1690 days ago

Handy hints - feel free to reply with your own hints

Julie Neighbourly Lead from Havelock North

I’m trying to get a feed set up to post handy hints on. The wonderful Neighbourly team as flat out at the moment and suggested I post here.

So here’s a couple.

Baking powder mix:
2 tbsp baking soda
2 tbsp cornflour
4 tbsp cream of tartar

It’s better (and cheaper) than the bought stuff. Use it the same as commercial baking powder.

Ciabatta
500g plain flour (about 3 1/2 Cups)
1/2 tsp white sugar
1 1/2 tsp dry yeast (check the back of your fridge for a forgotten jar. It lasts forever there)
1 1/2 tsp salt
450 ml warm water (tap is fine)
Olive oil

Mix your dry ingredients together (preferably in a bowl)

Mix in the water (don’t worry about being gentle)
Rub oil all over, around and under the dough with your hands (think wet play dough)

Cover the bowl with glad wrap or a tea towel and leave to double in size (takes about as long as a movie, so go watch one)

Preheat the oven to 200C

Pour the sticky mess into an oiled and floured tray (a big one), or into an oiled and floured loaf tin (or whatever oven proof dish you like.

Just remember, the wiser it is, the flatter it will be, the less time it will take to cook.

Cook for 30-40 minutes. If you want a softer crust, put a dish of warm water in the oven to steam the dough. I like it crusty.

To check if it’s ready, lift if out of the dish (don’t use your hands, unless they’re made of asbestos), knock on the bottom, and listen for a “hello possums!” (or a hollow sound).

Enjoy. It will go a little dry if kept out, but it toasts like crumpets. Yum yum.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
27 minutes ago

Riddle Me This: Can You Out-Smart Yesterday’s Champ?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

How can the number four be half of five?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
27 minutes ago

Does Your Organisation Need New Flooring?

Carpet Court

Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!

Carpet Court is continuing its’ mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its’ nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row. Apply today!
Find out more

Image
1 day ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

Image
Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.5% Yes
    84.5% Complete
  • 14.1% No
    14.1% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
1145 votes