Alfresco Dining

Words and Images Fiona Hugues In Italian, the expression al fresco usually refers to spending time in jail, and to be perfectly honest there’s always a few types about that aren’t as keen as I to dine outdoors on a balmy day. Unfortunately, the karma wrapped around their dire party pooping attitude almost immediately summons […]
The Perfect Icing on Top

Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan Images Ashlee DeCaires I’ve decorated my fair share of cakes. In fact, when I was child-free, Aunty Vicki’s cakes were my contribution to my nieces’ and nephews’ celebrations. And while these cakes were always well received, the end product never quite matched my initial vision and enthusiasm. I needed some expert help. […]
Black Bean Burger Patties

Recipe and Images Amber Bremner Home made veggie burger patties can be a challenge to get right, without them falling apart during cooking. These patties are tried and true, and just as happy cooked on the barbecue as a in a frying pan. Chia seeds help bind the mixture, which is full of flavour and […]
Camping Out

Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan, Images Ashlee Decaires I think it’s safe to say I am not the camping type. I’ll preface that by saying I’m known to bring my own loose leaf tea with me when staying in a hotel! Last year when we took a week to motorhome around the East Cape, we took our […]
Christmas Plum Chutney

Words Harriet Boucher, Images Ashlee Decaires Use up those early season plums with this Chinese five spice chutney. Serve this chutney alongside your Christmas ham, turkey or roast chicken, then use it with leftovers toasted sandwiches for days to come. You can also blitz it up for a smooth plum sauce. 1 small onion, diced […]
It’s Time to Party

Words Vicki Ravlich Horan “There is a real appetite for people to get together and party,” says Lisa Quarrie. I’m sitting with Lisa and Marie Corkill to talk about the trends they are seeing in events at the moment. Marie owns Royal Laboratorie and offers a boutique alternative to the event hire and design […]
Asian Herb Slaw with Crispy Noodles and Tangy Dressing

Recipe Harriet Boucher, Images Ashlee Decaires Serves 4 This zingy fresh slaw will summon summer. Serve with grilled rump steak or chicken and a cheeky roti bread on the side. (I love the Silk Road ones from the supermarket, fried in butter and oil – drool.) Slaw ¼ of a green cabbage, shredded on a […]
Indoor Plants

I’ve often admitted my slapdash gardening skills. And my treat ‘em mean keep ‘em keen attitude to plants follows through to the indoor ones. The good old peace lily is my go to, not just for the implied calmness it may bring to my household but for the fact it is very forgiving! This is […]
Baked Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Recipe Vicki Ravlich Horan, Images Brydie Thompson Don’t Be Chicken Have you ever looked at the price of two chicken breasts and compared these to the price of a whole chicken? More often than not the price is very similar but just think, when you buy a whole bird, you get the two breasts and […]
Satay Tofu Soba Noodles

Serves 3–4 Jasmin Johnson Wellington, New Zealand Jasmin can usually be found creating digital content, working in sustainability, drinking coffee or at the beach. Instagram: @thislifeasjasmin INGREDIENTS SATAY TOFU AND MARINADE ½ block firm tofu ½ tbsp Pic’s Smooth Peanut Butter 1 tbsp soy sauce (GF if needed) ½ tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp minced […]