Table of contents for April 2023 in Taste.com.au

We've been seeing packets of hot cross buns and rows of chocolate eggs In supermarkets since Boxing Day, but now there's just weeks until Easter! It's time to switch on to the fact that you'd really better pick up a couple of bunnies for the kids or grandkids, plus a carton (or three) of hunting eggs before the selection falls short of their expectations. If, like me, the choice of bunnies and buns is beginning to overwhelm, flip to p18 and p129. The taste team have tried and tested to find their favourite, and sometimes wacky, seasonal offerings - yes, we're looking at you Special Burger Sauce Hot Cross Buns! But we know what you're really here for: easy Easter entertaining ideas. And this issue is chock-full of them. From…

family fave power patties prep in 10! slurpy spag…

Chocoholics and sweet tooths, be rewarded for fuelling your cravings with our rocky road cob dip. There's a supersized Solidteknics cookware set prize pack, worth $2246, for the most epic cob dip out there! The set includes a 24cm Steamer, 3L Rondeau Set, 10L Deepa Pot, 35cm Bigga Skillet Set, 26cm Frypan, 4.5L Saucepan and 27cm Skillet Lid from the Solidteknics Nöni non-nickel, stainless steel range. Share a photo of your creation that will rock our world to go in the running. Make me say ‘what a cob!’ with your lush cheesecake, delish choc-nut drizzle and beautiful decorations. SEND IN YOUR ENTRIES BY 30 MARCH $2246 PRIZE!…

garlic bread DEVILLED EGGS We say hell yes to this snack! Melt 40g butter in a pan over medium heat. Add 70g breadcrumbs, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes. Stir in 2 crushed garlic cloves for 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl to cool. Peel and cut tops off 12 hard-boiled eggs. Scoop yolks into a bowl. Mash with 3 tbs each mayo and sour cream until smooth. Add a few drops-of Tabasco. Pipe yolk mixture back into-eggs. Stir 2 tbs finely Chopped parsley into crumb mixture. Sprinkle around edge df eggs.…

prawn power Prawns are a lean source of good-quality protein and are rich in iodine – important for healthy thyroid function and brain health. Cannellini beans (high in fibre and resistant starch) are what make this dish satisfying. They also help with gut health, as do the fennel and garlic, which have prebiotic properties SUPER VEG FRITTERS tuna terrific Canned fish, such as tuna, is a cost-effective way to incorporate seafood into your diet and a healthy helping of lean protein – about 24g per 100g. Quinoa adds even more protein and is a good source of magnesium. Pack your patties with loads of vegies to boost immunity-supporting antioxidants, betacarotene and vitamin C. super salmon This plate is brimming with heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory fatty acids – the salmon for omega…

serves 4 prep 5 mins cook 40 mins ingredients 500g small sweet potatoes, scrubbed, quartered lengthways 12 French-trimmed lamb cutlets 400g can brown lentils, rinsed, drained 60ml (1/4 cup) maple syrup 100g baby spinach 1 Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan forced. Line a large shallow baking tray with baking paper. Arrange sweet potato on the prepared tray. Spray with olive oil. Season, Bake for 20 minutes or until just tender. 2 Add the lamb and lentils to the tray. Spray with a little more oil and drizzle with maple syrup. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potato is golden and the lamb is cooked to your liking. Stir through the spinach, to serve. PER SERVE 28g protein, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 22g carb, 5g dietary fibre, 447…

marbled egg BISCUITS Lose your marbles for this icing trick! Whisk 1 egg white in a bowl. Whisk in 1 tbs fresh lemon juice. Sift 1½ cups pure icing sugar then gradually stir into mixture until smooth. Transfer half the mixture to a wide, shallow bowl. Stir in 1 tsp water. Add 1 small drop of 3 difffferent gel food colourings, spaced apart. Drag a whisk through to marble slightly. Place an arrowroot biscuit face down in mixture. Lift, letting excess drip offff. Turn over and tap gently to let icing settle. Dip in another 9 biscuits. Repeat with remaining mixture and 10 more biscuits. Store in a single layer in airtight containers overnight to set.…

serves 6-8 prep 30 mins black bean hummus Add black beans to give dip a wholesome boost. 400g can black beans, rinsed, drained 2 garlic cloves 2 tbs tahini 2 tbs fresh lime juice 1 tbs sweet chilli sauce 3 tsp chipotle sauce (or to taste) Sour cream and chopped fresh coriander leaves, to serve Olive oil, to drizzle 1 Place the beans, garlic, tahini, lime juice, sweet chilli and chipotle in a food processor. Season with salt. Process until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with sour cream, coriander and oil. Tip! Make up to 1 day ahead. Store in a jar in the fridge. Remove from the fridge 1 hour before serving. feta & yoghurt dip Cheesy, zingy, herby - three delicious reasons to whip up this…

fun cooking herbs and spices are the essence of Life, balancing flavours from everyday ingredients and elevating them to a whole new flavour profile, while promoting wellness. They are a culinary minefield. You want your dish to be bursting with flavour, but a sprinkle of the wrong spice can ruin the flavour. However, there are so many ways to get creative with them and add zest to any meal. They increase the complexity of flavour of a meal, but also complement or play counterpoint to flavours that are already present. They contribute richness to food without adding any calories, fat, sugar or salt, making a meal more interesting. Herbs and spices are also packed with health benefits. There are spices that have multiple properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral.…

Tried & tested Whether you're new to baking and cooking or have a dog-eared copy of the Country Women's Association Classics on your shelf, a good hand beater is an essential tool of the kitchen. Perfect birthday cake icing, memorable pavlovas and scrumptious pancakes coming up! These are our picks of the best electric beaters out there. LED DISPLAY Smeg Hand Mixer ‘50s Style BEST FOR: retro Lovers Aesthetically minded cooks will love adding the Smeg digital hand mixer to the kitchen thanks to its old-school design and new-age technology. The LED screen makes moving between its nine-speed settings a breeze. The wire whisks, Optimus whisks (for semi-hard doughs) and dough hooks make versatile additions to the appliance drawer. Even better, it comes with a stylish fabric case for storage. From…

cracker up Say hello to our latest cracker obsession. Made with all-natural ingredients, these crispy, oven-baked pressed pretzels make the ultimate morsel for dipping or piling high with toppings. Pick up a pack of Macy and Tailor Snack Artisans’ Sea Salt or Honey Mustard to take centrestage on a grazing board. $4 from Coles. THE BOSS Take a look in the fridge at taste HQ and you'll find Bos Rooibos Iced Tea. Made from nutrientrich rooibos (found only in South Africa), this iced tea is low in calories, naturally caffeine free and packed with antioxidants. The peach, lemon and berry flavours are zingy, sweet and the ultimate thirst quencher. $5.29 from selected supermarkets. cones to clean Eat ice-cream and feel good doing it – these ones entitle you to a…

From mint sauce and zesty salads, to decadent desserts, fruit salad and chocolatey treats, mint's fabulous fragrance and flavour are unmistakable. There are different types to choose from, including intense peppermint, peppery Vietnamese mint and sweet spearmint. It's easy to grow, and the plant can live for years. Learn how right here! step-by-step mint * An easy way to start is to buy a small mint plant from your local garden centre. Growing it in a 30cm-diameter pot or hanging basket is ideal, as it will contain growth (when planted in the garden, mint can become rampant). * Using quality potting mix, plant the mint in the centre of the pot, ensuring all roots are covered, and place in a partly shaded spot. Keep well watered, as mint enjoys moist…

Vietnamese chicken salad bowl Serve up the crunch! Easy and delicious. This recipe new goes on a weekly rotation. @SARSIMOO Fantastic dish. I added coriander… family Laved it, so it is a total winner. @CCESS Full of Flavour. @TAYLORCHRIS Healthier mango chicken curry It's packed with veg and spices. Fantastic and yummy meal. @JAPAJO Really delicious. Recommend. @MRF Very testy. I think I will add chilli next time, as suggested. #MICHELLEBURTON Baked honey cheesecake Take a slice of better-for-you cake. Mode this as a birthday cake, it was picture perfect. The base was crunchy and complemented the honey cheesecake so well. @JOANNA25 Soft, silky, creamy and a beautiful warmth from the honey. This is my new go-to recipe. @DRPRETTY…

CRISPY POTATO green shakshuka Make weeknights easy for yourself by enlisting these Dinner Revolution meals, made for Snuggling up on an autumn night. There are shortcuts galore — like bought garlic bread for croutons - while still knocking your socks off with flavour! This shakshuka is a case in point. Microwave veg is the trick to the quickest crispy potatoes then load up with greens and eggs. autumn chicken harvest salad serves 4 prep & cooking 1 hour 5 mins 70g (⅓ cup) red quinoa, rinsed 2 tbs chopped fresh tarragon leaves 125ml (½ cup) olive oil 2½ tbs Dijon mustard 700g sweet potato, unpeeled, halved lengthways 2 red onions, cut into thick wedges 2 chicken breast fillets 2 tbs fresh lemon juice 60g baby rocket 1 red apple, thinly…

BEST OF APRIL fruit cumquat mandarin papaya plum pomegranate quince vegies beetroot celery choko leek squash herbs basil chervil dill mint tarragon hasselback apples It's said ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’, but why settle for just a plain ol’ apple as a snack? It's an incredibly versatile fruit that works in both sweet and savoury dishes – as the star attraction or as a side to complement or enhance a dish. Think apple sauce, apple slaw, apple loaf or these hasselback apples. Baked with spices and walnuts, and drizzled with cream, this easy dessert is the cosiest night in. Plus, thanks to this fibre- and vitamin C-rich fruit, this recipe will keep both your doctor and gut happy!…

As Australia's largest child health research institute, we are very excited to see this collection of recipes come to life for children and their caregivers. Professor Kathryn North AC, Director of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute Australia is unenviably known as the'allergy capital of the world’. With more than five million of us living with allergies, it is clear many families will find this book an invaluableaddition to their cookbook collection. At Murdoch Children's Research Institute, our work aims to ensure that children live in a world defined by wellness rather than by illness. We want every child to live a healthy and fulfilled life. Furthermore, we want families and their communities to prosper. POWER IN PREVENTION To ensure our efforts are long-lasting and wide-reaching, the institute's focus is on…

CAKES serves 8 prep 25 mins (+ 3 hours 10 mins freezing) ingredients 60g (¼ cup) solid coconut oil 30g (¼ cup) cacao powder 2 tbs maple syrup 1L vegan coconut ice-cream Coarsely grated dairy-free chocolate, to serve Almost 10% of babies have an allergy to egg. Most children grow out of this allergy. 1 Combine the oil, cacao and syrup in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15 seconds or until oil is melted. Stir until smooth. 2 Lightly grease the base of a 9 × 19cm (base size) loaf pan with oil. Line with baking paper, allowing the 2 long sides to overhang. Use a dessert spoon to scoop out one-quarter of the ice-cream in flat pieces and use to cover base of prepared pan. Return remaining ice-cream to…

serves 8-10 prep 30 mins(+ cooling) cooking 15 mins three chocolate sauces Just pour hot cream over chocolate and watch it melt into delectable dippers! 180g white chocolate, chopped 180g Cadbury Caramilk chocolate, chopped 180g dark chocolate, chopped 435ml (1¾ cups) thickened cream 1 Place each chocolate in a separate bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to the boil. Pour 125ml (½ cup) cream each over the white and Caramilk chocolates. 2 Pour remaining cream over dark chocolate. Set aside for 2 minutes or until chocolate has softened then stir each until smooth. Transfer to 3 separate serving bowls and serve warm. tip! These sauces are best served warm. Chill any leftovers for up to 1 week and use to spread over…

GOOEY GOOD COB Your little bunnies are going to be hopping with delight to go hunting for the surprise chocolate eggs inside this OTT Easter brownie! easter hunt brownie serves 6 prep 20 mins (+ cooling) cooking 1 hour 2 × 200g blocks dark chocolate, roughly chopped 150g salted butter, chopped 300g (1½ cups, firmly packed) brown sugar 3 eggs, lightly whisked 1 tsp vanilla extract 150g (1 cup) plain flour 30g (¼ cup) cocoa powder 150g mixed mini Easter eggs 125g pkt mini speckled milk chocolate Easter eggs Darrell Lea Minty Crunchy Chocolate Balls Milk Chocolate, Skittles Wild Berry flavour, Starburst Chews Fruit Flavours, bunny-shaped marshmallows, Easter milk chocolate coins and assorted sprinkles, to decorate (see tip) 1 Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan forced. Grease a 6cm-deep, 20cm (base…

Test kitchen approved Vietnamese poached chicken & noodle salad serves 4 | prep 15 mins (+ cooling) | cooking 15 mins GF 5cm-piece fresh ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced 1 lemongrass stem, pale section only, very thinly sliced 400ml can coconut milk 2 medium chicken breast fillets 2 tbs fresh lime juice 1 tbs fish sauce 1 tbs rice wine vinegar 2 tbs palm sugar 200g rice stick noodles ½ wombok (Chinese cabbage), finely shredded 1 carrot, peeled, cut into matchsticks 55g (1 cup) bean sprouts 1 cup fresh coriander leaves 1 cup round fresh mint leaves 4 makrut lime leaves, finely shredded 1 long fresh red chilli, deseeded, thinly sliced lengthways 80g (½ cup) salted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped 1 Combine the ginger, lemongrass and coconut milk in a saucepan…

We ate it. We rate it. PROTEIN BARS When you're in need of a speedy on-the-go snack, pre-workout energy hit or a feel-good boost, protein bars are our fuel of choice. Here are the ones that pass the taste test and are sure to keep us far away from the vending machine when those 3pm hunger pangs hit. NEW IN STORES Keep It Cleaner Plant Protein Crunch Choc Mint, $3.50 Full of plant protein, these bars have a decent hit of dark chocolate and a minty, peanut butter, crunch. With less than 5g of sugar, pop one in your gym bag for a snack before you work out. OLDIE & GOODIE Clif Bar White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, $3.50 When you have a mountain of work to get through, land your…

Matt Q What can I do with leftover roast vegetables? Pretty much any Sunday roast vegies can be turned into a roast veg salad, and that includes your leftovers from Easter Sunday. The intensified sweetness of the vegetables works with a balsamic vinaigrette, which can be bulked out by the addition of crumbled ricotta. Think about adding extra flavour from nuts — smoked almonds and macadamias are my current favourites — or seeds, such as toasted pepitas, sunflower, cumin or coriander seeds. Also, throw in herbs, like fresh thyme, rocket or parsley, some raw diced celery, or even a little grated orange or lemon rind for freshness and colour. Vegies such as roasted cauliflower florets can be the basis of a salad with cumin, pine nuts and currants. Elisa Q…

To enter, visit taste.com.au/win EAT YOUR HEART OUT! love to share Dinner party or high tea – whichever you're hosting you'll be set with this beautiful bundle from iconic Australian kitchenware brand Wiltshire. Go in the running and you could win some Coupe Stoneware dinnerware (a 12-piece set and coupe bowls), and plates and three sizes of bowls from the Petite Petal range (pictured). Valued at $300, this is the easiest way to stock your servingware in style! See more at wiltshire.com.au. the heat is on Win this prize and you'll be keeping your morning cuppa piping hot and pre-gym smoothies as cool as can be. In this Thermos prize pack, valued at $104, there is a 480ml Vacuum Insulated Tumbler (pictured) and a 470ml Stainless King Vacuum Insulated Travel…

For all advertising enquiries, call (02) 8045 4734. PERFECT CELLARING With a vibration-proof design and insulated side panels, the Vintec 35 Bottle Single Zone Wine Cabinet keeps your wine in perfect condition, harveynorman.com.au CREAM OF THE CROP Made with fresh Aussie ingredients. Bulla Light Sour Cream has a smooth, velvety texture and is a lighter option that doesn't compromise on taste. For recipe ideas, visit bulla.com.au MIX IT UP The KitchenAid KSM195 Stand Mixer is made to perform and built to last. Quickly mix batters, make bread and even mash potatoes. The ideal choice for busy kitchens and keen home chefs. harveynorman.com.au IT'S EASY WITH PORK Cooking with pork is a breeze! It can be marinated, grilled, slow-cooked or stir-fried, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners. For recipe…

ZUCCHINI SLICE LORRAINE LUNCH BOX LOVE We've tunned a fave quiche into bite-sized snack slices. Ideal for lunch or dinner, served hot or cold, who can say no to smoky bacon, Swiss cheese and eggy bliss? SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH THE RECIPE VIDEO SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH THE RECIPE VIDEO 10-MINUTE FRENCH ONION CHICKEN RICE BAKE If you're short on time, this is the recipe for you! It's ready in just 10 minutes and packed with vegies, protein and carbs and lots of golden cheese. CHOC TOP CARAMEL SLICE We give the classic caramel slice a choc top makeover! Bite into these irresistible, crunchy nut fudge-filled treats. Watch the gooey caramel explode at each bite! SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH THE RECIPE VIDEO…

tip 1 Plastic sandwich containers are great for making the jelly pieces. Cut the cubes in the container to make it easy to get the jelly pieces out without damaging them. tip 2 To pull out the inside bread and have the correct cob shell thickness, cut a circle 2cm from the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through. tip 3 Save the inside bread to make breadcrumbs for later use. Process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Place in a sealable plastic bag and freeze for up to 3 months. tip 4 As soon as you've drizzled the cob rim and wedges with the melted dark chocolate, scatter over the peanuts. Chocolate melts set quickly, so you need to work fast. tip 5 Don't…

ALLERGY BOOK Developed by experts at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, in association with taste, The Allergy Friendly Family Cookbook is a game changer for families affected by common food-related allergies. Packed with easy and allergy-friendly recipes, turn to p58 for an exclusive sneak peek inside this exciting new book. Scan the QR code to pre-order your copy HOP TO IT By steeping nutmeg, cinnamon and locally produced dried grapes in the Original Gin Elixir, Fossey's has created the ultimate boozy Easter treat, Hot Cross Bun Gin. Sign up to Friends of Fossey's to get your hands on this small-batch spirit that sells out every year! $75 for a 500ml bottle. Visit fosseysgin.com.au. 30 years of BILBY To celebrate 30 years of its iconic bilby choccies, Haigh's has released a single-origin milk…

choose Look for bright green florets and firm stems. serve It can be steamed, blanched, pureed, sauteed, stir-fried, deep-fried or baked. Toss through salad, pasta or cous cous, or mix into a terrine, vegie stack or quiche. Steam whole and serve with meat dishes, or chop and add to stir-fries. Store Keep in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge and use within a week. eat With • almonds * balsamic • cashews • dill • eggs • garlic • lemon • cauliflower • feta • goat's cheese • parmesan • pine nuts • ricotta • walnuts…

LUNCH + SNACKS serves 4 prep 15 mins cook 5 mins ingredients 25g sachet medium peri peri spice mix 200g (2 cups) shredded cooked chicken 25Qg pkt microwave 90-second long-grain white rice 1 Lebanese cucumber, halved lengthways, seeded, thinly sliced 1 green capsicum, finely chopped 2 green shallots, thinly sliced 2 tbs fresh lemon juice 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil 1 little gem lettuce, leaves separated 1 Combine the spice mix and chicken in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute or until warmed through. 2 Cook the rice following packet directions. Add rice to the chicken mixture with the cucumber, capsicum, shallot, lemon juice and oil. Toss until well combined. Divide among lettuce leaves, to serve. PER SERVE 25.1g protein, 10.2g fat (1.6g saturated fat), 28.8g carb,…

makes 20 prep 30 mins (+ 15 mins cooling & 1 hour standing) cook 35 mins ingredients 250ml (1 cup) milk 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar 100g butter, chopped 110g (⅔cup) mixed dried fruit 280g (2 cups) buckwheat flour, plus extra, to dust 270g (1½ cups) brown rice flour, plus extra 90g (½ cup) 130g (1 cup) tapioca flour 2 tsp xanthan gum 2 × 7g sachets dried yeast 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp allspice 1/4 tsp ground cloves 2 eggs, lightly whisked 5 tbs cold water 2 tbs honey, warmed Butter, to serve 1 Place the milk, sugar, butter and dried fruit in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until mixture is almost simmering. Remove from heat. Cool…

potato salad Poach the chicken in water with a slice of lemon rind. Drain. Shred and toss with cooled boiled baby potatoes, green beans, halved cherry tomatoes and a vinaigrette. herby rice salad Poach the chicken in chicken stock with thyme and garlic. Drain. Shred while warm and serve tossed through rice and vegies. classic sandwich Poach the chicken in water with fresh rosemary sprigs and peppercorns. Drain. Shred and use to fill sandwiches with mayonnaise and lettuce.…

hot cross bun ESPRESSO MARTINI Turn everyone's favourite cocktail into an Easter entertainer. Cut 2 thin strips of baking paper. Heat 90g chopped Caramilk chocolate and ⅔ cup thickened cream in the microwave until melted and smooth. Cool in the fridge for 10 minutes. Combine ¼ cup each hot espresso and vodka, and 2 tbs each Kahlúa and Fireball Whisky in a jug then divide between 2 martini glasses. Shake Caramilk mixture and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker until frothy. Gently pour into glasses. Arrange strips over glasses to create a cross. Dust with cocoa then remove paper.…

taste life Taylors Estate Label NV Brut Cuvée Pinot Noir Chardonnay, $22 Easter is a time to break out the bubbly! Deliciously zesty, creamy and little bit toasty, this great value and crowd-pleasing sparkling is made in the traditional method. DRINK IT WITH vegie canapés, seafood salad. BEST DRINKING NOW De Bortoli NV Petit Moscato Frizzante, $18.95 Weekend brunches need a sweet and delicate wine. Look no further than this pale pink, lightly sparkling, premium moscato bearing flavours of Turkish delight, strawberry sorbet and aLmond nougat. DRINK IT WITH fruity desserts, brunch. SWEET, SOFT & SPRITZY Mount Langi Ghiran 2022 Billi Billi Pinot Gris, $20 This fresh yet generously flavoured pinot gris from the cool-climate Grampians region in Victoria is full of autumn fruit flavours like pear, quince and apple.…