Tofu Tuesday: Shelfie
Tofu the bunny practices some shelf awareness. Click here to see more editions of Tofu Tuesday.
Author: Bunny Eats Design
Too easy free range sausage rolls
I could eat my weight in sausage rolls. If I see sausage rolls at a party, I’ll make a beeline and scoff them without shame. I’m not the only one, there’s always others. I know who you are. Sausage rolls are one of New Zealand’s most beloved foods. Golden puff pastry with a meaty filling, cut into bite-sized morsels and served with plenty of tomato sauce, sausage rolls appeared at all the childhood birthday parties I attended growing up. They are a comfort food and a party food for all generations. Sausage rolls can be eaten hot or cold making them equally good for winter nights or summer picnics which is why I’m submitting this post to Taste of Summer edition of Our Growing Edge this month. I’ve been experimenting and perfecting this recipe using L’Authentique’s french grind. Made locally, L’Authentique sausages are made from free range meat and contain no fillers. Coming in a range of different flavours, I’ve made these sausage rolls at home using their Toulouse, Angus Beef, Pork & Fennel and Chicken & Bacon sausage meat. My …
Tofu Tuesday: Bright winter days
I’ve come down with a cold but the bright, sunny winter days we’ve had over the long weekend certainly helps me feel less miserable. We spent lots of time with friends and I almost pulled an all nighter on Saturday night. Probably not good for a cold, or at my age…It took 2 whole days to recover. We’ve had some stunning weather for almost a week. Bright blue skies, cold winter days. It warms my heart to see Tofu enjoying hours of winter sunbathing, fuzzy belly pressed to the warmed concrete, fluffy butt aimed at the sun. At night, he’s been extra snuggly, jumping up onto the couch is now a nightly occurrence and over the weekend, he even snuggled in with our friend who was sleeping on the couch. Tofu’s B&B (Bed and Bunny). Click here to see more editions of Tofu Tuesday.
Our Growing Edge – June 2016 Intro
June edition of Our Growing Edge is hosted by Susan and Mike from Simply Sundays. The theme this month is “Tastes of Summer”. Most of you will be enjoying warm weather, picnics, barbecues, salads, and al fresco dining late into the evenings. Summer produce is plentiful, affordable and delicious and maybe the produce is inspiring you to prepare more meals at home. At the same time, here in the southern hemisphere this week marks the first week of winter, I’m torn between warming winter dishes and also eating lighter so that the waistline doesn’t run away from me. Adapting the taste of summer can be great for winter eating. Some ideas you could try this month: Adapt a classic oven or stovetop recipe to be cooked on the barbecue Cook with strawberries, cherries, apricots or watermelon Make something with avocado, heirloom tomatoes, radishes or corn Invent a winning smoothie using summer produce Make a refreshing drink or adapt a classic summer cocktail Host a picnic potluck To submit a post, click on the submission button below: More info on the event …
Dairyworks giveaway winner
With special thanks to Dairyworks I am pleased to announce the winner for the Lodge 26cm cast iron skillet and a cheese grater (worth $100) in celebration of the new Dairyworks cheese convenience range. Drawn by Random.org the winner is… **drum roll please!** Ashleigh Rowland Congratulations Ashleigh, I hope you enjoy your new kitchen essentials! I adore my cast iron and use it every day. It makes the best toasted sandwiches and burgers. For more information about Dairyworks including their convenience cheese range, visit their website here. To keep up with giveaways and announcements, make sure you follow my Facebook page here.
Tofu Tuesday: The story of the beast with those four dirty paws.
So for a while things were cold, They were scared down in their holes. The forest that once was green Was coloured black by those killing machines. But she and her furry friends Took down the queen bee and her men. And that’s how the story goes, The story of the beast with those four dirty paws. Dirty Paws – Of Monsters and Men One of my favourite songs by one of my favourite bands. Tofu the bunny gets four dirty paws on occasion. Like this morning when he ran outside even though it’s pissing down and the ground is very wet. I just brought him back inside and snapped this shot, and now he is cleaning himself up. I think the rest of today will be snuggled up inside, though I do have to make a dash out at some stage. Hopefully there’s a moment of sunshine for me. Click here to see more editions of Tofu Tuesday.
Winetopia 2016 – things I have learned
I have been cursed with the realisation that I like expensive wine. Last Saturday, my friend and I attended Winetopia, an expo for wine lovers. Set upstairs at the expansive Shed 10 on Queens Wharf, in Auckland CBD, the event was bursting at the seams with well behaved but jovial attendees, wine exhibitors, food stalls and plenty of free wine talks (with tastings). We’d already enjoyed a leisurely feast of a lunch (to line the stomach) but I couldn’t go past freshly shucked Mahurangi Oysters and my friend enjoyed a Food Snob cheese platter. There’s a decent array of food if you want or need it, but we were here for wine. Entry included a tasting wine glass and 5 tokens, though more tokens could be purchased for $2 each. Most wine tastings cost 1 token, though there were 2 and 3 token tastings for the more expensive bottles. For an extra $20pp you could also choose to attend various Masterclasses with guaranteed tastings. The King of Pinot Noir We were lucky to swing a …
Tofu Tuesday: A rabbit of many names
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say we have many names for our pet. From empowering titles like Major Fluff to repugnant names like Mister Rat Legs (during Tofu’s bunny butt bath time), here are a few designs I whipped up for our furry CEO. Background image: Tofu’s fur. Note: “Cash” was actually given to him by our neighbour. I’m unsure if he was named after Johnny Cash or actual currency. Either way fits. Click here to see more editions of Tofu Tuesday.
Tofu Tuesday: Bed
For the last little while, Tofu has been making his presence known at 6.30am. Rabbits are amazing at telling the time. Maybe he has a rabbit-sized blind person’s watch that’s he’s hidden from us or the morning birds sing the time in their song. The other morning Tofu woke us with loud thumping around the house which is usually a sign of danger or generally being pissed off. I got up and fed him – that seemed to satisfy him. Yesterday morning he jumped up onto the couch for snuggles (I’d fallen asleep on the couch that night). This morning he came into our room and made noises next to my side of the bed waiting to be scooped up onto the bed. I don’t speak rabbit, but I try to understand. Here are the conclusions that I’ve surmised for his morning wake up call. He’s decided that 6.30am is breakfast time It’s getting colder in the mornings and he wants warmth and pets He thinks we should be getting up by then and is disgusted at us In any case, I’m quite …
5 ways with Dairyworks cheese
Hi, I’m Genie and I am a cheese addict. Our fridge is always stocked with cheese. Like, a SELECTION of cheese. I always have a block of cheese open but the thing that annoys me is how the packaging is rendered useless after opening. When I wrap the packaging back on, the cheese is exposed like a cutout dress. Not cool. Blocks of cheese are designed to be used over time so I was delighted to see that Dairyworks has come up with re-sealable packaging for their convenience range of cheeses. At the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards a few months ago, Dairyworks won four category awards for their innovative cheese packaging. The Dairyworks range comes with recloseable packaging, a homey wood design and windows so the consumer can eat with their eyes. I really like the new grated cheese mixes 3 CH3EEZE and SMOKEY JOE which appeal to the glutton in me. Can’t decide on which cheese to buy? Well these packs are a blend of 3 cheeses each! The 3 CH3EEZE is a …
Gluten free Feijoa Muffins
Just over two years ago, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. At the beginning, I looked for nutritional answers as I didn’t want to be relying on medication just to be normal. Some people said that gluten free was the answer so I went gluten free. I ate gluten free pasta, gluten free bread, gluten free bagels. I didn’t like them. Luckily I prefer rice and rice noodles over gluten alternatives. I also tried gluten free baking. I inherited a bunch of gluten free flours from my mum who tried gluten free baking but had lost interest. Then I also lost interest. I count my blessings that going gluten free had no measurable benefit to my health. I’ve been off medication for 8 months and feeling great. Still, having a gluten free recipe up your sleeve can be handy. I’ve made these muffins with berries and bananas before and my friend announced that gluten free or not, they were the best muffins he ever tasted. That’s quite a proclamation. Feijoa season Since it’s feijoa …
Film review: Wastecooking – Make Food, Not Waste
“One third of all food produced (1.3 billion tons) is never consumed”. – World Food Programme David Groß is a chef, film maker, activist and all round nice guy. With the car he’s modified to run on used vegetable oil (lovingly named The Wastemobile), and his mobile kitchen made from a dumpster, David embarks on a tour through five countries, leading by example, cooking, interviewing and educating along the way. Throughout his European tour, David eats only what others call waste. This includes (but not limited to) eating leftovers, dumpster diving, foraging in nature, foraging in other people’s fridges, eating bugs, harvesting what farmers cannot sell due to the demand for perfect size produce and fishing bycatch. From learning how to make a meal using leftovers (a skill that’s lost on newer generations) to growing and eating bugs, Wastecooking is a tour documentary that brings up many important issues. Sometimes, they’re hilarious, other times infuriating. Yes, it’s about food waste but instead of being preachy and accusing the others of being wasteful, David’s journey shares many …
Tofu Tuesday: Photo Booth
Hope you’re having a great Tuesday. I love working from home. I get to hang out with Tofu. It’s pretty fun. Click here to see more editions of Tofu Tuesday.
Winetopia 2016 double pass winner
With special thanks to Lemongrass Productions I am pleased to announce the winner for the double pass to Winetopia presented by Singapore Airlines. Drawn by Random.org the winner is… **drum roll please!** Indiana Turner Congratulations Indiana, I hope you and your friend have a wonderful time at the Winetopia! Tickets are $30+bf and includes x5 tastings plus a wine glass. Tickets available through iTicket. Extra tastings are $2 each and can be purchased at the event. For more information, visit: www.winetopia.nz Make sure you try some of the event food pairings. Free range pork terrine, prawn and pork rice paper rolls, oysters, dumplings, cheese platters, cured meats and chocolate. Heavenly! Thank to everyone else for all your entries. I loved reading your delicious answers. To keep up with giveaways and announcements, make sure you follow my Facebook page here.
Films for Foodies, City of Gold winner
With special thanks to Rialto Newmarket I am pleased to announce the winner for the double pass to this month’s Films for Foodies event, City of Gold screening on Wednesday 25 May 2016. At Films for Foodies, guests enjoy a glass of Crossroads wine, plate of nibbles and a foodie goodie bag to take home. Tickets are $35 pp. Drawn by Random.org the winner is… **drum roll please!** Bri DiMattina Congratulations Bri, I hope you and your friend have a wonderful time at the City of Gold! Thank to everyone else for all your entries. I feel like I hit the jackpot asking you all to name your favourite “under the radar” eatery in Auckland. Don’t worry guys, your secrets are safe with me, though there were a couple of eateries mentioned more than once. Which reminds me I need to visit again! Don’t forget I have a double pass to giveaway to Winetopia check out this page to enter. If you live in Auckland and are into wine, this event is unmissable. More information on Films for Foodies can be found here. Rialto Newmarket is at 167 – 169 Broadway, Newmarket. …
Tofu Tuesday: Tofu and Philippe (a series)
Tofu and Philippe the Philodendron Imperial Green. I hate to pick favourites but Philippe is my favourite houseplant. I love the banana plant look he has going on. I wanted a banana plant for my office but as they need more sun and space than I could provide so I settled for this little guy. He’s gained a few new leaves and shooting up in the middle so I hope this means he likes me too. Philippe does not like direct light, will tolerate shady spots and hates the cold. A perfect office buddy. Strangely, Phillippe’s leaves are always wet, as if he dreams of the rainforest. I’ve been listening to hours rainforest sounds while I’ve been working at home. I hope Philippe appreciates the gesture. Tofu the bunny wasn’t shy at all about licking Philippe’s water droplets. No Philippes were harmed in the taking of these photos. Click here to see more editions of Tofu Tuesday.
Our Growing Edge – May 2016 Intro
May edition of Our Growing Edge is hosted by Joana from My Gut Feeling. The theme this month is “Allergy friendly recipes”. We all know someone with a food allergy and the restaurant and cafe industry are increasingly catering to food allergies too. I love cooking for other people and sometimes this includes allergy friendly recipes. I am lucky that we don’t have any food allergies in our household, but I have dabbled in some gluten free baking after I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease a few years back. Gluten free seems to be fairly common and cafes around here usually stock at least one gluten free option, while dairy free, nut free and egg free can usually be arranged after speaking to the chef. Vegan isn’t a diet or way of life I personally follow but I have cooked vegan meals in the past which are both egg and dairy free. It’s good to have a recipe or two up your sleeve for those occasions. Hopefully this round up will inspire us to try some new recipes. Some …
Ramen at home
Autumn is delightful. I’m enjoying the cool, crisp air and the bright sunlight, filtering through the trees into my shady home office (aka lounge), and the food. Oh the FOOD. I’m not a summer salad kind of girl. I’m a steamy bowl of something something queen. Steaming bowls of ramen is up there in my 10 ten things I love about cold weather and I recently tried the Tonkotsu ramen set compiled by WASHOKU Explorer. Tonkotsu is one of the most popular varieties of ramen. The creamy, rich, pork broth is made by boiling pork fat, collagen and well washed pork bones for hours (even days). Due to the labour intensive process, this dish is not often made at home, though you will find it at any ramen shop. The Tonkotsu ramen set comes with comes with a cool ramen bowl, renge (spoon), dried noodles, soup, seaweed, dried green onion and dried kikurage (wood ear mushroom). If you like, you can add a boiled egg or slices of meat – neither of which ship or keep …
Tofu Tuesday: Lemon peel
My first week of full-time freelancing went well. As well as working on my current projects, I updated my CV, worked on new quotes and proposals and managed to leave the house almost every day. I have been at my desk, with coffee in hand every morning before 8am. I spent had one day working in my pyjamas, which happened to be Friday, a reward for a good week’s work…which in the bigger scheme of things, is a pretty good ratio. It’s Tuesday morning here after a long weekend and I’m back at my desk and it’s not even 8am. Working from home means I see Tofu more than I did and I noticed that he was very interested in this horrible rotting lemon underneath our lemon tree. In fact, he had eaten most of the lemon peel before I took these shots. I can’t imagine that this is very delicious. It sure doesn’t look appetising to me, but maybe the blind rabbit knows better. Please note, lemons are not recommended rabbit food. After discovering this …
Winetopia 2016 – double pass giveaway
Around this time next month, a new wine event called Winetopia will descend upstairs at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf. With one evening session on Friday 20 May 2016 and two sessions on Saturday 21 May 2016, New Zealand’s top wineries will be represented as well as local wine experts, critics and sommeliers. Run by Lemongrass Productions, the good people behind Taste of Auckland and Wine AKL you can expect the same level of atmosphere and delicious tastings at Winetopia. If you’re interested in learning thing or two about wine, there will be free classes as well as $20 Masterclasses. Bluesy Jazz duo Hopetoun Brown (ex-Supergroove brass section) will play a live set at all three sessions. Thanks to Lemongrass Productions, I have a double pass to Winetopia presented by Singapore Airlines on Saturday 21st May 2016, 12pm to 3.30pm. This includes 5x tastings plus a wine glass each, plus free talks and entertainment. To enter, complete the form at the bottom of this post, including a skill question. With Earlybird tickets well and truly gone (I snaffled up …
Bunny Eats Design 