Waffles using toasted sandwich maker
We use a toasted sandwich maker to make our waffles. We just turn it upside down 1/2 way through. Works well. A popular, easy idea for feeding extra guests, and even popular with hungry teenagers. Downside can be that ours only makes 2 at a time but even that seems to take no time at all. Basic recipe for 5 waffles + tips:
(Dry)1c selfraising flour, 3dsp sugar, pinch salt
(Wet)1/2c milk, 1tbsp oil, 1 egg, 1tsp essence (each time we make a batch we change our essence for variety. eg vanilla, rum, almond or coconut).
Jam glob between layer of mixture
Get out sandwich maker and ingredients first. Turn on toasty machine and while it's heating mix dry ingredients, make a well and add the wets. Should tie in nicely with light going off on machine that indicates that it's hot enough to use. Put dsp of mixture in each groove area. Add a heaped tsp of jam divided up before putting on top layer of mixture to cover jam. Cook 1-2 mins (depending on how cooked you want it - we like it a bit uncooked in middle so only leave 1 min). Turn machine upside down and cook for further 1-2 mins. When finished using machine 1/2 fill grooves with water and close lid for a few minutes to help steamclean the worst of stuckon jam bits and then use a papertowel to dry. Enjoy.
Would be interested in others sharing their ideas and easy recipes to help make this FUN time of the year more hassle free for the host.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
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)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.5% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.