articles, recipes, ideas and tips for entertaining at home

The Achacha is a tropical fruit originating in the Amazon Basin of Bolivia and is newly available in Australia. Grown in Burdekin in North Queensland, this season’s harvest has just hit the shelves, and will be available in selected stores including Harris Farm and Thomas Dux Grocers until February.

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Primavera in Italian means “spring style” and this salad showcases the best of spring produce. This is lovely as an accompaniment to fish or chicken, and makes a delicious entree served with smoked salmon. [Read more →]

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The arrival of cherries in Australia marks the onset of the festive season. Highly sought after, the cherry is a favourite with everyone.

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Asparagus season is reaching its peak  in Australia, and as a result it’s inexpensive, plentiful and flavoursome.  Three good reasons to be incorporating asparagus into your menu!

In this recipe,  prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is paired with Haloumi cheese and dressed with a lemon chive dressing – a divine combination! This dish works really well cooked on a barbeque – perfect for relaxed summer dining. Serve it as either a starter or lunch, together with with fresh crusty bread and a glass of sauvignon blanc. [Read more →]

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Of all the tropical fruits, mangoes surely must be the most celebrated. Exotic and fragrant, a mango enjoyed on a hot summer’s day is a pleasurable experience indeed.

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With the weather warming up and the days becoming longer, it’s time to fire up the barbeque. Rather than serve bottled sauces and relishes alongside your grilled meat or fish, try this Italian dish of sautéed capsicums. It’s simple, delicious and can be made ahead of time, scoring all the ticks for successful entertaining. Peperonata is also a a lovely addition to an antipasto platter. You can serve this either hot or cold. [Read more →]

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Olives are a welcome food to serve with pre-dinner drinks or at a cocktail party. Yes you can readily buy pre-marinated olives, but why not make your own?   Home-marinated olives are so much better than most shop-bought marinated olives and it’s always rewarding to be able to say “I made it myself” when your guests declare how delicious something is! [Read more →]

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Indonesian food is a much loved Asian cuisine in Australia. There are strong Indonesian influences in many modern-Australian dishes, especially those served in restaurants in Darwin and North Queensland. [Read more →]

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Although ready-made shortcrust pastry is readily available, nothing says “homemade” like homemade pastry. Making pastry is easy and your guests will appreciate the personal touch that has gone into your cooking. [Read more →]

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With the warmer weather on its way, I am looking forward to plenty of alfresco dining and drinking some quality sauvignon blancs. I love a good sauvignon blanc, especially if it has come from the Marlborough region of New Zealand.

Awarded New Zealand winemaker Villa Maria Estate recently launched its 2009 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc. I have been a big fan of Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc for a few years now, and their new vintage did not disappoint!

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