1647 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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1 day ago

Ata mārie, Neighbours 🌅 Ready for today’s riddle?

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I can fly but have no wings. I cry but have no eyes. What am I?

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.

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7 hours ago

Guess what? It’s riddle time in the neighbourhood!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What can travel all around the world while remaining stuck in a corner?

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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4 days ago

Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).

Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.

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Should employees be able to work from home?
  • 70.2% Yes
    70.2% Complete
  • 26.7% No
    26.7% Complete
  • 3.1% Other - I'll share below
    3.1% Complete
1851 votes