Back
1639 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
14 hours ago

Poll: How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

For most of us, seeing a friendly doggo while out and about instantly brings a smile to our faces. But how do you feel about cafes welcoming pups inside?

Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.

Image
How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?
  • 27.7% I love it!
    27.7% Complete
  • 32.5% Only in designated areas
    32.5% Complete
  • 39.8% No, it should be outdoors only.
    39.8% Complete
711 votes
23 minutes ago

Happy Tuesday, neighbours, can you figure out today's riddle rush 🏃‍♂️

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

A bus driver goes the wrong way down a one-way street. He passes the cops, but they don’t stop him. Why?

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
5 days ago

Here's Thursday's thinker!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am lighter than air, but a hundred people cannot lift me. 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.

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