1684 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.

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13 hours ago

Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?

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.

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3 hours ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 69.8% Yes
    69.8% Complete
  • 28.7% No
    28.7% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
334 votes
21 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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