Author Archive for Adriana Zanchetta

The quickest way to make fresh pasta for Christmas

November 4th, 2015 by

It’s November, and you know what that means - the silly season has arrived. In the lead up to Christmas, we indulge ourselves in endless work parties, school functions, Secret Santas and a heap of scrumptious belly-filling food. In preparation for the mandatory ‘bring a plate of food to share’, impress your friends with home-made spaghetti from the Phillips Pasta and Noodle Maker. Just add flour, water, egg and ... Read more

How to make your house smell amazing

October 14th, 2015 by

If you are having guests over for a barbeque, thinking of selling your house, or just want that dog stink to disappear, don’t use chemical sprays or deodorisers! Instead, opt for natural remedies to make your house smell good this spring: 1.    Make a stove simmer source: Scott Veg on Flickr Place water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, fresh bay leaves or pine needles, lemon and orange in a small pot on ... Read more

How to find the best rangehood to suit your induction cooktop

September 21st, 2015 by

Induction cooktops provide an energy-saving cooking method. An induction cooktop uses a magnetic field to create an electric current that generates heat solely in the base of the pan and not on the surface of the cooktop. “Compared with gas and traditional electric cooktops, they are the fastest to get a pot of water to the boil.” - Appliances Online Buying Guide But when cooking with an induction ... Read more

How to Slow Cook in the Oven – Ossobuco alla Milanese

September 2nd, 2015 by

Do you have an oven? Do you want to cook something yummy and not have to worry about it too much? Why not slow cook in the oven! According to my Nonna, the traditional Italian way of slow cooking is in the oven. She has never owned a slow-cooker and probably never will. She says that her Ossobuco recipe (below) is proof that an oven can do ... Read more

Pets and heaters – how to keep your pets safe and warm in winter

August 19th, 2015 by

On cold winter nights, my Cairn Terrier Alfred loves to snuggle up in front of the fireplace. He will stay there for hours, almost hypnotised by the orange flickering flames. However, on some occasions his wagging tail has gotten a little bit too close for comfort and his fur is often very hot to touch. Household heaters may be comforting for pets like Alfred, but can be dangerous. ... Read more

Busting the myths – how pet owners can save money on electricity bills

July 17th, 2015 by

Do domestic cats and dogs really need the lights, radio and TV left on for comfort when their owners are away? We spoke to Belrose veterinarian Dr John Thirlwell to bust some myths and set the record straight for pet owners. source: JKehoe_Photos on Flickr According to Dr Thirlwell, owners leave lights, radio, television and heaters/coolers on for their pets out of guilt because they think their cat or ... Read more

Christmas in July with a summer twist – vegan ice-cream with Cuisinart

July 7th, 2015 by

In Australia, people host Christmas in July to emulate the traditional European winter Christmas. It’s my family tradition to include a mango treat at Christmas, and this mango ice-cream will be served for dessert at our Christmas in July lunch. Made with coconut milk, this ice-cream recipe (inspired by this one from Cookie+Kate) is great for those who are vegan or have a lactose intolerance. The recipe base ... Read more