We can thank the Swedes — and the chefs at Restaurant Hasselbacken, in particular — for the invention of this particular style of presenting vegetables Accordion style. Whatever you call it, the result is the same: it's sliced into thin wedges but left joined at...

Not just for Christmas, a homemade wreath is a perfect ‘welcome home’ hanging for your front door and a great centrepiece for a table....

The village is most welcome to help raise her child, writes Maxine Clarke, but through practical gestures, rather than unconstructive heckling. For a few short months, I was completely content with the new-found public interest in my condition. Even a few pats on the tummy from...

Halloween is an exciting time of year for children. Combine dressing up with going out after dark to collect treats and you have child heaven. Being mindful of potential hazards can help to make sure that everyone has a fun, spooky and safe Halloween. Holly (9)...

This month there is an interesting collection of new picture books;  some with an important message and one raising money for Rural farmers suffering from the recent effects of floods and drought. A Flair for Hair by Bilyana Di Costanzo & illustrated by Mauro Di Costanzo (New...

Without some of the structures of days gone by, today’s mums can feel all at sea, writes Angela Rossmanith. “The bottom line is that women want someone to listen to their needs and concerns and help them address these needs. When a midwife who knows the...

This is the easiest cake because you don’t even need to turn on the oven, just your handy thermomix. Try this no-bake carrot cake recipe....

Dr Karen Brooks wonders what lessons our kids are learning from modern adaptations of classic children’s stories. What lessons are these sumptuous, happily-ever-after tales of beautiful and very stereotyped boys and girls, ethnicity, love and romance really teaching our kids, if they’re teaching them anything at...

World Chocolate Day is celebrated annually on July 7th.  This is a day to indulge in your favourite chocolate, whether it is chocolate milk, hot chocolate, a chocolate candy bar, chocolate cake, brownies or something covered in chocolate. Fermented beverages made from chocolate date back to 450 BCE...

Ingredients: 4 Tbsp raising flour 2 Tbsp sugar 2 Tbsp cocoa 1 egg 3 Tbsp milk 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 1/2 tsp vanilla essence 1 Tbsp chocolate chips Method: In a large mug, place all the dry ingredients and mix well with a spoon. Use the spoon to grind all the cocoa against the...