Category — Articles

When entertaining or planning a dinner party, it is natural that the main focus is on the food and what you will be serving your guests. However, an often overlooked part of the occasion is the setting and presentation of the table. A thoughtful table setting will create atmosphere and will enhance the experience of eating the meal you have prepared.
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My husband and I recently spent 10 gorgeous days in the Maldives. We spent our honeymoon there 10 years ago and returned to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary.  It was just as beautiful as I remembered.

The view from our room

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Food shopping is a chore for most people, and there is nothing more stressful than running around looking for last minute items before your guests arrive. A bit of forward planning and a few strategic shopping tips for your dinner party or home event will save you valuable time and money, as well as ensuring you and your guests are enjoying quality produce.  [Read more →]

This time of year lends itself to entertaining, and often it is a case of the more the merrier. A buffet is one of the easiest ways to entertain a crowd and it creates a relaxed and social atmosphere. It allows your guests to help themselves to food and choose what they like, and consequently frees up time for the host. It’s a win-win solution!
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My local newspaper The Manly Daily, yesterday published this article of mine together with three of my photos. To view the newspaper article, click here.

The start of the New Year is a time when many people embark on diets and New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight and become healthier. Entertaining can be tricky: as a host you may be on a special eating program and be reluctant to inflict your diet on your guests. Conversely, your guests may be trying to lose a few kilos and would rather decline the invitation than subject themselves to temptation. [Read more →]

We all have our favourite kitchen utensils and gadgets – those that are just a joy to use and makes us wonder how we ever managed without them. They may not necessarily be expensive or fancy items – they could be something as simple as a balloon whisk or a vegetable peeler.
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If you could own just one cookbook, what would it be? I get asked this question on occasion, and with my ever-expanding collection of cookbooks, this is a tough one to answer.
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December in Sydney is a wonderful time of the year: the weather is superb (lending itself to alfresco dining and barbeques), people are in good spirits, and the produce at this time of the year is amazing. Although there are many people around the globe who find the idea of spending Christmas and New Years Eve in warm weather strange (my Dutch husband is one of them!) I wouldn’t have it any other way. [Read more →]

Party season is well and truly here, and finger food is the way to go for cocktail parties and informal get-togethers. Rather than serve chips, nuts, dips and crackers, why not put together a few easy canapés that will be sure to impress your guests? Here are 5 ideas for canapés that can be put together in minutes:
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Many people are put off by the idea of serving three courses at a dinner party, possibly because of lack of confidence and culinary expertise, and usually because of time constrictions with the food preparation. Serving a first course lengthens the time spent around the dinner table, hence adding to the enjoyment of the occasion.

Here are a number of ideas for easy entrees that can be put together in less than 10 minutes. So no more excuses for not serving a starter! 
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