Better Homes and Gardens Australia January 2022

And for me, this year’s biggest festive blessing is one that’s both simple and special – the chance to spend Christmas with those I love. Like many of us, my celebrations last year were spent in lockdown. And while we all adapted and found clever ways to share and spread goodwill, it wasn’t the same. So I’m beyond excited this year to return to the classic joy of gathering together around trees and tables, with hearts as full as our tummies. That’s where this issue comes in. To steer you through a season of alfresco entertaining, our collection of celebration food (page 22) off ers the very best of summer eats. Think light and zesty salads, fresh seafood, summer roasts and bite-sized delights that are as quick to prep as they are…

Recipe on page 14 Recipe on page 15 APEROL SPRITZ CHEESECAKE Preparation time 30 mins plus 4 hours chilling Cooking time 10 mins Serves 6 250g butternut snap biscuits2 sheets edible gold leaf (from the cake decorating section of large supermarkets), to decorateDehydrated orange slices, to serve CHEESECAKE FILLING 250g cream cheese, at roomtemperature⅓ cup pure icing sugar, sifted2 tsp vanilla extract100g melted white chocolate, cooled300ml tub thickened cream, whipped into soft peaks APEROL JELLY 2 cups prosecco½ cup caster sugar1½ Tbsp powdered gelatine½ cup Aperol STEP 1 To make Aperol jelly, combine prosecco and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir for 4-5 minutes, until sugar dissolves. Pour ¼ cup of the hot wine mixture into a small heatproof bowl and whisk in gelatine with a fork until dissolved. Whisk gelatine mixture into remaining wine mixture. Stir…

COCKTAIL GLASSES WINE GLASS Fancy a frozen bevvie? As long as you have a red wine or highball glass at hand, you’re all set for cocktails such as the Mixed berry frosé (see page 20)! HIGHBALL This tall tumbler is usually reserved for cocktails and other mixed drinks loaded with a large amount of nonalcoholic mixer, poured over ice. Use a highball for a Bloody Mary and a mojito, such as the pineapple and mint version (see page 20). MARTINI Martinis must be served chilled, and the long stem of the martini glass minimises heat transfer. As for the wider rim, it enhances the aroma of the liquor, while its sloped sides help prop up garnishes, skewers and toothpicks. It’s usually reserved for drinks served without ice, such as a Manhattan, cosmopolitan and even a margarita…

Recipe on page 32 Recipe on page 32 “CREATE A FEAST FOR THE EYES WITH MOUTHWATERING MORSELS PRETTILY PRESENTED FOR YOUR GUESTS’ PLEASURE” VEGIE STARTER Recipe on page 32 EASY-COOK CUT Recipe on page 32 Recipe on page 34 Recipe on page 34 Recipe on page 36 MEAT-FREE MAIN Recipe on page 37 Recipe on page 36 COCONUT KINGFISH CEVICHE Preparation time 20 mins Cooking time nil Serves 6 1½ Tbsp olive oil, plus extra, to drizzle⅔ cup coconut milkFinely grated zest and juice of 3 small limes1 Tbsp fish sauceSea-salt flakes, to season600g thinly sliced kingfish sashimiBaby cos lettuce leaves4 baby cucumbers, thinly sliced1 pink grapefruit, segmented, cut into 1cm dice1 avocado, cut into 1cm dice2 long red chillies, deseeded, dicedMicro herbs, toasted coconut chips, to serve STEP 1 In a medium bowl, combine oil, coconut milk, lime zest and juice, fish sauce and a pinch of…

PLUM JOB! At their peak from December to February, Croc Eggs plums are the perfect in-season delight to add to your fruit bowl. Known for their succulent red flesh and natural sweetness, you’ll love the plums on their own or chopped and piled on a stack of pancakes – yum! Available at Woolworths, montague.com.au. BACK TO THE GRIND The ultimate homemade coffee starts with beans that are perfectly ground. And the Breville Dose Control Pro Coff ee Grinder has 60 grind sizes, so no matter how you’re making your coffee, you will get the right grind every time, $249, harveynorman.com.au Pack a picnic Warm weather means eating outdoors, and an alfresco feast needs a fab picnic set! The 4-person Trailmaster Picnic Backpack (here in Multicoloured) keeps picnicware safe and sound, while the clever backpack design…

1 COUNTRY CHIC If this country charmer of a home appeals, but you live in suburbia, you can still emulate a few of its elements to create a facade that’s just as inviting, if somewhat more contemporary. Paint your front door a gorgeous pastel blue or even pink, let vines or roses clamber up the wall and fill beds or buckets with blooms and blossoms galore!. 2 SEAMLESS CONNECTION Open the doors and blur the lines between inside and out by repeating summery florals in both spaces. Wallpaper, upholstery, soft furnishings and tablecloths are your stock in trade. 3 TAKE A SEAT All spaces benefit from relaxed seating, but you might want to upgrade from deck chairs to sturdy yet comfy folding chairs that move easily between the home and garden. Summertime and the livin’ is…