Better Homes and Gardens Australia

better homes and gardens australia

EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief Julia Zaetta Editor Dora Papas Creative director Scott Cassidy Managing editor Artemis Gouros Production editor Joseph Kenworthy Editor’s assistant Elaine Nasr Enquiries (02) 9394 2496 Design director Monique Larracy Senior designer Carol Tang Decorating Editor Dora Papas Garden editor Jenny Dillon Acting food editor Jennene Plummer DIY writer Greg Fahey Craft editor Siobhan Rogers Beauty editor Annie Millar Photo librarian Autumn Mooney Decorating stylist Vanessa Tidy REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Garden diary Tony Fawcett Moon gardening Milton Black Health & beauty Samantha Harrison Pets Caroline Zambrano CONTENT MANAGEMENT TEAM Copy directors Chrystal Glassman, Daniel Moore ADVERTISING Brand solutions director Clarissa Wilson (02) 9394 2647 Brand solutions manager Alison Kirkman (02) 9394 2033 Brand solutions executive Sam Maguire (02) 9394 2349 Vic sales director Fran Vavallo (03) 8636 7526 Qld sales director Angela Coley (07) 3368 4203 WA account manager Jessica Mohen (08) 9482 3306 SA account manager Danielle Coffey-Carter (08) 7231 5909 NZ – Auckland…

hello!

We’re off and running with all the preparations we need to make this exciting season very busy buzzy and especially full of love. And you don’t have to look far to see the joy it brings – because spin around a little and you’ll see it in everyone’s faces. And isn’t that really what we work towards, making those who matter to us happy – family, friends and whomever else’s joy counts. A big smile from any of these is one of the best reasons for the silly season. We’re hooked on faces in here, too, to make you and yours smile! And you don’t have to look far to find them. Fall head over heels with our wee people in Handmade for Christmas, on page 18, and I especially love…

handmade for christmas

1 WEE FOLK Who could resist these divine little gnomes? With matching scarves and pointy hats topped with a tinkling bell, they’re easy to crochet in an array of colourful hues. But, a word of warning – once you begin, they’ll start to pop up everywhere! Instructions on page 170 2 LITTLE HOUSES IN THE WOODS Use a mix of your favourite coloured felts to make a whole village of snow-capped houses and tiny beaded trees. The charmingly rustic cottages are super simple to make – no expert skills required here. Hang them as tree decorations or use them to create a pretty wreath. Instructions on page 170 3 CROCHET CHRISTMAS TREES Hook up a forest of these cute tree ornaments, worked in the round from top to bottom in simple treble stitch and using a range…

woodland wonderland

FILL MASON JARS WITH MAKE-BELIEVE SNOW AND COOKIE CREATIONS FOR A VERY YUMMY CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD CUT-OUTS Preparation time 15 mins plus 1 hour chilling Cooking time 8 mins Makes 36 (depending on shape) 180g unsalted butter, softened½ cup caster sugar1 tsp baking powder1 tsp ground ginger½ tsp bicarbonate of soda½ tsp ground cinnamon½ tsp ground cloves¼ tsp salt½ cup golden syrup or molasses1 free-range egg1 Tbsp cider vinegar3 cups plain flour, plus extra, to dust STEP 1 Put butter in large bowl of an electric mixer and beat on high for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, bicarb, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Beat until combined and pale, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Beat in golden syrup, egg and vinegar. Mix in as much flour as you can with mixer. Mix in any remaining…

build a gingerbread house

STEP 1 Place template on rolled out dough. Using a sharp knife, trace around templates. Bake as directed. Pipe thin lines of Royal icing for door, siding and windows on cold cookies. STEP 2 Pipe icing along edge of one side piece. Press on the back of the front piece to form a corner, holding pieces together to set. Repeat with other side and back. STEP 3 Once sides are set, add the roof. Pipe icing along the triangular edges of the front and back pieces. Attach roof, holding each piece in place to set.…

christmas baking traditions

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE TARTLETS Preparation time 25 mins plus 3 hours chilling Cooking time 15 mins Makes 24 1 cup plain flour¼ cup caster sugar¼ cup ground toasted almonds60g unsalted butter, chopped1 free-range egg yolk2-3 Tbsp water250g full-fat cream cheese, softened395g can condensed milk⅓ cup lemon juice2 tsp vanilla extract⅓ cup strawberry conserveToasted flaked almonds, to scatter (optional) STEP 1 Put flour, sugar and ground almonds in a large bowl, mixing well. Rub in butter, using fingertips, until well blended. Whisk egg yolk and 2 Tbsp of the water in a jug. Gradually stir egg mixture into flour mixture until combined. If necessary, add enough of the remaining water to make a dough that starts to cling together. Gently knead until just smooth, then form dough into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for…