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Photo: moonlightbulb / Flickr

Since Christmas is around the corner, you might be wondering what to prepare for dessert. If your family is not keen on a traditional Christmas pudding, this blueberry pie will be a lovely alternative. Made with sharp blueberries and soft-textured apples, these pies ooze out a crimson colour that is perfectly suited to Christmas. A word of warning, though: be careful not to overcook the apples when you have them in the pan as they will become rather mushy during the baking. (more…)

Photo: gurke / Flickr

This Belgian chocolate cake recipe can also be seen as a chocolate truffle cake. It allows for eight to 10 individual chocolate cakes with a chocolate ganache ball placed inside the batter before baking. Ingredients include dark chocolate, butter, caster sugar, corn flour, cake flour, eggs, cream, icing sugar and cocoa powder. Using good quality chocolate will yield excellent results. So will heating up the cake for a minute in the microwave before serving it with your choice of ice-cream. (more…)

Photo: KathrynW1 / Flickr

Richard Bertinet’s Czech assistant Zdenek introduced him to these gingerbread biscuits. Z, (as he is most often called) got the recipe from his grandmother. It’s a tradition for him and his family to bake the biscuits at Christmas time. Richard’s family have also taken to them. He explains: ‘My children like this recipe so much that we cut the dough into shapes, make little holes in each one, then thread them with ribbon after baking and hang them on the Christmas tree.’ (more…)

Photo: Old Shoe Woman / Flickr

Two-thirds of British citizens eat with their elbows on the table and a quarter burp during meals. The Guardian asked some leading experts on etiquette what they thought of this ‘parlous’ state of affairs. The newspaper interviewed social commentator Victoria Mather, former royal butler Paul Burrell, cookery writer Prue Leith and several others. The perspectives on table manners are as different as the personalities themselves. But for a living example of class, Paul Burrell looks to the Queen. (more…)

Photo: ilmungo / Flickr

Swimming is highly recommended as an exercise, not only because of its physical benefits but also because of its impact on general wellbeing. It provides a low-impact, full-body workout while improving flexibility, joint mobility and the cardiovascular system. Endorphins are released while the body is being massaged by the water, which adds to a swimmer’s feeling of contentment. Consistent swimming strengthens the muscles too and specific areas can be targeted. You can tone your buttocks with breast stroke, for example. (more…)

Photo: Philippe de France / Flickr

A design works if it manages to balance a creatively inspired idea with functionality, whether it is a turned vase, an over-the-top chair or a classic eight-seater table. The quickest way to know if an idea will work is to sketch it out with a pencil. You can then adapt the drawing to improve any shortcomings or change it as you see fit. Seek out inspiration if necessary and then prepare scaled working drawings for a smooth-running project. (more…)

Photo: Gudlyf / Flickr

These cardamom butter cookies are Persian in origin. They are quite delicate as they are made from rice flour. Other ingredients include butter, icing sugar, egg yolk, ground cardamom seeds, chopped pistachios and a pinch of salt. The pistachios are sprinkled over the top of the cookies in order to decorate them. You will need about five green cardamom pods to obtain the required teaspoon of freshly ground cardamom. A pestle and mortar will make your job easier. (more…)

Photo: threadmangler / Flickr

Ganache not only makes for a great-tasting cake but it also keeps it moist and offers a good base for icing. The combination of chocolate and cream also serves as an edible filling to cover up holes and cracked surfaces. Ganache gives a smooth surface once it has set. It is also hard, which allows for the application of a thin fondant icing. Here we discuss how to prepare a cake for ganaching as well as how to finish it. (more…)

Photo: Extra Ketchup / Flickr

The workplace has changed considerably in the last few years. Exciting as many of the technological changes are though, some people feel like they’ve been left behind. This is especially the case for those who didn’t grow up with computers or those who have been out of the market for five to 10 years. Since computer literacy is a given for most jobs today, it is to everybody’s advantage to keep their skills up to date. Three basic requirements are discussed below. (more…)

Photo: LauraFries.com / Flickr

When you think of Chinese food images of oily, greasy noodles may come to mind. Chow mein is often considered to be anything but healthy but made right this wonderful Chinese dish can be a great addition to any diet. Get the crisp noodles and the delicious taste of chow mein with none of the fat with a few simple changes. Best of all, this dish is quick and easy to make and can be enjoyed by the entire family. (more…)