Soup is indeed a meal in itself, but it can also be the making of a meal. I often use canned soups as a tasty and easy base for many recipes such as casseroles, stews and risottos.
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I’m a firm believer in Mother’s Day. I mean, ideally every day the mothers of the world would be truly valued for all the work they do, all the love they give and all the sleep they lose! In reality however, that doesn’t always happen, and I for one am grateful for the opportunity neatly slotted in to the calendar once a year to do so.
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I would describe larb as a fresh flavourful Southeast Asian extravaganza. More precisely though, it is a dish of ground meat, flavoured with lime juice and fish sauce and various other ingredients such as chilli and mint.

Whatever the combination, they work together to achieve that magic balance of hot(spicy), sour, sweet, salty and bitter. Now don’t be afraid of the fish sauce, it’s role is to add the salty element, it’s not very fishy I promise!
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Few things make me feel summer has really arrived like fresh stone fruit do, not surprising then they are also known as summerfriut. No stone fruit are native to New Zealand. Peaches, nectarines and plums all originated in China, with another variety of plum coming from middle Europe and cherries are native to the Caspian-Black Sea region. How exotic. We can possibly thank James Cook, or an early whaling gang for New Zealand’s first peach orchard planted around 1840.
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I love picnics. Even just taking a blanket out on to the lawn to eat lunch feels relaxing and special. Occasionally I will decide well in advance and have lots of fun planning and making and baking a real feast.
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When we think of drinks for the festive season, alcoholic drinks are often top of mind. Personally, I’m always on the lookout for some good non-alcoholic options.

Not only to offer at parties, also to have on hand when people drop around and as a celebratory option that the whole whanau can enjoy together.
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As Christmas fast approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in a real whirlwind of things to do, places to be, things to buy, and people to see.

I think it’s a really good idea to stop and take a deep breath, and think about what is really important to us about the holiday season.
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Spiced Apricot BBQ Turkey, sounds delicious doesn’t it? I’m really excited about my butterflying and barbequing Christmas turkey technique. I think it may convert a few non-turkey types. Please let me know how it is received at your place.
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Here’s one of Lana’s tips she shared at Girl’s Day Out. Pan-fry sunflower seeds and pumpkin kernels in a hot non-stick frying pan and when they start to pop add a dash of low-salt soy sauce and heat until it looks dry. A great healthy snack or sprinkle for salad or sandwiches. A tasty way of adding protein, fibre and essential nutrients to your diet.
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This Friday, Saturday and Sunday if you live in Auckland you will see me at Girl’s Day Out on the Kitchen and Entertainment Stage. Something special because it is “the girl’s day out“ and because it’s coming into summer I decided cocktails and salad ideas were in order.
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