ml (7fl oz) cream </li> <li>125g (4.5oz) double cream brie, chopped </li> <li>1½ heaped tablespoons seeded mustard </li> <li>400g (14oz) seafood marinara mix </li> <li>Bunch fresh chives, chopped</li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions</strong></p> <p>1. Boil the tagliatelle as per packet’s instructions and set to one side.</p> <p>2. Over a high heat melt the butter and add the garlic. Once it starts to sizzle add the spring onions. Reduce heat slightly and stir regularly for about a minute. Add wine and allow to simmer for about 3–4 minutes until the liquid reduces by about a third. Add cream, brie and mustard. Continue to simmer and stir until all the cheese is dissolved. Introduce the seafood and cook for a further 3–5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the seafood is ready to serve.</p> <p>3. Taste test to check that the seafood is tender. Transfer to a large serving bowl and sprinkle liberally with fresh chives. In a colander, refresh the tagliatelle by pouring some hot water over it and shake out any excess water. Plate the tagliatelle and use a ladle to spoon the seafood and sauce on top. Garnish with a final sprinkle of chives.</p> <p><strong>Tips</strong></p> <ul> <li>Pairing style / cleansing: A fresh, citric New World sparkling wine (i.e from Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand and the US), will meld beautifully with the pasta flavours. The chives and spring onion create the link between the pasta and the wine, adding a fresh touch to the creaminess of the dish.</li> </ul> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/tagliatelle-marinara-with-light-cream-sauce-and-chives.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Grilled salmon with blueberry balsamic sauce

<p>For a main course to impress, this recipe will just do the trick. The salmon fillet pairs well with the flavourful sauce, which features the cardiovascular-friendly blueberries.</p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 teaspoon olive oil</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 x 150g salmon fillet, skin on</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 tablespoon butter, melted</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 teaspoon brown sugar</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon paprika</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 cup (80g) blueberries</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 tablespoon maple syrup</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 tablespoon butter</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">4 cups (500g) green beans</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Olive oil</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 cup pomegranate seeds</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fresh dill, chopped</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>Method:</strong></p> <ol> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preheat oven to 180°C. Prepare a tray with baking paper.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil into a non-stick pan over a high heat. Place fish in, skin down. Cook for approx. 2-3 minutes until crisp.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Remove from pan and place skin side down onto prepared tray.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drizzle with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and paprika.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Place the salmon in the oven for 15 minutes for medium.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the meantime bring a medium sized saucepan to the boil. Using a slotted spoon carefully lower in the beans and boil for 2 minutes before removing and immersing in a bowl of ice water.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Drain then finely julienne the green beans. Place in a mixing bowl and season with salt, olive oil, pomegranate seeds and dill.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Remove fish from oven and set aside. Meanwhile, place a small saucepan over a medium heat.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for 5 minutes or until reduced by a third, then add the blueberries and maple syrup.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cook for another minute, stir in the tablespoon of butter and serve over salmon.</span></li> </ol>

Food & Wine

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Enjoy a tasty cherry tomato, macadamia, walnut & silverbeet pasta

<p>Up your nut intake with this easy and simple recipe.</p> <p><strong>Preparation</strong> <strong>time</strong>:<span style="font-weight: 400;"> 5 mins</span></p> <p><strong>Cooking</strong> <strong>time</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">: 15 mins </span></p> <p><strong>Serves</strong>:<span style="font-weight: 400;"> 4 </span></p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong> </p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 Tbsp olive oil </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 cloves garlic, crushed </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 cup raw walnuts, roughly chopped (60g) </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 cup raw, unsalted macadamias, roughly chopped (70g) </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 cup fresh breadcrumbs </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">400g dry spaghetti </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">500g cherry tomatoes, halved </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/2 bunch silverbeet or kale leaves, torn </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">zest of 1 lemon </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1/4 cup chopped parsley </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sea salt and fresh cracked pepper </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> </ul> <p><strong>Method</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Warm half the olive oil and half the garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Add all the breadcrumbs, and half the walnuts and macadamias. Cook, stirring regularly for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and toasted. Tip into a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and set aside. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Cook spaghetti according to packet directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">While pasta cooks, return the large skillet to medium-high heat and drizzle in remaining olive oil. Add cherry tomatoes and remaining garlic. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, until tomatoes begin to break down. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add reserved pasta cooking water, silverbeet, and remaining walnuts and macadamias to pan with tomatoes. Cook for a minute or two, until greens are just wilted. Remove from heat and stir through lemon zest. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add parsley to cooled breadcrumb mixture. Serve pasta with generous spoonfuls of sauce, and plenty of nutty breadcrumbs on top. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
</span></li> </ol> <p><strong>Tips</strong> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can find fresh breadcrumbs at good grocery stores, or make your own by pulsing a slice or two of day-old sourdough in a food processor. </span></p> <p>Recipe and images by Jennifer Jenner for <a href="https://www.nutsforlife.com.au/">Nuts for Life</a> </p>

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Delicious churrasco prawns with aji sauce

<p>In Brazil, churrasco is a term for barbeque, with the meat or seafood of choice commonly grilled on skewers. In this case, the grilled prawns are teamed with a Peruvian aji sauce, which consists of sweet onion and jalapenos.</p> <p>This is an edited extract from Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Australia, published by Hardie Grant, RRP $39.95</p> <p>Visit Lyndey's website here: <a href="http://www.lyndeymilan.com">lyndeymilan.com</a></p> <p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 kg large raw prawns, peeled and deveined, heads removed, tails intact</li> <li>wooden skewers, soaked in cold water or placed in the freezer for 30 minutes</li> <li>extra-virgin olive oil for brushing</li> </ul> <p><strong>Aji sauce</strong></p> <ul> <li>4 green jalapeno chillies, seeded</li> <li>3 spring onions (scallions), roughly sliced</li> <li>¼ cup roughly chopped coriander</li> <li>(cilantro) stems and leaves</li> <li>2 tablespoons red wine vinegar</li> <li>½ teaspoon grated lime zest</li> <li>2 teaspoons lime juice</li> <li>2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil</li> <li>salt and freshly ground black pepper</li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions:</strong></p> <p>1. For the aji sauce, place the jalapeños, spring onion and coriander in a small food processor and process until finely chopped.</p> <p>2. Add the red wine vinegar, lime zest and juice and oil and continue to process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.</p> <p>3. Preheat a barbecue or chargrill pan to high.</p> <p>4. For the prawns, insert a wooden skewer at the tail and push through the length of the prawn. Brush the prawns with oil and cook on the barbecue or in the chargrill pan for 2 minutes each side or until cooked through.</p> <p>5. Serve with the aji sauce.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.Wyza.com.au">Wyza.com.au</a></em></p>

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Delicious roast tomato and capsicum soup with crispy chorizo and fresh basil

<p>Packed with flavour you’ll be making this soup again and again, it’s perfect for the whole family and really cheap to make.</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>4 large capsicums</li> <li>6 large vine ripened mixed tomatoes (yellow, purple, red etc)</li> <li>1 punnet cherry tomates</li> <li>2 garlic cloves</li> <li>2 celery stalks</li> <li>1 red onion</li> <li>1 tbs tomato puree</li> <li>120g chorizo sausage (cut into cubes)</li> <li>½ bunch basil</li> <li>1 tin kidney beans</li> <li>Olive oil</li> <li>Salt and pepper</li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions</strong></p> <p>1. Cut the top off your capsicums and scoop out the seeds then place upside down onto an oven proof tray lined with greaseproof paper. Slice the large tomatoes into ¼s and place on the tray with the whole cherry tomatoes. Slice your red onion into ¼s and add them to the tray.</p> <p>2. Drizzle with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper and make sure all the veg is coated. Roast in the oven at 220°C for 15-20 mins until they start to colour and the skin from the capsicum blisters. Once cooked remove and leave to one side.</p> <p>3. In a pan slowly fry the chopped garlic and sliced celery. Remove the thin skin from the chorizo and dice then add ½ of the sausage and some finely chopped basil stalks to the pan. Cook for 2-3 mins until golden brown.</p> <p>4. Next add the tomato puree to the chorizo and cook for another 2 mins, add a little water so the tomato puree doesn’t burn.</p> <p>5. Once the capsicum has cooled, carefully remove the skin then roughly chop. Add the capsicum, roasted tomato and onion to a large thick bottomed pan along with the chorizo mix in the pan.</p> <p>6. Add 1 litre of boiling chicken stock to the pan and bring back to the boil. Whilst the soup is coming to the boil fry off the other half of the diced chorizo until really crispy then tip onto some kitchen roll to remove some of the grease.</p> <p>7. As soon as the soup starts to boil remove from the heat. Blend until smooth and adjust the seasoning, careful not to add too much salt. Add ½ bunch of basil leaves and blend once more.</p> <p>8. Finally mix in a tin of drained kidney beans into the soup and serve. Top with crispy chorizo.</p> <p><strong>Tips</strong></p> <p>Double the batch and freeze it until you need a quick dinner one evening. Remember this has meat in it so make sure to remove from the freezer the night before and heat until piping hot before serving.</p> <p>Recipe courtesy of Richard Kerrigan, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rkthebeachlife/">The Beach Life</a>, Qualified Chef and Personal Trainer.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/roast-tomato-and-capsicum-soup-with-crispy-chorizo-and-fresh-basil.aspx"><em>Wyza.com.au.</em></a></p>

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Zesty tomato salad

<p>Seek out the most delicious tomatoes available, preferably sun–ripened on the vine, and you will be rewarded with an incomparable flavour. Lemon, fresh coriander and mint add freshness and zest to the tomatoes in this tangy salad, which can easily be varied with other fresh herbs and flavourings.</p> <div id="ingredients"><strong>Ingredients:</strong> <ul class="no-bullet"> <li>500 g ripe tomatoes, sliced</li> <li>pinch of caster sugar, or to taste</li> <li>1 lemon</li> <li>3 spring onions, thinly sliced</li> <li>1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander</li> <li>1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint</li> <li>sprigs of fresh mint to garnish</li> </ul> </div> <p><strong>Preparation:</strong></p> <div> <ol> <li>Place the tomatoes in a large shallow dish and sprinkle with the sugar.</li> <li>Cut the lemon in half lengthwise.</li> <li>Set one half aside, then cut the other half lengthwise into 4 wedges.</li> <li>Holding the wedges firmly together on a board, skin side up, thinly slice them across, including the peel.</li> <li>Discard the pips.</li> <li>Arrange the pieces of thinly sliced lemon over the top of the tomatoes, then sprinkle with the spring onions, coriander and mint.</li> <li>Squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon half and sprinkle it over the salad.</li> <li>Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.</li> <li>Garnish with sprigs of mint just before serving.</li> </ol> <p><em>This article first appeared in </em><span><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/zesty-tomato-salad"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN87V"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></span></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p> </div>

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Pecan waffles with maple and blackberry sauce

<p><strong>Serves:</strong> 4 (Makes 4-8 waffles depending on the size of the iron)<br /><strong>Preparation:</strong> 20 minutes<br /><strong>Cooking:</strong> Approx. 15 minutes</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>¾ cup (110g) plain flour</li> <li>½ teaspoon ground cinnamon</li> <li>1 teaspoon baking powder</li> <li>1 tablespoon caster sugar</li> <li>1 large egg, separated</li> <li>200ml low-fat milk</li> <li>1 tablespoon (20g) butter, melted</li> <li>1½ tablespoons finely chopped pecans</li> <li>Maple and blackberry sauce</li> <li>1 large, ripe dessert pear</li> <li>4 tablespoons maple syrup</li> <li>½ cup (50g) pecans</li> <li>100g blackberries</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preparation</strong></p> <ol> <li>First make the maple and blackberry sauce.</li> <li>Cut the pear lengthwise into quarters and cut out the core, then cut the pear into fine dice.</li> <li>Put into a small heavy saucepan and add the maple syrup.</li> <li>Warm gently, then remove the pan from the heat.</li> <li>Stir in the pecans and blackberries.</li> <li>Set aside while making the waffles.</li> <li>Heat and lightly grease the waffle iron or maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.</li> <li>Meanwhile, make the waffle batter.</li> <li>Sift the flour, cinnamon, baking powder and sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl.</li> <li>Make a well in the centre and add the egg yolk and milk to the well.</li> <li>Gently whisk the egg yolk and milk together, then gradually whisk in the flour to make a thick, smooth batter.</li> <li>Whisk in the melted butter, then stir in the finely chopped pecans.</li> <li>Whisk the eggwhite in a separate bowl until stiff.</li> <li>Pile it on top of the batter and, using a large metal spoon, fold it in gently.</li> <li>Spoon a small ladleful (3-4 tablespoons) of batter into the centre of the hot waffle iron or maker, then close the lid tightly.</li> <li>If using a waffle iron on top of the hob, cook for about 30 seconds, then turn the waffle iron over and cook for a further 30 seconds.</li> <li>Open the waffle iron: the waffle should be golden brown on both sides and should come away easily from the iron. (If using an electric waffle maker, follow the manufacturer's instructions – usually allow 2-3 minutes for each waffle.)</li> <li>Lift the cooked waffle from the iron using a round-bladed knife and keep warm while cooking the rest of the waffles.</li> <li>Just before all the waffles are ready, gently warm the fruit sauce, then pour into a sauceboat or serving bowl.</li> <li>Serve with the warm waffles.</li> </ol> <p><em>This recipe first appeared in <span><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/fruity-vegetable-muffins">Reader’s Digest</a></span>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN87V"><span>best subscription offer</span></a>.</em></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

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Prawns, asparagus and cherry tomato linguine

<p>This deliciously light pasta dish is so quick and easy to whip up but also special enough for company.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> 2</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients: </span></strong></p> <ul> <li>150g linguine pasta</li> <li>135g cherry tomatoes</li> <li>200g green prawns, peeled, deveined, tails intact </li> <li>1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed, cut in half</li> <li>2 tablespoon olive oil</li> <li>2 cloves garlic, finely chopped</li> <li>Half a lemon</li> <li>1 red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped</li> <li>⅓ cup dry white wine</li> <li>Fresh oregano, chopped</li> <li>Salt and pepper to season</li> <li>Shaved parmesan to serve</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method: </span></strong></p> <p>1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to boil. Add pasta and follow packet instructions. Drain.</p> <p>2. Meanwhile, heat oil in frypan over medium heat. Add tomatoes and cook and cook for two minutes or until softened.</p> <p>3. Stir in garlic, chilli, asparagus and prawns. Cook for two minutes or until prawns turn pink.</p> <p>4. Add white wine and season with salt and pepper. Leave to simmer for three to five minutes or until sauce thickens and reduces.</p> <p>5. Add pasta to pan. Squeeze half a lemon and sprinkle with oregano. Toss to combine. Serve with parmesan.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/beef-and-barley-stew/">Hearty beef and barley stew</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/tuna-and-olive-pasta/">Tuna and olive pasta</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/bolognese-stuffed-eggplant/">Bolognese stuffed eggplant</a></strong></em></span></p>

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