The Essential Leg of Lamb

Recipe and Images Kathy Paterson It’s winter, the time of year to turn on the oven and get roasting. Meat, vegetables and winter fruits all shine when roasted, intensifying flavour and a savoury presence. Incidentally, I’m with British food writer Nigel Slater, I too will find any excuse to roast a potato. Serves 8 with […]

Shining a Light on Great Design

Words Vicki Ravlich-Horan Images Ashlee DeCaires They say birds of a feather flock together. This is evident when you see local companies like Treetown Kitchens and Mr Ralph Lighting working together, businesses that not only complement each other but hold the same values and outlook. Rachel Williamson, owner of Mr Ralph, worked with Kevin Middlemiss […]

Brown Rice Pudding with Orange Ginger Syrup

If your sofa is calling, you might be in need of fortification to power through that next binge-worthy television show. These cosy winter desserts are warmed up using both ground ginger for intensity and ginger root for freshness. Fragrant with ginger, orange, cinnamon and cardamom, this creamy rice pudding can be served hot, cold, or […]

Nurtured by Nature

Words Liz french, images Brydie Thompson It’s no secret that organically grown food is better for you and for the environment. One of the many attractions of Tauranga Farmer’s Market is the choice from certified organic producers. So … what defines organic food?  Organic food is that grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, that […]

Coffee Chia Pudding with Coconut Whip and Coffee Crumbs

Recipe Carrie Evans, Images Brydie Thompson We’ve jazzed up the chia pudding, making it an impressive vegan dessert. Although, if you omit the coconut whip and coffee crumbs you have quite possibly the perfect breakfast – caffeine fix and all. Carrie strongly suggests using cold drip for this recipe as espresso and other brew methods […]

Salsa Verde Lamb Chops

Recipe Harriet Boucher, Images Ashlee DeCaires The girls in my family love crumbed lamb chops; Dad not so much. They were often on the menu on his Tuesday bike nights. I’ve stepped them up a level by marinating them in salsa verde to add the extra zing we all need in winter. Ingredients ½ cup […]

Rediscover Your City Centre

The city centre is changing and evolving. Yes, there’s still disruptions as major redevelopments take place and store occupancies begin to return to normal, but in amongst all this is an array of incredible eateries, boutique shops and businesses, passionate business owners and operators and great experiences for all. There’s some exciting new restaurants and […]

Paprika-Roasted Kohlrabi with Whipped Feta and Coriander Jalapeño Sauce

Recipe and Images Emma Galloway Choose small, tender kohlrabi for this dish. The whipped feta can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge, and the coriander jalapeño sauce can be made a few hours before serving. Serves 4–6   1kg kohlrabi, peeled and cut into wedges 2 tbsp olive oil, […]

Sticky Date Coffee Pudding

Recipes Carrie Evans, Images Brydie Thompson There is a saying, ‘coffee is always a good idea’. So, with the help of Carrie and the Excelso team, we thought we’d take that message beyond your morning cup and serve it up for dessert. This twist on the ever popular sticky date pudding is great, with a […]

Petit Roasted Beets with Herby Crème Fraîche

This bright, earthy concoction isn’t particularly historically French but it’s definitely posh. I like it at this time of year as it’s great as a simple seasonal dish on its own with a sliced baguette or as a side to a main meal. It looks fabulously frivolous on a winter table and the sweet roasted […]