Handy hints - feel free to reply with your own hints
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.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.7% 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.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
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