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  • Sweet and savoury jaffle recipes you have to try at least once

    Sweet and savoury jaffle recipes you have to try at least once

    As a child or as an adult, nothing beats a simple jaffle toastie for a quick lunch, snack, or dinner.

    There’s much more to a jaffle than cheese and baked beans, although those are always popular.

    This taste.com.au recipe will make you want a jaffle for every meal, including dessert.

    The versatile and popular kitchen gadget, the Jaffle, can be used in many ways.

    SAVOURY

    Jaffles of baked beans and avocado with crispy bacon

    Serve this hearty Jaffle with a fried yolk on the side.

    Creamy tuna and corn jaffles

    These super-easy jaffles are ready in just 15 minutes, and they are made with pantry staples such as canned tuna or corn.

    Savoy chicken and sesame waffles

    This satay jaffle with peanut butter and hoisin is a delicious way to update a classic.

    Cheesy maple bacon jaffle

    These extra cheesy maple bacon jaffles are sure to please the whole family. They’re also ready in 15 minutes.

    Cheeseburger jaffle

    This delicious twist will take the humble Jaffle from ordinary to extraordinary.

    Jaffles of slow-roasted pork with coleslaw

    Enjoy these delicious, smoky, slow-roasted pork jaffas for lunch or dinner with slaw and crisp crackling.

    Jaffles with mushrooms and cheese

    Add a little fruit chutney with mushrooms and cheese to these jaffles for extra flavor. You can serve these with a bag of chips.

    Jaffles with corned beef, mustard, and

    Enjoy a tasty lunch with these toasted gherkin and corned beef sandwiches.

    Super-easy pizza jaffles

    These pizza jaffles are a great afternoon snack for children.

    Lasagne in 10 minutes

    Do you have leftover bolognese in your refrigerator? This recipe will turn leftover pasta sauce into an easy, delicious lasagne that can be made with a jaffle maker.

    Ricotta and spinach filo Jaffles

    The whole family will love this low-calorie, vegan pastry snack made with cheese.

    Green Jaffle

    Our tasty green toastie will make up for the green smoothie you missed at breakfast.

    SWEET

    Jaffle maker apple pies

    This classic winter dessert is made with only five ingredients, including cooked apple filling and puff pastry. It’s ready to eat in 25 minutes.

    Nutella, custard, and bread and butter pudding Jaffle

    This super-speedy dessert can be made in just 10 minutes with only six ingredients.

     

    Mixed Berry Jaffle

    This sweet and simple dessert is a jaffle of mixed berries.

    Fairy bread doughnuts

    Why buy doughnuts from the store when you can make them yourself with a jaffle machine? These sweet treats are the ultimate Aussie party foods. They have a fairy-bread twist.

    White chocolate & raspberry ricotta Jaffle

    This super-easy dessert only takes ten minutes to prepare. Serve with some ice cream or custard to make this dessert even better.

  • Kingston v Monte Carlo: which Arnott’s biscuit wins the battle?

    Kingston v Monte Carlo: which Arnott’s biscuit wins the battle?

    When afternoon tea comes around and sugar cravings strike, one biscuit springs to mind.

    This biscuit predates the workforce and serious adult life. This was an old-fashioned treat from the biscuit tin. This deep red box would shake with delicious treats inside.

    Our debate begins when you drop your hand into the water, hoping that it will be rewarded.

    Arnott’s is a favorite of mine (and I am sure it is for all other Arnott’s fans). Monte Carlo is the ultimate treat. Some prefer kingstons.

    Some have even said, “Kingstons is King”. It’s time, to be honest, to grab the pitchforks.

    Kingston v Monte Carlo showdown

    It gives me no pleasure (well, a little) to say that these people are wrong. Kingston is a good choice, as it is crumbly. Sure, the chocolate inside adds something creamy. But that is where it all begins.

    The biscuits are also plain, and I’m sorry if that offended you.

    This biscuit is not only average, it’s also not exceptional.

     

    Which of these two Arnott cream-filled biscuits is your favorite?

    The Monte Carlo is the true hero on the tray. The inside is sweet and tacky, reminiscent of Nan’s sponge cake or strawberry ripple cake.

    Two generous golden coconut and honey biscuits are sandwiched together with a creamy vanilla middle.

    It’s a generous biscuit. When you want it to go that extra mile, give it a neat twist and split. Then, of course, a dunk. A dunk is always a must.

    The best Monte Carlo Recipe

    What’s better? If you’d like to make your own rather than buying a pre-made packet, then you can.

     

  • Australia’s top 100 new recipes of 2023, according to taste readers

    Australia’s top 100 new recipes of 2023, according to taste readers

    Here are some of the best new recipes voted by Tastereaders in 2023.

    Slow-cooker French onion beef

    This recipe for slow cooker French onion beef uses chuck steak, sweet carrots, fresh herbs, and French onion soup mix. Double the recipe and freeze.

    One-pan beef taco rice baked.

    Are you looking for an easy, low-cost one-pan meal? This hearty dish is a great way to avoid washing dishes. This meal can be prepared to feed a large family or as a convenient option for meal preparation.

    This masterpiece can be made with just one pan.

    Cheesy potato crust quiche nests

    The crispy texture of the baked cheese will go perfectly with the soft egg, shallot, and ham filling. These quiche nests are a great way to amp up the flavors of quiche.

    Lemon meltaway cake

    Why is this recipe for a lemon cake called “meltaway?” It’s the best way to describe that heavenly feeling of moist, buttery lemon cake melting in your mouth. You have to taste it to believe it.

    Lemon cake that melts in your mouth.

    Slow-cooker Korean beef

    Why order takeout when you can prepare this Korean beef in the slow cooker in just 10 minutes? All you need to do is put all the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it work its magic. The sweet and savory flavors from the bulgogi (found in the Asian section at the supermarket), garlic, onion, and ginger make the beef melt in your mouth.

    Matt PPreston’sslow cooker beef a-la-mode

    Enjoy the savory and rich flavors in this slow cooker version of classic beef a-la-mode. This dish is a combination of tender beef, aromatic herbs, and a medley of vegetables in a red wine-based broth.

    Mongolian Lamb in a Slow Cooker

    If you didn’t understand the hype before, this Mongolian-pulled lamb will make you do so. The combination of spices creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.

    The slow cooker is the best way to cook the lamb.

    French onion pasta baked with cheese in one dish.

    This mac and cheese dish is a delicious twist on the classic. It tastes like Cheese & Onion Chips.

    Potatoes Lorraine

    My two favorite foods are potato bake and quiche Lorraine. Why not combine them for a match that is made in heaven? It’s delicious on its own, but the combination of the creamy egg mixture and the bacon bits creates a flavor explosion that the potatoes will soak up.

    Mediterranean Hasselback Chicken

    We love hasselback potatoes (the technique that involves cutting small slits in the top), so we decided to try it with chicken and then fill it with classic Mediterranean flavors and ingredients. It looks amazing and tastes even better, but it is actually very simple to prepare. You only need six ingredients and about 20 minutes of prep time.

    This Mediterranean Hasselback Chicken is a must-try.

    Apple custard tray cake

    This recipe is a great way to get that delicious, sweet taste. We all know apple and custard go together perfectly. Cinnamon and butter cake will make this dessert a hit with everyone.

    Broccoli cheddar rice bake

    We all love the creamy and cheesy sauces found in many of our favorite comfort foods. We often feel sick after eating too much of our favorite dishes. This cheesy baked dish may seem indulgent, but it is actually healthy.

    Little Anzac cream cups

    The Anzac Cream Cups are the perfect combination of sweet cream and buttery biscuit cups. Anzac biscuits, a favorite of Australians, are a five-ingredient dessert that is perfect for parties.

    Lemon custard dumplings

    The lemon syrup sauce adds a burst of freshness and sweetness to these dumplings. Add some extra lemon peel to give them a fresh, zesty taste.

    Lemon custard dumplings are sure to hit the sweet spot.

    Creamy Tuscan Pumpkin Soup

    It’s all about the flavor enhancers, like garlic, pesto, and rosemary, that are simmered with the vegetables. Serve the soup with a simple air-fryer focaccia, and top it with a crispy parmesan.

    Salmon rissoles in the air fryer

    Air fryers are our favorite appliance for cooking rissoles. They’re also a great way to cook a family meal. This canned salmon recipe is made from leftover mashed potatoes (or you can purchase tubs at the supermarket). It takes just over an hour to prepare.

    Chicken and zucchini lasagne

    This flavor-packed lasagne is a great choice for a weeknight meal. This winner’s dinner is under $5 per serving and loaded with chicken mince, hidden vegetables, and creamy bechamel sauce.

    This lasagne is made with chicken and zucchini.

    One-pot melting lemon salmon spaghetti

    This creamy, easy spaghetti is made with only five ingredients and takes just five minutes to prepare. It’s midweek magic to watch the mascarpone turn into a creamy sauce.

    Strawberry condensed Milk Weet-Bix Bars

    Condensed Milk pairs perfectly with so many flavors. Condensed milk combined with blitzed strawberry juice produced some amazing results.

    The Strawberry and WeetBix bars make a delicious snack.

    All in one Italian chicken rice casserole

    This tasty bake brings together all the best things – rice, chicken, cream, semi-dried tomato, All-in-one for a hint of Tuscan sun. These Italian flavors will fill your home with a delicious aroma.

    One-pot Calabrian prawn risoni

    This Italian-inspired, one-pot wonder is made with only five ingredients and thirty mines. The prawns are quick to cook and packed with zest, while the risoni absorbs the flavours from the pasta sauce.

    Crispy corn fritters with sticky Bacon Jam

    The corn fritters can be a great way to use up some simple ingredients. Curry powder is a great way to save money on spices. It adds a lot of flavour as well as bringing a little spice.

    Fruit Tingleflavorsake looks absolutely amazing.

    Fruit Tingle cheesecake slice

    It’s hard to beat a no-bake slice of cheesecake, especially when you use childhood favorites like Life Savers Fruit Tingles. Top our creamy cheesecake with pastel Fruit Tingles and crush them to add extra zest.

    Malaysian Lamb and Potato Curry

    As this curry is cooked, the aromas of herbs and spices will fill your kitchen. The meat floats in your mouth while the sauce bursts with flavor. The potatoes absorb the sauce, and go perfectly with the lamb. This mild curry tastes like Malaysian food and can be eaten in flavor or with rice.

    Garlic Bread Meatballs

    This version is perfect for those who love a meatball with a lot of sauce. The garlic bread croutons are all made in a pan and soaked up in tomato sauce. This is a delicious, affordable weeknight meal.

  • Cinema etiquette: the dos and don’ts of snacking at the movies

    Cinema etiquette: the dos and don’ts of snacking at the movies

    There is a person in my life I admire more than anyone else. I have never met her, but we watched a movie together.

    In 2010, I saw her enter Newtown’s Dendy Cinema and sit in the front rows, eating a family-sized Clem’s Chicken Shop meal – the smell of chicken fat and garlic potatoes was heavy in the air.

    I think of her often. This fried chicken lover was certainly a remarkable person, but I must admit that she may not have been a very considerate theatergoer. This leads us to discuss some of the other dos and don’ts in cinema etiquette.

    Open up your crinkly snack before the movie begins

    Have you ever watched a movie and heard someone explain a major plot twist? It’s not okay. The same goes for opening a packet of salt and vinegar chips or Maltesers after the commercials have ended.

    Do not bring hot food.

    It doesn’t matter if you’re eating a Clem’s family pack. If your snack is hot food, it will smell. It might smell great to you. However, the other people who are sitting in that recirculated atmosphere for up to two hours could find it distracting. We don’t want it to smell if it’s not popcorn.

    Stop the slurping

    Do you really need the last few microlitres? You probably had to remortgage to buy a medium Fanta to go to the movies. But if you continue to slurp loudly on those icy, watered-down dregs, someone will get hurt. You.

    Take care when chewing.

    Loud chewing could have easily been placed in the category of ‘open up your crinkly lollies,’ but I think it’s in a class by itself. Scientists still don’t understand how corn chips in a movie theater can break the noise barrier. However, it is widely accepted. Probably. Chew your chippies quietly, please.

    The importance of discretion

    If you feel the need to sneak alcohol into a movie theater, please be discrete. Cracking a tinnie open is much more obvious than quietly popping a screw cap. Popping a champagne bottle will have you kicked out immediately.

    Place your garbage in the bin.

    It’s a strange breed of people who refuse to put their trash in the bin as they leave the cinema. On your way out, you’ll walk past a trash bin. Why not use it then? This is a simple act of service to the public that will make a cleaner’s life much easier. After all, there’s not much time between movies. You’re leaving your trash on your seat or in your cup holder. It isn’t good.

  • Dinner party etiquette: 9 rules you really should know and follow

    Dinner party etiquette: 9 rules you really should know and follow

    When I’m not in a restaurant, I love to host dinner parties.

    It’s usually a boozy affair, so I can tell you that I’ve seen pretty much everything a guest at a party could do. They do a lot of things they shouldn’t.

    You should be aware of these nine common dinner party faux pas.

    Turn off your mobile phone.

    Right now, I’m serious. I mean it. A little black rectangle can make you feel like you are not important or seen as much. You can leave it in your pocket and check urgent items during bathroom breaks or sneak into another room to discreetly check. The same goes for forcing someone to eat so that you can get The Shot or insisting on posting photos to your stories. Post later; enjoy now.

    Don’t arrive empty-handed.

    There are some rules to remember when choosing a gift. Finding a vase in the middle of cooking is a nightmare. You can share a bottle of wine, as long as it’s not too expensive. Finding room in the refrigerator is difficult when you love food. If your gift does not add to the host’s workload, it is a thoughtful one.

     

    Help clear the table; don’t just do the dishes.

    It could be considered an insult if you rush into someone’s home and start cleaning up. It’s tempting for you to want to do everything you can to help, but your host would rather you spend the evening with them and not be seen awkwardly handling food scraps.

    Be cautious when discussing controversial topics.

    You may not even realize that your friend is throwing a wrench in your plans. It’s doubly important if there are older people at the table. Please don’t be too serious about it. Just try the water if you are comfortable.

    Keep yourself nice

    Enjoy yourself, no doubt. If you’re a drinker, have an extra glass. If you find that your eyes are getting heavy, or you want to fight (or cry), then switch to water and take a breath. Don’t get messy. You don’t want to ruin your mood. No one wants to be embarrassed on Sunday.

    Wait until all guests are seated before you start eating

    It may seem obvious because we were not raised in barns. But if you reach to eat and serve yourself before everyone has established themselves, that isn’t nice. Please wait for the host to arrive, then thank them and wait for instructions.

    Do not arrive on time.

    It’s not that you should arrive late. However, a grace period of 15 minutes can make or ruin a host’s cool-as-a-cucumber vibe. They can do their dirty laundry or touch up on their makeup behind closed doors.

    Kick The Keto

    Allergies can be very serious and need to be treated as such. Your host should have made you aware of any dietary restrictions before the show. You have a duty as a guest. When you RSVP, politely inform your host of your allergy to nuts or gluten. Also, let them know if you are vegan. Don’t ask your host to accommodate you because you are on a low-carb diet or dislike parsley.

    RSVP

    In the underworld, there is a VIP section for those who do not RSVP to a party or cancel at the last minute. You are guilty if you have ever texted 10 minutes before a party saying, “OMG, I’m so sorry, my cat is sick” or “Uh-oh, food poisoning.” Please do not post your bar-hopping on Instagram if you have bailed.

  • Pad Thai, Singapore noodles: quick and easy Asian stir-fry recipes

    Pad Thai, Singapore noodles: quick and easy Asian stir-fry recipes

    You can choose any night during the week when you are tired or have a late work day.

    You can still eat a healthy meal.

    These 20 stir-fry dishes are quick and easy to prepare. They can be made with either rice or noodles.

    Fasty Singapore noodles

    Warren Mendes prepares a quick version of Singapore’s national dish.

    Jamie Oliver’s Malaysian Chicken Mee Goreng

    What to cook if you don’t want to cook? This easy, quick recipe from Jamie Oliver is comforting on every level.

    Singapore noodles

    Matt Moran, a chef, says that despite its name, the dish is Cantonese. What could be more comforting for a midweek dinner than a large bowl of noodles?

    Pad Thai with chicken and prawn

    We don’t know of anything better than a large bowl of Pad Thai.

    Pork with miso, mushrooms, beans and Chinese broccoli

    This quick and easy pork stir-fry will be the perfect comfort food for midweek.

    Stir-fried noodles and pipis in sake butte.r

    This stir-fry will save you time and still make a delicious meal. This recipe is by Chefs Mike Eggert & Jemma Whiteman.

    Stir-fried char Siu pork mince with broccolini

    This quick stir-fry is packed with delicious Asian flavors.

    Egg noodles with chili crab

    Hayden Quinn, a TV personality and cook, says: “Pack leftovers for lunch tomorrow.”

    Spicy Sichuan noodles

    This easy vegetarian noodle recipe is great for any night of the week.

    Sticky Beef Noodles with Sesame Mushrooms

    For lunch, stir-fried beef served in lettuce cups can be transformed into a noodle dish.

    Stir-fry crispy tofu with charred Sugar Snaps

    It is time to reset (and quickly! Jamie Oliver created this delicious, healthy vegetarian dish of tofu. Clean living at its finest.

    Shannon Bennett’s stir-fried lamb with crispy onions

    Shannon Bennett, Melbourne’s super-chef and renowned chef, has created a quick and delicious recipe for midweek meals.

    Stir fry with chopped chilli chicken

    Which came first? This weeknight meal combines chicken and eggs.

    Paul West’s eggplant noodle and soba salad

    Paul West, chef and recipe writer, says: “Eat eggplants while they are in season.” There’s nothing more comforting for a midweek meal than a bowl of noodles.

    Salmon Soba with Ginger Citrus Dressing

    The recipe is even more delicious than it appears. This recipe is both light and refreshing while also being comforting.

    Coconut-chilli pork stir fry

    This stir-fry can be prepared in just a few minutes.

    Stir-fried beef and noodles.s

    This beef stir-fry is a fresh, clean, and simple dish that combines flavor and texture. Stir-fried rice with green vegetables (Khao Phad Pak)

    This easy green vegetable fried rice dish recreates the flavors and aromas of Thai cuisine.

    Stir-fry with three peas and a prawn

    This vibrant stir-fry of prawns and lapcheongsg will help you create a modern Cantonese feast at home.

    Stir-fry with chicken and snow peas

    A winning combination for midweek: chicken, snow peas, and noodles!

  • Tips on how to freeze leftovers, plus freezer-friendly recipes

    Tips on how to freeze leftovers, plus freezer-friendly recipes

    It is easy to reduce food waste by freezing leftovers.

    Taste has compiled a guide to help you store leftover food properly, including pasta bakes and casseroles.

    The best way of freezing leftovers

    Containers: Divide leftovers between plastic containers, leaving room at the top to allow for swelling. Cover with plastic wrap, then cover the lid. Label the container with the date and label on both sides and top.

    Sealable bags are useful: Place the sealable bag in a bowl for stabilization. Fill the bag with leftovers that have cooled. Seal the bag after removing excess air by squeezing it. Label the bag with contents and date.

    How to freeze pasta bakes

    Add toppings to pasta and bake without baking. Cool. Cover with aluminum foil and two layers of plastic wrap. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator after freezing.

    Can leftovers be frozen?

    When done correctly, freezing food is safe and will keep the flavor and nutrients. Some leftovers do not freeze well because of the loss in texture and appearance. (See list below).

    How quickly can food be frozen after cooking?

    To ensure food stays safe, cool cooked dishes quickly before freezing. The temperature in the freezer will rise if you freeze hot food.

    How much time can leftovers be frozen?

    You can freeze leftovers for a certain amount of time, depending on the type of food you’re freezing. This guide will help you:

    Can you freeze leftovers after two to four days?

    The Food Safety Information Council of Australia suggests freezing leftovers as soon as possible after a meal.

  • Mad Mex to give away 80,000 burritos – but there is a catch

    Mad Mex to give away 80,000 burritos – but there is a catch

    One of Australia’s largest Mexican food chains issued a massive challenge, which could result in 80,000 burritos being given away.

    Mad Mex is offering 80,000 burritos for all entrants if they break the wheelchair record of a male, female, or elite at City2Surf this Sunday.

    Clovis Young, the founder of Mad Mex, said: “Our motto is ‘fresh food for life.’ We’re about healthy, delicious food that can help people tackle whatever they face.

    We’re showing our support and throwing down the gauntlet for outstanding performances by launching this challenge. We’ll pay a price if a record is broken on Sunday.

    Steve Moneghetti set the current record for men in 1991, which is 40 minutes and 3 seconds. Susie Power set the record for women in 2001, with 45 minutes and 8 seconds.

    Kurt Fearnley’s 2016 record for the elite wheelchair time is the latest to be beaten.

    Fearnley is 33 minutes and 22 seconds behind.

    The big race is held every year just up the street from the Mad Mex restaurant on Crown Street, which opened in Australia in 2007.

    Mad Mex has opened more than 70 restaurants in Australia and New Zealand since its first store was opened 16 years ago.

    Mad Mex offers a free burrito if anyone beats any of the three records. The offer is meant to highlight the belief of the chain that fast food can be improved.

    The restaurant’s simple food is said to be the perfect fuel for pre-and post-workout.

  • Popular marinated pork product urgently recalled by Coles, Woolies

    Popular marinated pork product urgently recalled by Coles, Woolies

    The recall of a marinated pork product that was sold in supermarkets across all six states is urgent because it contains an “undeclared allergy.”

    On Friday, the NSW Food Authority announced a recall of Hanabi Marinated Pork Bulgogi (290g) from Coles and Woolworths.

    The food watchdog stated that the recall was caused by the presence of an “undeclared gluten/wheat allergen.”

    The marinated meat, produced in Australia by Oriental Merchant Pty Ltd, is frequently used in Korean cuisine.

    The recall notice warns that consumers with wheat or gluten intolerance or allergy may experience a reaction to the product.

    The recall says that consumers with allergies or intolerances should not consume the product and instead return it to its place of purchase.

    The recall affects products with best-before dates between May 23 and June 6, 2024. Consumers are eligible for a refund.

    The recall states that the meat sold in NSW, Queensland, and South Australia, as well as Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia, was marinated.

    Woolworths stores also sell it in NSW, QLD, and VIC.

    Woolworths’ online store lists this product as “out of Stock” at the moment.

  • Family horrified to discover what’s lurking in bag of spinach

    Family horrified to discover what’s lurking in bag of spinach

    The shocking discovery was made by a family of Americans when they opened a supermarket bag of spinach.

    The New York Post reported that when the Worrick family from Michigan opened the bag-sealed package of organic baby kale — the label claimed it was “triple cleaned” — they discovered a tiny, live frog nestled between the leaves.

    Amber Worrick, WJBK TV, said: “My daughter screamed; she was saying, ‘Oh, my God, it is a frog,’ and I was thinking, ‘What’?

    Thank God that I didn’t eat a frog.

    She found the animal, which was a Pacific Tree Frog native to California, camouflaged within the leafy vegetables and still moving.

    Ms Worrick bought the package of Earthbound Farms Organic Spinach from Meijer in Southfield, Michigan. She didn’t notice any unusual things about it.

    She returned the spinach and got a refund. The employees also relocated the frog.

    Earthbound Farms parent company Taylor Farms sent an apology for the mistake.

    Ms Worrick, however, is confused as to how this could have happened.

    She said, “On the packaging, it says that you should wash your clothes three times, or triple-wash them.”

    “I don’t think it washed, or they would have caught an entire live frog.”