Recharge in the Coromandel

The Coromandel had a battering this summer. And this is after some pretty tough years with no overseas tourists! We were lucky to sneak a few days on the peninsula when the sun shone, and we were reminded why this is a favourite spot for so many Kiwis to recharge. While there we met up […]

Chilli + Soy Eggplant with Tofu

This is one of those easy chop and roast dinners that’s basically ready in the time it takes to cook some rice (aka my kinda meal!). Once roasted, the eggplant and tofu get a quick toss in a pan with the sauce to coat. So simple, so packed with flavour and a really lovely budget-friendly […]

Crudo with Citrus Ponzu, Sesame Mayonnaise, Cucumber and Chilli

Bring on Brunch with Hayes Common Brunch, possibly the best innovation in mealtimes! And what better way to spend a leisurely weekend brunch than with some friends at a great spot like Hayes Common. These guys know how to brunch! For the traditionalists who love a big breakfast, their Commoner has free range eggs, thick […]

Baked Pancake w/ Vanilla Custard and Apple Compote

Bring on Brunch with Hayes Common Brunch, possibly the best innovation in mealtimes! And what better way to spend a leisurely weekend brunch than with some friends at a great spot like Hayes Common. These guys know how to brunch! For the traditionalists who love a big breakfast, their Commoner has free range eggs, thick […]

Flavours of Plenty Festival

Back for its second year, the Flavours of Plenty Festival is living up to its name with plenty on offer for locals and visitors to the region to enjoy. Oscar Nathan, from Tourism Bay of Plenty, says, “We’re showcasing our coastal region’s world-class horticultural produce and seafood and the skills and flair of our innovative […]

Loaded Kūmara

You need to balance flavours in this recipe. Squeezing over lime or lemon juice adds acidity, along with the sumac, and red chilli flakes add heat, with the fresh herbs adding freshness. Adding salt will balance acidity. Serves 4 4 small-medium orange kūmara (each weighing about 200g), scrubbed olive oil for drizzling salt 1 cup […]

Marinated Green Beans

Recipe and Images Kathy Paterson The beans will lose their bright green colour after a few hours if making ahead, but there is no loss of flavour.   Serves 4 400g green beans, trimmed, left whole or sliced 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely […]

 Raising the Cup

Words Vicki Ravlich Horan Only a year ago it was suggested that $7 flat whites were in our not-too-distant future, and while people appeared to be in disbelief, it does seem to be happening sooner than we all expected. So what does the ever-rising cost in the cup mean for coffee lovers? I caught up with […]

Cucumber Salad

Recipes and Images Kathy Paterson Refreshing with a punchy hit from the shallots. The dressing is quite thin so use some crusty bread to mop up all the juices. Serves 4 Dressing ½ cup kefir yoghurt (I used Raglan Food Co natural kefir yoghurt smoothie) 1 tbsp sherry vinegar, or use your favourite white or […]

Harriet’s How To: The Perfect Steak

Words Harriet Boucher, Images Ashlee DeCaires I always viewed cooking steak a bit of a boy’s job. At childhood dinners with family and friends, the men all stood around the BBQ while the ladies prepared the accompaniments. That trend has continued into my adult life despite ever-changing gender roles. But watch out boys, I’m here […]