It is really easy to enter – click on this link and fill in the form. https://www.hachette.com.au/win/entryform.aspx?id=22 I am assuming it is for Australian residents only as travel forms part of the prize. I wish there were more competitions like this 🙂 Good luck to all who enter.
Recipes and Images from A Whole New Way to Eat by Vladia Cobrdova (Murdoch Books)
GIANT LAMINGTON WITH RASPBERRY KAKADU JAM
+ Vegetarian
+ Gluten-free
“Considered a gift of the Dreamtime, the Kakadu plum is Australia’s star superfood. They have exceptional nutritional and antiseptic properties.“p.230
prep time: 35 minutes
cooking time: 40 minutes
Serves 6–8
6 eggs
115 g (4 oz/1/3 cup) honey
80 ml (2½ fl oz/1/3 cup) melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
65 g (2½ oz/½ cup) coconut flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
100 g (3½ oz/1 cup) almond meal
35 g (1¼ oz/½ cup) shredded coconut
Kakadu jam
170 g (6 oz) raspberries, fresh or frozen and defrosted
50 g (1¾ oz/¼ cup) coconut sugar
1 tablespoon Kakadu plum (salty plum) powder, or use the zest of 1 orange
45 g (1½ oz/¼ cup) chia seeds
2 tablespoons coconut water
Cacao frosting
40 g (1½ oz/¼ cup) coconut oil
55 g (2 oz/½ cup) cacao powder
60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) coconut cream
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Lightly grease a 30 x 12 x 10 cm (12 x 4½ x 4 inch) loaf (bar) tin and line it with baking paper, leaving the sides overhanging.
Use an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to whisk the eggs and honey for 5 minutes or until well combined. Add the coconut oil and vanilla bean paste and whisk for another 2–3 minutes until well combined.
Combine the coconut flour, baking powder and almond meal in a separate bowl. Gently fold into the egg mixture until just combined, then spoon into the prepared tin and bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin.
Meanwhile, to make the jam, combine the ingredients
in a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl, cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes or until set.
To make cacao frosting, put the coconut oil in a frying pan with 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) of water and cook over low heat until the oil melts. Add the cacao powder and coconut cream and stir for 2 minutes or until combined. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Transfer the cake to a serving plate. Spread with jam and drizzle with the frosting. Scatter with shredded coconut.
Fatal Crossing (Nora Sand #1)
Lone Theils
Charlotte Barslund (Translator)
Echo
Bonnier Publishing Australia
ISBN: 9781760406530
Description:
When a picture of two Danish girls who disappeared on a boat bound for England in 1985 surfaces in an old suitcase, journalist Nora Sand’s professional curiosity is immediately awakened.
Before she knows it, she is mixed up in the case of a serial killer serving a life sentence in a notorious prison. The quest to discover the truth about the missing girls may be more dangerous that she had ever imagined…
‘A fast-paced and skilfully plotted thriller’
Barry Forshaw
‘A candidate for the best crime novel of the year’
Krimi-Cirklen
My View:
What a great debut! This is a very credible and immensely satisfying read that had moments that remind me of actual crime that have occurred in Australia, specifically in Perth WA. I won’t share the details as I don’t want to influence your reading or give away any spoilers but after you have read it, tell me if anything in this novel resonated with crimes in your region.
Back to the review – I loved the protagonist, Nora, strong female leads are always a favourite in my reading; she is intelligent, passionate about her work, her life is extraordinary – we meet Nora who is a journalist, as she is conducting an interview with a war criminal: “The stories swirled around Nora’s head, one atrocity overtaking the next. Schoolchildren witnessing the gang rape of their teacher before they themselves were hacked to death with machetes. Massacres of villagers that went on until the murderers were too tired to life their arms and so they locked up the survivors with the corpses until the next day when the killing resumed…” (p1) A brutal “hook” reminiscent of current news headlines that will have you squirming in your seat as you read, the honesty, brutality and inhumanity of the deeds pricking at your conscience.
I think we will be seeing more of this type of occupation and reporting of current events in our future fiction reads, what a brilliant way to add social commentary to our reading lives.
A strong, determined, feisty female protagonist, the crimes credible, heinous, prevalent and feature in our news headlines far too often and a fabulous twist or two that will surprise the most hardened crime fiction reader. This is a fabulous read and I cannot wait for the next book in this series to arrive in my letterbox.
PS The translation is flawless.
About twenty five years ago I started an arts course at what used to be known as TAFE (Technical and Further Education). I was spurred to enrol after being involved in a community based learning centre – where I was learning how to make pottery – by wheel and hand. I wanted to learn more so I enrolled in the arts course – primarily to do more pottery but as part of the course I was require to complete other art units – I did enjoy some of the classes – especially the mixed media work, the print making, water colour etc I enjoyed the parts of the course I completed. The story is then put on hold for quite some time.
Then last week a friend of mine who has recently started producing some amazing paintings (one she made for my office – of proteas , another she made for our sitting room – a pink cow in a dot style – which has ow been entered in an art competition! ) wonderful work, any way I digress…my good friend suggested we have a painting day and drove 4 hours to our place and unloaded her car full of blank canvases and painting paraphernalia – what a great day I had. (My good friend was very patient and enthusiastic) The flame has been reignited. It is such good fun. I am grateful to have such a talented and passionate friend who is happy to share her creativity with me.
This is my work in progress. 🙂
Antoinette
Keely DiPucchio & Christian Robinson
Simon & Schuster Australia
Simon & Schuster Kids
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9781481457835
Description:
Raised in a family of talented bulldogs, Antoinette the poodle wonders what makes her special. She gets the chance to prove herself and find what she’s good at when puppy Ooh-la-la goes missing.
My View:
This is an adorable book that shouts “Read out loud.” “Read to a child.” “Enjoy.” There is such a beautiful sense of fun and innocence here, the illustrations and the words are fun, full of energy and cute.
There are many messages in the book that a child will absorb; about friendships, confidence…about individuals having different talents/abilities. All have merits. But I think you should just read this book for the simple pleasure and fun of reading a delightful, entertaining book (and for being able to say Ooh- La- La many times). 🙂
A great introductory hook and a narrative that cleverly plays into every mother’s sense of guilt – is she doing enough/coping/not coping…etc
Everything You Told Me
Lucy Dawson
Allen & Unwin Australia
Atlantic
Corvus
ISBN: 9781782396253
Description:
Sally wakes up in the middle of nowhere, with a suicide note in her pocket and no memory of the previous twenty four hours. When she discovers what happened to her, she is shocked to the core…
Saturday morning, dawn. Mother of two Sally finds herself on a cliff top, miles away from home. The place is familiar but the journey is a blank. She’s lost the last ten hours of her life.
To all appearances, Sally was there to jump. She had nothing on her apart from a suicide note when the local police took her in. But Sally knows she would never leave her children behind…
Which leaves the question: who has done this to her? And who would believe Sally if she told?
My View:
A great introductory hook and a narrative that cleverly plays into every mother’s sense of guilt – is she doing enough/coping/not coping…etc
A great read which has all the elements I like in a good psychological thriller; an great opening hook – in this instance the protagonist wakes up alone and disoriented on a cliff top – not knowing how she got there and with what appears to be a suicide note in her pocket.
Then we have my favourite device – the unreliable narrator…Sally’s recollections, thoughts, are a little confused, she is sleep deprived, anxious… so much guilt, perhaps suffering post-natal depression? What do we believe is happening here? Who is right?
Then there are the twists – so many – so good but just one little point that is essential to the outcome, the big piece of evidence that changes the whole direction of your thoughts… just seemed a little too convenient, just niggled at me – after I finished reading. At the time I was engrossed in this reveal, it changed everything. And I went with it, I followed this new clue, and was lead on another twisty path and the ending…would never ever have seen that coming. So all in all a really good read but just after I finished reading there was just that hint of bad taste in my mouth , the feeling that something was not quite right, a detail that was just a little too convenient and all too easily wrapped everything up (no spoilers here). Will it bother you? Who knows…you will have to read it to find out.
My View:
Recipes and Images from A Whole New Way to Eat by Vladia Cobrdova (Murdoch Books)
SPICY GINGER & TOMATO SOUP
+ Vegetarian, + Vegan, + Gluten-free, + Dairy-free
“The vibrant colour of this rich antioxidant soup speaks for itself. You can really see the betacarotenoids in it.”p. 101
prep time:15 minutes
cooking time:20 minutes
Serves 4
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 large red (Spanish) onion, finely chopped
100 g (3½ oz/½ cup) coarsely chopped fresh ginger
6 carrots, chopped
2 x 400 g (14 oz) tins chopped tomatoes
375 ml (13 fl oz/1½ cups) tinned coconut milk
20 g (¾ oz/1/3 cup) chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves (optional)
1 lime
Crispy topping
2 teaspoons coconut oil
2 fresh long red chillies, sliced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger
40 g (1½ oz/1 cup) coconut chips
Heat the coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and ginger and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden. Add the carrots, tomatoes and 375 ml (13 fl oz/1½ cups) of water and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the carrots are very tender. Stir in the coconut milk, then remove from the heat. Using a stick blender, purée the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, to make the crispy topping, heat the coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chilli, chopped ginger and coconut chips and stir for 5–6 minutes until crisp.
To serve, ladle the soup into four bowls, scatter with the crispy topping and coriander leaves (if using), then squeeze a lime over.
+ note Tomatoes have the interesting attribute of being better for you when cooked. Cooking encourages the easier absorption of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may even have a role in cancer prevention.
Recipes and Images from A Whole New Way to Eat by Vladia Cobrdova (Murdoch Books)
KICKSTART MORNING DRINK
+ Vegetarian, + Vegan, + Gluten-free, + Dairy-free, + Paleo
“I love to have this cup first thing in the morning to kickstart my metabolism. It’s also great as an afternoon slump pick-me-up, instead of coffee or hot chocolate. It can also be served chilled.” p.38
prep time: 5 minutes
cooking time: Nil
2 teaspoons Cinnamon Five Spice (see page 174) +
2 teaspoons finely grated ginger
Juice of 1 lemon
250 ml (9 fl oz/1 cup) hot water
1 tablespoon raw honey,
or use vegan sweetener
1 pinch dried chilli flakes
Put all of the ingredients into a mug, stir to combine well and enjoy.
+ note Cinnamon Five Spice is a combination of cinnamon, star anise, black pepper, fennel, cloves and pink Himalayan salt. All these spices get you moving in the morning; not only your body, but also your digestive system and metabolism!
A Whole New Way To Eat
Vladia Cobrdova
Murdoch Books
ISBN: 9781743368978
Description:
Stunning recipes for fad-free eating from the original modern Australian health food providore.
Step into fad-free whole-food eating with recipes you can trust from the original modern Australian health food providore.
A Whole New Way to Eat is the healthy recipe collection all households need. Everyone is welcome at the table with this way of eating – whether you’re looking for inspirational vegan, paleo or vegetarian recipes or you’re simply after truly delicious food that just happens to be good for you. From The Best Turmeric Yoghurt and Tahini Potato Salad to the hands-down most delicious Raw Caramel Slice you’ve ever tried, your body will thank you from your tastebuds to your gut. Nutritionist and recipe developer Vladia Cobrdova from About Life recreates over 135 of the mouth-watering dishes she’s made popular in the stores’ busy cafes, takeaway and ready-made meal sections.
A Whole New Way to Eat is a modern take on healthy eating for those more interested in eating well than following the latest craze.
Author bio:
“Vladia Cobrdova is a nutritionist, recipe developer and Wellness Ambassador for About Life, Australia’s largest wholefoods retail chain. Born and raised in Czechoslovakia, Vladia first saw and tasted avocadoes and mangoes when she came to Australia as an au pair. She started working at a juice bar and health food shop called About Life when she was studying to be a nutritionist. Fourteen years later that business is now the largest retailer of health food in Australia and Vladia develops the recipes for the business. She’s still blown away by the taste of avocadoes and mangoes.” https://www.murdochbooks.com.au/browse/books/healthy-cooking/A-Whole-New-Way-to-Eat-Vladia-Cobrdova-9781743368978
My View:
I haven’t had the time lately to experiment in the kitchen with recipes from some of the new cook books I have at hand, (we have been on holidays, twice in the past two months and when back home have been extra busy, or had lots of visitors or commitments), this year has just been busy. However tonight I sat down and had a good look at A Whole New Way To Eat by Vladia Cobrdova and I am now excited about the idea of returning to the kitchen and trying out some of these tantalizing, fresh, healthy and delicious looking recipes.
There are great breakfast ideas, dips, sides, mains, snacks, lunch, soups… “The dishes in this book cover every occasion – for when you only have 10 minutes to prepare a nutritious snack to keep the energy levels up and stress levels down, or for creating a meal to impress your guests. Perhaps you want to experience the sense of achievement you get from baking bread and serving with lashings of good quality local butter?” (YES YES YES) Vladia hopes that by sharing these recipes she can pass on some of the enjoyment and satisfaction that cooking has given her, her family and the clients of About Life. (p9) And the recipes here cater to a variety of dietary requirements; including gluten free, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, raw food, meat lovers…there is sure to be something here for everyone.
Let’s get cooking!
Vicious Circle
Joe Pickett #17
CJ Box
Harper Collins Publishers Australia
Head of Zeus
ISBN: 9781784973148
Description:
The past comes back to haunt game warden Joe Pickett and his family with devastating effect.
One man hell-bent on avenging his family, the other dead-set on protecting his… Joe Pickett always knew there’d be a day of reckoning. And now that day has come. Two years ago, his daughter was beaten and dumped by the side of a country road. Joe’s determination to avenge her forced him into a catastrophic confrontation with the Cates clan that left three of their number dead and put the two survivors behind bars. Now the youngest son, Dallas, is out of prison and back in town. Joe knows exactly why he’s returned – an eye for an eye. All Joe can do is wait for Dallas to make the first move…
My View:
I’ll keep this review brief as you all know how much I love this author and in particular this series. This is another outstanding episode in the life of game warden Joe Pickett, the narrative just keeps setting darker and more intense as the series goes on. This is a clear your diary, order dinner to be delivered, read in one night kind of book…you will not be disappointed!
I’ll add one additional thought – the Wanda Stacy event raised my blood pressure several notches…very, very, dark AND I loved that Nate Romanowski was called on to help Joe out. Nate is a character that forces you to ask yourself “what would you do in his situation?” Decisions are not always easy or clear cut…
I am ready for the next episode CJ.
Reading, Writing and Riesling 