Fresh Stories
Find out what’s fresh in season at Countdown and be inspired with our great selection of recipes, helpful tips and growers stories.
Recipes
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Smart tip #57
"Choose firm, mature pumpkins and squash that have undamaged skin and feel heavy for their size. A mature pumpkin will be shiny or slightly slippery to feel, whilst an immature one will be slightly sticky. Another indication is brown flecks on the stem – the more flecks the more mature."
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How to make mince patties, meatballs & koftas
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Fresh fact #340
"Medium-length spiral shaped pasta is best suited to meat or ricotta-based sauces. It is also perfect for pasta salads."
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How to peel and de-seed tomatoes
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Smart tip #1008
"Apples go well with both sweet and savoury flavours. Classic combinations include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, mint, walnuts and mayonnaise."
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How to blind baking pastry
Salmon Farmer
The cool, deep waters of the Marlborough Sounds are an ideal place to raise King salmon.
For more than 25 years, New Zealand King Salmon has been ...
Read more ›
Read more ›
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Smart tip #709
"Cauliflower tastes delicious raw or lightly steamed, boiled or stir-fried. Avoid over-cooking, as it will lose its taste and the heads will disintegrate."
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How to prepare and store vegtables
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Fresh fact #1006
"Apples are one of New Zealand's favourite fruits. Each variety has a unique taste and texture, so you'll be sure to find one to suit your tastebuds."
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Know your pastry
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Fresh fact #289
"Kumara come in 3 varieties – red skinned with a creamy white flesh, golden kumara which is slightly sweeter, or orange kumara which is the sweetest of all kumara varieties."
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How to stew fruit
How to prepare trifle
Autumn Fresh Stories - Pears
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Fresh fact #334
"Penne are medium tubes with ridges, cut diagonally at both ends. It is best for sauces that are thick or chunky as ridges help the sauce to cling to the pasta."
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Smart tip #31
"Look for kumara that is firm with smooth and unbroken skin, relatively heavy for their size and have no discoloration or soft patches."
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Smart tip #1002
"Pears are a good source of fibre and vitamin C, and have only 100 calories per serving. They're sodium free, fat free, and cholesterol free. That's one 'sweet' package! When grilled, pears hold their shape and develop a rich sweetness - try wrapping pears in bacon or prosciutto and then grilling them; or poach them in wine or other liquors for desserts. Poached pears pair very well with ice cream and whipped cream. Pears also make a great pairing with wine and cheese."
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Smart tip #1003
"Try cooking pasta in your favourite stock to add flavour to your dish. For that special occasion, try adding tortellini to your tomato or chicken soup."
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Fresh fact #210
"Jazz apples are a cross between Gala and Braeburn varieties. They are rosy red over golden skin, have crunchy flesh, effervescent and have a sweet, tangy flavour. Ideal for juicing and in sauces. Available from April through to early December. "
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Fresh fact #639
"Most of the Vitamin C in pears is found in the skin."
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Fresh fact #540
"Apples contain no saturated fats or cholesterol and are a great source of fibre"
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Smart tip #1
"Look for firm unblemished fruit with rich colouring. A damaged apple releases ethylene, a gas which speeds the ripening process. This can spoil other fruit/vegetables, making the ‘one rotten apple spoils the barrel’ phrase true."
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Fresh fact #345
"Doyenne du Comice pears have greenish skin with speckles and a slight blush, silky smooth flesh. They are rich and buttery - the ultimate dessert pear. "
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Autumn Fresh Stories - Macro Free Range Chicken
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Fresh fact #211
"Mahana Red apples have deep red skin, firm flesh, and are sweet and tangy. Fantastic in baking or juiced. Exclusive to Countdown. Available from late April to November."
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Know your pasta
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Fresh fact #587
"Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene (converted into Vitamin A in the body) for healthy eyes and skin."
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How to make caramel
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Smart tip #838
"Cabbage is best stored in the fridge in a plastic bag."
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How to make a white sauce
How to dice vegetables
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Fresh fact #347
"Nashi pears have a golden bronze colour, are crisp, and are juicy enough to drink. Great for platters or salads as they won't go brown."
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Fresh fact #635
"Pasta is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates"
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How to puree fruit and vegetables
Know your spices
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Fresh fact #346
"Honey Belle pears have green skin with pink blush. They are crisp and are very sweet in flavour. A lunchbox favourite with the kids. Exclusive to Countdown. "
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Fresh fact #730
"Kumara is a versatile vegetable and great boiled, mashed, roasted, in soups, stir-fries, on a barbecue, or in pies or quiches."
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Zesting citrus fruit
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Smart tip #770
"Some pumpkins have tough skins which can be difficult to cut through. To make cutting pumpkin skin easier - simply microwave on high, 1 minute at a time, until soft enough to cut."
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Know your asian sauces
How to make glazed carrots
Autumn Fresh Stories - Fresh or Free
How to make scrambled eggs
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Fresh fact #329
"Fettucine is a long, flat pasta that is wider than linguine. It is the perfect all-rounder which is good for creamy, oil-based or tomato-based sauces."
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Fresh fact #349
"Packham pears have lime green skin, crisp white flesh and are firm. Ideal baked or grilled. "
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How to make a pavlova
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Fresh fact #350
"Taylor's Gold pears are brown skinned, extremely juicy, rich and sweet. Great for sweetening salads or pizzas. "
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Fresh fact #413
"Apples are a member of the rose family"
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Know your prawns and how to de-vein
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Fresh fact #516
"Apples make a great snack and a tasty addition to salads and desserts. Simply wash or peel the skin before use."
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Smart tip #772
"Pumpkins are traditionally roasted, but they can also be baked, stuffed and used in soups, flans and pies. Try them also in moist cakes and breads ."
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Fresh fact #541
"Apples contain loads of vitamin C – a powerful, natural antioxidant which helps to keep gums, skin, teeth, bones and the immune system healthy."
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Smart tip #125
"When baking or boiling, keep in mind that sweet potatoes hold their shape better if the skin is left on. You can peel them afterwards."
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Fresh fact #363
"Butternut pumpkins are so easy to peel, you only need a potato peeler! They have orange flesh are are sweet in flavour. You can recognise them by the creamy beige skin and elongated shape which is thicker at one end. "
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Smart tip #729
"Orange kumara can be eaten raw. Simply peel and chop into sticks and use as a quick, easy and nutritious dipping stick."
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Know your rice
know your meats for slow cooking
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Fresh fact #332
"Linguine is the long, flat version of spaghetti. It is best served with a clinging sauce, or a pasta sauce thats easily captured while twirling pasta onto a fork."
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Smart tip #708
"Try crunchy sweet carrots to add flavour, texture, moisture and colour to dishes."
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Fresh fact #348
"Nashi pears are commonly grown in the Waikato. They are also know as Asian pears, Chinese pears, Japanese pears and apple pears, as they look like an apple but taste like a pear."
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Smart tip #688
"When peeling and coring apples for cooking or for use in salads, brush the cut surfaces with lemon juice to prevent them from browning."
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Smart tip #480
"Press down gently beside the pear stem and if it gives slightly then it’s ready to eat. If not ripe, store in a bowl with bananas to help them ripen quicker."
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Fresh fact #588
"Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K and folate."
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Smart tip #841
"Cauliflower is best stored in the fridge in a plastic bag."
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How to blanch vegetables
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Fresh fact #339
"Spaghetti are thin, round strands of long pasta. Works with anything from bolognese to carbonara sauces, or oil and garlic."
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Smart tip #909
"Store pumpkin in a cool dark place. Once cut, remove the seeds, wrap in plastic film and refrigerate."
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Fresh fact #333
"Macaroni are short and hollow tubes that are best served or cooked with a sauce that can get trapped inside."
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Smart tip #185
"To reduce fat content, trim bacon of any visible fat before cooking, and drain on paper towels once cooked."
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How to julienne carrots
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Smart tip #873
"Kumara should be stored in a cool, dark place which is well ventilated. Do not store them in plastic bags as it causes them to sweat and deteriorate quickly."
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How to make muesli from scratch
Know your herbs part 1
Know your herbs part 2
RECIPE
Serves 4
Cherry Tomato Spaghetti with Crisp Salami & Feta
Serves 4 for less than $20.00
Know your onions
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Fresh fact #443
"Cauliflower, meaning "cabbage flower" in Latin, is a member of the brassica family and has been grown for more than 2000 years"
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How to steam food
How to remove sinew from lamb
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Smart tip #840
"Carrots are best stored in the fridge in a plastic bag."
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Frying techniques
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Fresh fact #212
"NZ Rose apples have thin rose red skin, crunchy flesh, and are sweet in flavour. Great in desserts. Available from March to December."
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Smart tip #14
"Look for cabbage with firm heads, that are heavy for their size, and an even colour with crisp outer leaves."
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Know your batters
Know your beans and pulses
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Fresh fact #414
"It takes the energy of 50 leaves to produce just one apple."
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RECIPE
Serves 10-12
Chocolate Orange & Almond Layer Cake
This cake will keep well if refrigerated, but serve it at room temperature for a lovely fudgy texture.
Autumn Fresh Stories
know your potatoes
How to remove bones from salmon
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Fresh fact #365
"Squashes are a cross between buttercup and butternut. They are good for roasting and mashing and will keep the longest."
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RECIPE
15 minutes + 35 minutes
Serves 6
How to prepare an eye fillet
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Fresh fact #336
"Rollini are medium-length, tightly rolled hollow tubes. Best with pesto and pasta salads but be careful not to overcook as the tube shape will collapse."
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How to make berry couli
How to make stock from scratch
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Fresh fact #209
"Granny Smith apples have bright green skin, crispy flesh and a sharp, zesty flavour. Great for freezing and baking. Available from late March through to November. "
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How to make a casserole
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Smart tip #16
"Choose cauliflower that has tightly packed flowers and leaves that look fresh and green."
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Fresh fact #213
"Royal Gala apples have bright red stripes over creamy yellow skin, crisp white flesh, and are sweet and juicy. Great sliced up in kids' lunches. Available from March to November."
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Smart tip #811
"Keep apples in the fridge to keep them fresher for longer"
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Sweating vegetables technique
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Fresh fact #362
"Buttercup pumpkins have a fine textured orange to dark yellow flesh with a slightly sweet flavour."
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Know your Mushrooms
Autumn Fresh Stories - Apples
How to prepare garlic
Caramelsing technique
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Fresh fact #338
"Shell shaped pasta is best with chunky sauces and are a favourite with kids."
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Fresh fact #654
"Pumpkins are an excellent source of Vitamin A and have good amounts of Vitamin C, potassium and fibre. "
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Smart tip #874
"Never store kumara in the refrigerator as they will shrivel and harden."
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How to make gravy from scratch
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Fresh fact #364
"Crown Grey pumpkins have a hard blue/grey skin with a rich orange flesh. Their hard skin means they keep really well."
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Fresh fact #1026
"No other vegetable or fruit contains as much carotene as carrots, which the body converts to vitamin A. They're an excellent source of vitamins B and C as well as calcium pectate and antioxidants."
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Fresh fact #208
"Braeburn apples have red stripes all over green skin. It has cream coloured flesh, and is sweet with a hint of tart. Ideal for cooking. Available from March to November."
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Fresh fact #342
"Angelys Pears have bronze skin with sweet, fine flesh that melts in your mouth. Ideal for winter puddings. Available from mid June to October."
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Smart tip #15
"Choose carrots that are firm, well formed and have a good orange colour."
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Know your flours
Know your noodles
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Smart tip #62
"When buying salmon look for darker fillets with flesh that glistens, and it shouldn't smell too fishy."
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Smart tip #705
"Cabbage is delicious raw or cooked for a short time until tender, but still slightly crisp. Remove the outer leaves before preparation as they are a bit tough."
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How to make the perfect crumble
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Smart tip #234
"Green cabbage is a favourite. For some variety, try the sweet, tender Savoy varieties. Or, try red cabbage to add extra colour to your dish."
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Kumara Grower
A family business, Kaipara Kumara was created by Anthony Blundell’s father, Gary, in 1970. They started working with growers in 1972 to establish ...
Read more ›
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Countdown NZ Free Farmed Pork
Hawarden in North Canterbury is home to Patoa Farms. And that’s where Countdown sources its free-farmed pork from.
So what exactly is free-farmed ...
Read more ›
Read more ›
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Smart tip #236
"Crunchy, sweet carrots add flavour, texture and colour to dishes. Enjoy them raw, cooked or in baking."
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Fresh fact #207
"Mahana Red apples get their deep red colour from reflective paper which is placed under the trees to capture more natural sunlight. They are grown just for Countdown."
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How to make pesto
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Smart tip #104
"For whiter cauliflower add a tablespoon of milk or lemon juice to the water."
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Fresh fact #331
"Lasagne sheets are thin, rectangular sheets of pasta that are best for lasagne. No need to pre-cook as the lasagne sauce provides cooking liquid. If using for other dishes, pre-cook in boiling water first."
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How to roast and toast dry nuts
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Fresh fact #479
"Pears were called ‘butter fruit’ in the 1700s because of their buttery texture."
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How to soften onions
How to candy oranges and lemons and tips for use
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Smart tip #1025
"Carrots are the bright stars of the vege world. Not only do they store a goldmine of nutrients, you can also cook them or eat raw, juice them, or bake in a cake."
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Smart tip #936
"Pears are great on their own but are also fantastic in salads. For something different, try roasting them on the barbeque."
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How to make couscous
RECIPE
Serves 3 large or 6 small
Falafel is delicious hot or cold, so it is an ideal filling for pita bread as a light meal or to wrap or pack for a filling and delicious lunch.
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Fresh fact #344
"Beurre Bosc pears have grainy brown skin, firm flesh and are very juicy. Great all-rounder for snacks, cooking or salads. Available from late February to mid November."
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Apple Grower
Tim’s grandfather began growing fruit in the 1930’s. He and his father now run their two properties from Hamilton, and Tim loves it so much that he...
Read more ›
Read more ›
Autumn Fresh Stories - Apples and Pears
Know your oils
how to cook pasta
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Smart tip #138
"Mussels only need a few minutes cooking, so when adding them to other recipes, add them at the last moment to prevent over-cooking. "
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How to make a stir-fry
How to cream butter and sugar
How to beat egg whites
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Smart tip #996
"Parsley stalks are also useful for making stocks, or for adding flavour to soups and stews."
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Smart tip #119
"Make a powerful garlic oil by peeling a whole head of garlic and blending with olive oil"
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Fresh fact #186
"Our Angus beef is carefully picked by our team from 100% Angus cattle"
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Fresh fact #118
"Fish continues to cook once removed from the heat. To avoid overcooking transfer the fish to a plate as soon as the flesh turns white."
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How to stuff a chicken
How to dice an onion
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Smart tip #900
"Rosemary has a rich flavour that pairs well with all kinds of meat, seafood, bread and bean dishes"
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Smart tip #981
"For a tasty Roast Pork score the skin of a 4kg pork leg roast bone-in, and rub with olive oil and salt. Bake in a hot oven at 220°C for 20 minutes then reduce heat to 170°C and cook for 3.5 hours."
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Smart tip #139
"Mussels can be steamed, baked, grilled or pan-fried and can be added to pastas, rice dishes, sauces, soups and stews. When deep-fried they should be removed from shell."
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Smart tip #707
"Try eating capsicum and carrot sticks with dips as a healthier alternative to chips and crackers."
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How to marinate meat
How to make a glaze
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Smart tip #153
"Steaming is a great way to reduce the risk of waterlogging your potatoes - you can infuse steamed potato with flavour by adding rosemary sprigs and garlic to boiling water."
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How to decorate with chocolate
how to prepare mussels
Mellisa Hadfield
When browning minced beef, always make sure the pan is hot, and drain any excess fluid to stop the meat 'stewing'. I also swear by a teaspoon of brown sugar to the browning process for a bit of added flavour.
How to cook rice
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Fresh facts #137
"Flat or Portobello mushrooms are full of flavour, don’t shrink much and stay firm, making them Ideal for grilling. "
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How to roast a capsicum
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smart tip #155
"Whole prawns in their shells will add flavour to your paella."
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How to make curry paste
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Smart tip #767
"Raw prawn cutlets have conveniently been deshelled, so it is easy for you to add them to tasty dishes."
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How to carve a leg of lamb
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Fresh fact #996
"Parsley is available in two styles - Italian and standard. The italian-style has flat leaves, while the standard has curly leaves. "
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How to make the perfect cheese platter
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Fresh fact #643
"Pork is rich in zinc, iron, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium - all good things!"
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How to tell when your fish is cooked
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Fresh fact #61
"Salami is available in may different varieties. Each style is made to its own unique recipe using the finest cuts of pork, beef and veal belnded with herbs and spices."
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Fresh fact #440
"Capsicums start off green and become yellow or red as they ripen."
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Te Mania - Angus Beef
Te Mania Angus, Australasia’s largest Angus seed stock supplier was established in 1928 by the grandfather of third generation breeder, Tim Wilding...
Read more ›
Read more ›
How to poach an egg
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Smart tip #769
"Defrost prawns quickly by placing in a colander and running them under cold water."
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Smart tip #868
"Extend the storage life of your herbs by wrapping them loosely in damp paper towels and keeping them in a plastic bag in the crisper bin of the fridge."
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Smart tip #110
"To test if cooked, pierce the thickest part of the chicken with a skewer or sharp knife and if the juices run clear, its ready."
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Smart tip #154
"Prawns are quick and easy to cook. Remember to cook only until the flesh turns opaque as they continue to cook once removed from the heat."
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Smart tip #829
"Beef steak should be refrigerated immediately and placed in an airtight container, plastic bag, or wrapped tightly in plastic film or foil. "
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How to roast potatoes
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Smart tip #977
"Prawns go well with lots of flavours such as garlic, ginger, lemon, lime, pepper, chilli, coriander, soy, sesame and tomato."
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Smart tip #810
"Large cuts of beef can withstand a longer period of time within the freezer, without losing flavour. "
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How to whip cream
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Smart tip #983
"Pork is a sweet flavoured meat, so it's complemented by fruit, like baked apples, pears and apricots. Cut the fruit into wedges and place around the pork with herbs like sage and thyme for the last 30 minutes of the cooking time."
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Smart tip #136
"Toss mushrooms in a little seasoned flour before adding to pizza to prevent pizza going mushy when the musrooms release their liquid."
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Fresh fact #989
"Mint has a clean, fresh taste, and is a welcome addition to all kinds of sweet and savoury dishes, as well as drinks. Look for fresh-looking mint with bright green leaves, and no black or yellow patches."
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Smart tip #97
"Meat will not brown properly if it is crowded in the pan."
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Fresh fact #202
"The even marbling in our Angus beef ensures tenderness and maximum flavour."
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Fresh fact #471
"Iceberg lettuce gets its name from the days before refrigeration when it was transported in ice. It has a mild flavour, and keeps incredibly well. "
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Fresh fact #653
"Prawns are great for easy summer entertaining and they have virtually no fat – apart from their valuable Omega-3. They ‘re also high in protein and contain calcium, potassium, iodine and vitamins B3, B6, B12 and E."
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How to cook the perfect steak
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Smart tip #687
"Season your meat with salt and pepper before cooking. But not too early, as the salt will draw the moisture out of the meat, making it dry. Oil the meat not the pan to avoid oil splatters."
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How to joint a chicken
How to fillet a fish
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Fresh fact #235
"Red capsicum is a ripened green capsicum and tastes slightly sweeter. They're great in salads, pastas, casseroles on pizzas and in tacos."
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Fresh fact #646
"A medium potato with the skin on, has more vitamin C than an apple, more potassium than a banana and more fibre than rice and pasta"
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Fresh fact #358
"Our 100% Angus Beef is raised in New Zealand on the highest quality pastures which enhances the flavour and tenderness."
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How to make crunchy chips
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Fresh fact #386
"Thyme has a strong, spicy flavour that adds depth of flavour to roasts and stuffings."
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Smart tip #686
"Always bring meat to room temperature before cooking. For a larger piece of meat, this could take up to half an hour. This will ensure the meat cooks according to the recommended cooking time."
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Smart tip #968
"Prawn Cocktail: Wash baby cos lettuce leaves and arrange in bowls. Top with sliced avocado, peeled cooked prawns and top with Select Seafood Sauce."
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How to carve a roast chicken
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Fresh fact #556
"Beef and Lamb are rich sources of protein, iron, zinc and vitamins B12 and D."
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Smart tip #152
"For perfect roasted potatoes, first par-boil potatoes then rough the outside surface with a fork before roasting to give them a nice crisp texture and soft and fluffy inside. If cooking alongside meat, add potatoes to baking dish for the last 45 minutes of the cooking time."
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Smart tip #985
"To get brillant pork crackling, the rind of the pork needs to be dry. Remove it from the packaging and leave uncovered in the fridge overnight. Rub lightly with a little oil and sprinkle with salt."
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Smart tip #164
"The trick with seafood is not to overcook it, so it doesn’t become tough and lose flavour. Take it off the heat when the flesh has just turned opaque- the residual heat will continue to cook it. You’ll know it’s cooked if it flakes easily with a fork."
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Different knife types
How to seperate eggs
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Fresh fact #482
"The bones in pork chops keeps the meat juicy by retaining moisture."
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Smart tip #159
"As a general rule for boiling vegetables, start with cold water if they grow below the ground, or boiling water if they grow above the ground. The exception is corn which should be placed in cold water."
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How to spatchcock a chicken
How to make short-crust pastry
How to sharpen knives
Plating techniques
How to make pizza dough from scratch
RECIPE
Serves 4
Herb Rubbed Lamb Steaks with Balsamic Reduction
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Smart tip #394
"Truss Tomatoes have a juicy and intense flavour, they continue to ripen by drawing nutrients from the attached stem"
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Smart tip #48
"Look for peaches that are still firm and mostly yellow in colour"
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RECIPE
25 minutes + 35 minutes
Serves 12
Chocolate Melting Moments
Makes 12 biscuits
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Smart tip #342
"Peaches have a succulent sweet flesh and are best eaten fresh at room temperature. An ideal fruit to stew or preserve."
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RECIPE
15 minutes + 15 minutes
Serves 4
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Smart tip #22
"The best cucumbers have a firm skin and even colour"
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RECIPE
Tip Make a double batch of the harissa marinade and keep in the fridge for up to a week (or freeze in a small container for use at a later date).
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Smart tip #174
"Cook corn out of the husk in unsalted boiling water for five minutes or keep corn cobs intact and barbeque for 10 minutes."
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RECIPE
Warm Roast Tomatoes with Crispy Chorizo & Almonds
Diabetes friendly
Gluten free
RECIPE
Serves 8
Thai Beef and Sweet Potato Curry
Not too hot or spicy so all the family will enjoy this curry.
RECIPE
5 minutes
Makes enough to rub 4 lamb shoulder chops or leg steaks
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Smart tip #172
"When cooking sweet corn on a BBQ soak whole with husk in cold water first. Put directly on the grill or hot plate of a hooded BBQ and cook with the lid down. The water will gently steam the corn as it cooks."
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Fresh fact #938
"Melons stop ripening as soon as they are picked from the field"
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Smart tip #29
"Look for plump, brightly coloured nectarines, with no splits or wrinkles. They should feel relatively heavy for their size, with no blemishes on their skin. Choose fruit that is firm."
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Summer Fresh Stories - Tomatoes
Maria Katu - Grilled corn wrapped in Streaky bacon
Remove silk and soak cobs with leaves for 30mins pat dry. Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around the corn. Fold the corn leaves back over, covering the bacon and corn. Tie the leaves with butcher string and repeat the process for each ear of corn. Place the ears of corn on the hot grill and cook, turning occasionally until bacon is cooked and corn is tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Can garnish with garlic butter / parmesan cheese shavings :-)
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Fresh fact #353
"Plum varieties range in colour from dark red skin and flesh to yellow and lighter flesh and offer exceptional flavour and fragrance. "
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RECIPE
5 minutes + 5 minutes
Serves 4
Scrambled Eggs - Ricotta and herbs
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Fresh fact #1036
"Sweetcorn keeps its nutritional value and freshness if kept in the fridge from a maximum of 3-4 days. Fresh sweetcorn is high in folate, high in vitamin C, low in fat and high in protein."
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Smart tip #1069
"Plums mature quickly so if they are not fully ripe, leave them at room temperature for a couple of days."
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RECIPE
15 minutes + 25 minutes
Serves 4
Need to add "4 apricots, stones removed and quartered" L3
RECIPE
Serves 4
Lemon Fish with Leek Risotto
You can use any firm-fleshed fish for this recipe.
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Smart tip #23
"Lebanese cucumbers have a tender skin which doesn’t need to be peeled, a very sweet taste and very juicy texture"
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Smart tip #1054
"Raw sausages need to be cooked slowly over a low heat to prevent them bursting."
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Smart tip #1055
"Capsicums should be well shaped and have firm and shiny skins. Avoid those with soft spots or a shrivelled appearance"
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Fresh fact #940
"Tomatoes are best stored at room temperature."
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Fresh fact 1075
"Low acid tomatoes haver a firmer flesh, fewer pips and less juice"
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RECIPE
Serves up to 10
Preheat oven to 180°C. Rinse turkey cavity then pat dry with a paper towel. Prepare stuffing by mixing apricots and sherry in a large bowl, set aside for 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a frying pan ove...
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Smart tip #316
"Nectarines have either yellow or white flesh, with a thin smooth skin. A relative to the peach they are delicious eaten fresh. Add to salad or grill on the barbeque."
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RECIPE
Serves 6
Lamb & Barley Broth
Diabetes Friendly.
If you have time, make this soup the day before. Refrigerate overnight and remove any fat before reheating.
Nol Pal - Chunky Cheese Sausies
Gooey cheese in the middle of a yummy sausage takes a spin on the classic sausage sizzle. Take some long sticks of cheese (Edam or Colby is best). Take a fresh sausages push a stick of cheese down the length of the sausage. Press the end back up (dip it in a bit of breadcrumbs to really seal it). Refrigerate for 10 minutes.To cook, throw onto the BBQ on a low heat. The dull sausage now extra special! Kid's love it! So do the big kids!
RECIPE
Serves 4
Crispy Garlic & Parsley Prawns
Prawn cutlets are whole peeled prawns with the tail left on. They are available from the frozen section of the supermarket. Thaw the cutlets beforehand.
RECIPE
Serves 6
Leek & Potato Soup
Season soups at the end of cooking, as long simmering causes the liquid to reduce and flavours to concentrate. Fresh herbs should also be added at the end of cooking, as overcooked herbs lose their...
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Smart tip #956
"This is a great way to use left-over chicken or turkey. Cut the chicken into cubes and combine with 1 stalk of celery, 2 Tbsp onion and 3 large apricots, finely chopped. Add mayonnaise to bind and season with salt and pepper."
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Jan-Maree Anderson
Cut tomatoes, watermelon, feta and basil into cubes - mix together and add ground black pepper - delicious!
Slicing and dicing a pineapple
Marilyn Revell
Leave on all leaves, cook in microwave for 3 mins. Cool, then remove leaves. Either serve with butter or cut corn off and serve with salad
RECIPE
20 minutes + 35 minutes
Serves 4
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Smart tip #66
"Avoid stone fruit with wrinkles or blemished skins and choose fruit that feel moderately firm with a little give. "
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Summer Fresh Stories: Fresh or Free
Summer Fresh Stories - Sweetcorn
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Fresh fact #388
"Cherry Tomatoes are much sweeter taste than other varieties"
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Smart tip #393
"Low Acid Tomatoes are a fleshy and very sweet-tasting tomato, best for use in sauces, soups and sandwiches. Perfect for roasting as it intensifies the flavour and they retain their shape. "
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Smart tip #70
"Choose corn cobs with fresh green husks and fine silk tassles. The tip should be a good size, not too skinny and you will feel the kernels through the outer skin."
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RECIPE
10 minutes + 5 minutes
Serves 24-28
Baby Mussel Fritters with Smoky Aioli
Diabetes friendly
How to remove skin and stone from stonefruit
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Smart tip #749
"For a quick dessert , halve and de-stone nectarines, rub in sugar, then pop onto the BBQ to caramalise until soft"
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Summer Fresh Stories - Sweetcorn
NZ Hot House - Tomato Grower for Countdown
For more than 25 years the good folk at NZ Hothouse have grown, packed and marketed some of New Zealand’s freshest and most flavoursome hothouse pr...
Read more ›
Read more ›
How to prepare and cook corn
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Smart tip #950
"Chocolate Covered Cherries: Take about 60 cherries and 1 block of dark chocolate. Heat the chocolate in a heavy saucepan over a low heat. Dip each cherry in by its stem, place on waxed paper or tin foil and chill to set. You can also try this with white chocolate."
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Summer Fresh Stories - Angus Beef
Summer Fresh Stories - Tomatoes
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Smart tip #390
"The enhanced sweetness and convenient size of grape tomatoes makes them perfect for sauces and salads."
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Angelo Torres
My personal tip on preparing tomatoes is about cutting. By using a knife and chopping board to cut them, you lose some of its juice and that's a bad thing. In preparing sauces with tomatoes like in spaghetti or dips, it's better to use scissors. Just cut them directly to the bowl like you're cutting papers, and you'll get all the juice they have.
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Smart tip #805
"Slice the mango on each side, close to the seed. Score the flesh in a crisscross pattern without breaking the skin, then invert the skin and slice off flesh."
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RECIPE
Tip
Make a double batch of the harissa marinade and keep in the fridge for up to a week (or freeze in a small container for use at a later date).
RECIPE
Spice-rubbed Chicken with Roast Vegetable Couscous
You can use leftover roasted vegetables instead of the roasted pumpkin and beetroot in the couscous. This roast can be served hot or cold. Both the chicken and couscous are delicious served cold at...
Deb Burton
See a bargain in tomatoes but no time to cook and peel and freeze them? Wipe clean and bag, and freeze as is - when you're ready take out, cut skin, and leave to defrost - the skins will just pull off! Always add a little sugar to the sauce, to cut the bitter acid taste...
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Fresh fact #1091
"Plums are a relative of the peach and nectarine and known as prunes when dried"
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Smart tip #133
"Firm mangoes are perfect for salsa, chutneys and salads and overripe mangoes are ideal for smoothies or purees"
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Summer Fresh Stories - Sausages
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Fresh fact #939
"The white pips in seedless watermelons are perfectly safe to eat like in cucumbers"
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RECIPE
5 minutes
Makes enough to rub 4 lamb shoulder chops or leg steaks
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Smart tip #68
"Choose sweet corn with fresh green husks and soft yellow to light brown tassels."
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Smart tip #921
"Ripen firm stone fruit by placing in a fruit bowl or paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days. Once ripe, store in the fridge"
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Smart tip #1090
"Plums are delicious fresh, stewed or made into jam."
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Slicing a mango
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Smart tip #173
"Cooked kernels can be removed with a sharp knife for use in salad, salsa, and fritters."
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RECIPE
10 minutes + 30 minutes
Serves 4
Sweetcorn Grower for Countdown
When it comes to growing great corn, two things are important: sun and good soil.
Gisborne has plenty of both – so that’s where Leaderbrand, one o...
Read more ›
Read more ›
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Smart tip 1076
"Choose smooth, firm and plump tomatoes with an even colour and no blemishes"
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Smart tip #69
"To determine whether sweetcorn is ripe gently pull back the husk and check that the corn kernels are plump, tightly packed and not wrinkled. When a kernel is squeezed, the liquid should be creamy. If the liquid is watery then corn is unripe. "
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Gloria Witheford- Stuffed Sausages
Stuff some prunes with grated cheese, Slit a sausage lengthways, stuff with the prunes, wrap the sausage with bacon secured by a toothpick and grill. Yum!!
Summer Fresh Stories always begin with Countdown
Summer Fresh Stories - Stonefruit
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Fresh fact #389
"Grape tomatoes are small, oval-shaped tomatoes are sweet and juicy. They are available in both red and yellow varieties."
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Fresh fact #937
"The yellow spot on the bottom of the underside of the melon is perfectly normal - it is where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun"
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Smart tip #1035
"How to kernel sweetcorn: Trim one end of the cob to create a flat surface, then stand on its end. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the corn kernels from top to bottom."
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Smart tip #1071
"Sprinkle icing sugar on strawberries to bring out their natural sweetness"
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RECIPE
0 minutes + 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves 6
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Smart tip #134
"For a summer twist, score mango cheeks into cubes. Dip into a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Barbeque until golden. Serve with a little yoghurt."
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RECIPE
20 minutes + 25 minutes
Serves 4
Christmas Fruit Mince
Christmas Bakery Treats
Janet Boyle - Pizza
Spread tomato paste or similar onto pizza base (home-made or bought). Add roast pumpkin, crumbed feta, olives cut in half, cubed chorizo sausage and avocado pieces. Bake in oven until cooked. Remove from oven and top with chopped fresh coriander. A gorgeous, healthy pizza.
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Fresh fact #1037
"Green Beans are quite low in calories and are a good souce of fibre, folate and Vitamins A and C."
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How to prepare for a BBQ
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Smart tip #10
"Choose blueberries with a greyish bloom. That’s when they’re at their best!"
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Smart tip #739
"Always tear lettuce leaves, cutting damages the cells and destroys Vitamin C."
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Smart tip #815
"Asparagus are sensitive to ethylene gas, which is produced by bananas, apples, avocados and tomatoes. Try to store asparagus separately to avoid it spoiling."
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Fresh fact #67
"Strawberries don’t ripen any futher once they have been picked so choose the shiniest, reddest fruit."
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Fresh fact #191
"Our Avocado supply comes from over 500 growers spread throughout the Northern regions of the North Island."
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Smart tip #163
"When cooking sausages, use low to medium heat and turn frequently, this will help prevent bursting."
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Smart tip #524
"Make a big square Christmas cake and chop it into small rectangles. Wrap each one in fondant icing, and decorate. With cellophane and ribbon, they make sweet little gifts"
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Christmas Ham
How to carve a turkey
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Fresh fact #301
"Iceberg lettuce is the most popular variety - great in everything from sandwiches to coleslaw. Best of all, they’re available all year round."
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Adrienne Airs - Balsamic Strawberries
Once you have prepared your strawberries, add a splash of balsamic vinegar - leave them for as long as you can, then serve with cream - delish. Strawberries get a stronger strawberry flavour.
Jacinta Hood - Strawberry Fizz
I Just love the simplicity of slices of strawberry in a mix of half ginger beer and half lemonade (or half lemonade and half wine for the mummies) to sip on over Christmas day!
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Fresh Fact - 4
"Contrary to popular belief, thicker asparagus stems are sweeter than thinner stems."
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Smart tip #813
"Store Asparagus upright in a glass of water or in the crisper drawer with the ends wrapped in a damp towel, it'll help keep them fresh."
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Smart Tip #923
"Strawberries are best stored uncovered in the fridge, airflow around them is the key"
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Smart tip #699
"The yellow colour of sweetcorn indicated high levels of carotenoids. These are antioxidants that help to boost eye health, and promote a strong immune system."
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Smart tip #161
"When cooked salmon should be nice and golden on both sides but just set in the middle. Do not overcook your salmon as it will become dry."
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Jen - Home made mince patties
Mince, Herbs - what ever I have in the garden and spices in the pantry, Egg -for binding, Breadcrumbs - I use fresh, Salt, Pepper, Onion chopped, Tomato sauce, Easy way of making a fast meal out of mince and makes a spring bbq yummy and go further. My Mum's been making them for years and they are a family favourite. Shallow fryed or cooked on the bbq.
Phyl Doughty - Christmas Pavlova Topping
On top of my regular pavlova recipe, I liberally spread whipped cream. Then sprinkle over the following, chopped fresh strawberries, raspberries, black currants and roasted roughly chopped hazelnuts. For the finishing touch I scatter some small mint leaves over - as per photo.
Grace Dalton - Chimichanga
A family favourite and a great fun meal for children and mexican food lovers. Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds Beef mince, 1 medium onion (chopped), 1 medium green capsicum (chopped), 1 garlic clove (minced), 2 cans refried beans or chilli beans, 1/2 cup shredded cheese, 1/2 cup taco sauce, Large Tortilla, Vegetable oil, Toppings: shredded lettuce, sour cream, chopped ripe olives, chopped tomatoes, additional cheddar cheese
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Fresh fact #424
"Asparagus continue to grow after being picked."
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Fresh fact #450
"Countdown's cucumbers are naturally grown in recycled coconut husks using natural pest control, rather than sprays"
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Smart tip #1039
"Green beans can be boiled, stir-fried, steamed or microwaved. They taste best when they are cooked until tender but still slightly crisp. Use as a side vegetable sprinkled with chopped nuts or fresh herbs or enjoy cold, raw or blanched in a salad or used as a crudite with dipping sauce."
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Smart tip #262
"Peeled, chopped and sautéed, cucumbers are ideal served alongside fish and are great addition to pickles and chutneys. Cucumber is also a healthier substitute for crackers, served with dips and pate."
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Lamb Farmer
Bruce is one of the finest producers of New Zealand lamb for export and, of course, for our Countdown customers.
At Countdown, we’ve known Bruce R...
Read more ›
Read more ›
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Fresh fact #9703
"Courgette and zuchinni are the same vegetable. Courgette is the french name and zuchinni is Italian"
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Ingrid Burt
I toss asparagus spears with plenty of finely chopped garlic and some lime infused olive oil and then either cook in the oven for about 15 mins or BBQ. Really brings out the flavour, and even the kids will eat it!
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Smart tip #89
"Always warm meat to room temperature before cooking - that way, it will cook faster."
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Fresh Berries
Countdown Bakery
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Fresh fact #198
"Countdown has won the 'Best Lamb Retailer' title at the 2012 Golden Glammies. We're committed to bringing you the best quality and taste around."
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Nikki Hurst - Orange Ham
If using an orange glaze consider marinating the ham in orange juice for a day to before hand :-)
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Smart tip #162
"Try cooking salmon with the skin side down for a beautiful crunchy golden crust."
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Smart tip #72
"Choose truss tomatoes with an even red colour and a plump, green vine. A strong smell means a tasty tomato!"
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Smart tip #1072
"Cherries stay fresh by leaving the stems attached and keeping them cool"
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Decorate a Christmas Cake
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Smart tip #95
"Grill beef steaks until medium-rare, slice and serve with rocket, thinly sliced radishes and red onion to make a Japanese beef tataki salad. Dress with 2 Tbsp soy sauce, the juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 tsp sugar and serve sprinkled with a few toasted sesame seeds."
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Fresh fact #546
"Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin E and C and contain more potassium than a banana."
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Joy Lake - Strawberry & Spinach Salad
For something simple but different…toss together 1 bag of baby spinach, 1 punnet of strawberries sliced, 2 tsp olive oil, 1.5 tsp balsamic vinegar in salad bowl
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Smart tip #51
"Choose sweet smelling pineapples with no soft spots or bruising on skin. They should also feel heavy for their size."
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Smart tip #6
"Colour is your best guide when picking the perfect avocado. Olive green – wait 2 -3 days, Brown Green – eat in 1-2 days, Brown skin means they’re ready to eat."
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Smart tip #114
"To make baba ganoush: cut an eggplant in half lengthwise, rub with some salt and oil and roast with 5 cloves of garlic for 20 or 30 mins , when cool, put into a food processor with some lemon juice, tahini, oil and plain yoghurt. Season with salt and pepper"
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Fresh Spring Stories - Angus Beef
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Fresh fact #420
"In some countries people prefer to eat white asparagus (it stays white because it is grown out of the sun), but in New Zealand we like it green."
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Jane Dell - Honey & Brown Sugar Ham
Glaze with honey, brown sugar and juice from tinned pineapple, my dear old Nan's recipe, cook rings of pineapple in tray with ham, last 30 mins or so of cooking time. A true classic.
How to melt chocolate
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Fresh fact #700
"Blueberries require no preparation. If they have been stored in the fridge, remove 30 minutes before using. Their flavour will be heightened when at room temperature."
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Smart tip #954
"Strawberry Bagel: For a quick and simple lunch, just take one packet of bagels, 1 pkt cream cheese and 1 punnet of fresh strawberries. Cut the bagel in half and generously spread with cream cheese and sliced strawberries."
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Fresh fact #417
"Asparagus is an excellent source of antioxidants and one of the best natural sources of folate"
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How to stuff and truss a turkey
Team Avocado
Countdown is the place to go to for top quality avocados and that’s because the Countdown team work with companies like Southern Produce, a supplie...
Read more ›
Read more ›
Fresh Asparagus
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Smarttip #3
"Choose squeaky asparagus, fresh spears squeak when rubbed together."
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Fresh fact #1040
"There are many varieties of green beans, most of which can be traced back to Central and South America, dating back to about 5000BC. Conquistadores introduced the beans to France around 1597. Green beans only became popular in the 19th Century."
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Fresh fact #188
"Spring is when Asparagus spears emerge. We choose the best ones, wash them and transfer to the chillers as soon as possible."
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Fresh or Free
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Smart tip #77
"Look for brightly-coloured, firm zucchini with glossy skin."
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Fresh Pork
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Fresh fact #1038
"Refrigerate Green Beans in a plastic bag and use as soon as possible"
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Fresh Spring Stories
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Fresh fact #259
"Cos lettuce has a quite crisp, crunchy texture, with a slightly sweet flavour and is the variety made famous by the Caesar salad. "
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Fresh fact #662
"One 150g portion of King salmon provides two to three days worth of the suggested dietary target for long-chain omega-3s."
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Smart tip #91
"Always pat the meat dry before it hits the barbeque to make sure the meat browns nicely"
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Smart tip #167
"For a refreshing cocktail, puree 600g watermelon, stir through the juice from 2 oranges and 1/2 pureed strawberries."
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Smart tip #92
"Tender meats or fish need requires minimal marinating; they will lose texture and structure if left in an acidic marinade for too long"
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Fresh fact #195
"Our lamb is carefully selected by our livestock buyers to bring you the best taste and quality everytime."
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Jennifer Lunn
Use a melon baller to scoop curls or balls of Avocado to toss through a salad
Sheta Swinerd - Roasted Asparagus
Place 1 bunch of asparagus in a small roasting dish. Sprinkle zest from 1 lemon over the top and a small squeeze of the juice. Sliver 2 cloves of garlic and place slivers over asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil, season, and bake at 180c for 20-25 mins
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Smart tip #819
"Place leftover mashed avocado in ice cube trays then store in the freezer."
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Fresh fact #451
"Cucumbers are nearly 100% water"
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How to glaze a ham
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Smart tip #59
"When buying Raspberries, look for bright red berries with no soft spots or blemishes"
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how to make an omelette
Angus Beef
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Fresh fact #551
"Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals, giving you lots of health benefits."
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Steph Skinner
Buy your avocados hard and leave in the fridge. When you want to use one - pop the top (black bung on the top - never buy one without this) and leave in the fruit bowl for a day. An Absolutely wonderful way to keep fresh until you want to use them.
Teresa Andersen - Bubba Mash
My son loved this in the early stages of introducing solids. Mash half an avocado with 1 ripe banana mash. Simple
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Fresh fact #818
"To prevent cut avocado from browning, squeeze some lemon juice on cut side then store in an airtight container in the fridge."
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Maree Lawlor - Avocado Banana Mousse
In a blender, add two avocados peeled, tablespoon of honey, half cup coconut, juice of half lemon and a banana. Whizz together and serve either on its own or with whipped cream
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Smart tip #82
"For something a bit different, steam or sautee your asparagus and add to stir-fries and salads."
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Smart tip #879
"To refresh and crisp up lettuce leaves, soak them in warm water for 3-4 minutes and refrigerate."
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Helen Adcock
The easiest way to toss a salad is to prepare all the ingredients in the bowl, then tip them into a plastic bag (the ones you use for veges at Countdown are ideal). Put some air in the bag, spin it round at the top to seal it then shake it up! The salad is perfectly mixed with no mess, and can be tipped back into the salad bowl, ready to serve.
Fresh Spring Stories - Lamb
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Smart tip #83
"Refreshing asparagus in cold water immediately after cooking will stop the cooking process and help to preserve it's bright green colour."
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Smart tip #692
"An avocado's creamy consistency makes it one of the first fresh fruits that babies can enjoy. Try mashing it with apple puree or banana for a little natural sweetness or with steamed broccoli or pumpkin for a savoury meal."
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Smart tip #766
"For a quick potato salad, make a dressing with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly chopped parsley, thyme or chives"
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Laura Baggett - Roasted Asparagus with Poached Eggs
Get the biggest asparagus you can find - Roast in a hot oven (200degrees) for about 10 minutes while you poach a couple of eggs to throw on top. Sprinkle with salt and cracked pepper. Serve. Divine.
New Season Lamb
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Smart tip #733
"To add flavour to your lamb, tie together a few rosemary sprigs and use it as a brush to spread oil on your meat."
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How to make a vinaigrette
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Fresh fact #543
"Asparagus is low in calories and sodium and a good source of potassium and dietary fibre."
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Jayne Walton
If you like boiled egg and soldiers - use lightly cooked asparagus instead of toast soldiers to dip in the yolk. Really yummy!
Laura Baggett
Get a half an avocado. Prick it a few times (the flesh) with a fork. Pour in good quality balsamic vinegar - not dressing please. Eat. Enjoy!
Steph Munro
To keep fresh lettuce in the fridge without it going limp, I wash it and gently shake it to remove excess water. Place the lettuce in a large zip lock bag and seal, expelling as much of the air as i can without crushing the lettuce. Guaranteed to keep fresh and crisp for days!
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Smart tip #90
"Always scrape off marinades and spice pastes before cooking because they can burn and effect the meat."
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Fresh Avocadoes
Rochelle Cleary - Luscious Lemon
I love pav topped with thick fruit yoghurt and a complementary fruit or preserve. My favourite is lemon yoghurt with lemon curd. The lemon cuts the sweetness of the pav and gives a refreshing tang - yum!
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Smart tip #127
"After cooking your lamb, allow it to rest for about quarter of the cooking time. This will help retain the natural juices and improve the taste and texture."
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Smart tip #946
"To make delicious guacamole, mix together mashed avocados, chopped onion, tomatoes and capsicum. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, garlic and dash of sweet chili sauce. Season and stand for 30 minutes. Then enjoy!"
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Fresh fact #449
"Most of the flavour of a cucumber comes from within the seeds."
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Smart tip #653
"If you want to ripen your avocados quickly, place them in a brown paper bag with a ripe banana."
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Smart tip #93
"Green Beans taste best when cooked until tender but still slightly crisp. They can be boiled, stir fried, steamed or microwaved."
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Smart tip #76
"Buy brightly coloured firm yams with no blemishes"
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