Donna Hay: Fast, Fresh, Simple - new TV show

Leading food editor and best-selling cookbook author Donna Hay presents the brand new 13-part, half-hour series Donna Hay – Fast, Fresh, Simple, produced exclusively for The LifeStyle Channel.

The first ep was tonight - did you miss it? Don't worry - it'll be on again at around 2am (IQ it!) and tomorrow at 11am. Then this Saturday at 6.30pm and again on Sunday at 12.30pm, on LifeStyle. I can't wait to watch it in HD - food porn, taken to another level!

Donna’s first television series will reveal what makes her recipes, books and magazine so well-loved and admired. Her simple and style-driven approach to food is reflected in her award-winning cookbooks, of which she has sold more than four million copies worldwide (phenomenal!), setting the benchmark for food publishing and inspiring a whole new generation of cooks. She really was one of the first to bring out visually pleasing, easy-to-follow cookbooks, which others seem to have emulated.

Donna Hay – Fast, Fresh, Simple will showcase the natural charm and passion Donna brings to the world of cooking. A relaxed and composed cook (from what I have seen so far, she's an absolute sweetie - such a pleasure to watch), Donna loves to share her tricks and tips of combining fresh and pantry ingredients to create fast and simple dishes, presented in her signature style. In the first ep, she creates these delightful ice cream coconut 'macaron' concoctions that made me want to lick the TV screen...

For more on Donna Hay's new show, see: http://www.lifestyle.com.au/donnahay/

Donna Hay – Fast, Fresh, Simple screens on the LifeStyle channel, on Foxtel and Austar.

Sparkle Cupcakery - The Little Black Book launch

The Sparkle Cupcakery launched ‘The Little Black Book’ - written by owner Kathryn Sutton - in Surry Hills this week, and it was quite the event.

I turned up at the tail-end, but the soiree was still well and truly rocking. A fresh round of canapes were served, plus more cucumber sandwiches, more trays of desserts including the delectable Sparkle Cupcakery cupcakes, pistachio macarons, delightful little jelly shots and yoghurt shots (so delightful, they'd made me say 'delightful' about a mini dessert), all washed down with Moët & Chandon and St Germain Elderflower.

The store's event was to celebrate the launch of its new ‘Sparkle Cupcakes Little Black Book’.

Guests included Today Tonight’s Sally Obermeder, Jamie Wright of Jaimie Wright Shoes, stylist Alex Zobotto-Bentley, Social Diary’s Tiffany Farrington, editor and commentator Renae Leith Manos, The Blow Dry Boutique’s Jessica Barr, and media commentator Melissa Hoyer all in attendance.

Producer Leigh Aramberri from Masterchef, and Ready Steady Cook’s Peter Everett mingled with guests, and the event was styled with stunning flowers from Garlands, with designer Jayson Brunsdon providing stylish little black dresses for the models.

Gift bags included products from MoroccanOil, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, PeepToe Shoes, Schwarzkopf, Face of Australia Cosmetics and a voucher from The Blow-dry Boutique. And each guest also received a copy of the gorgeous book itself - I am flicking through mine now and itching to make a batch of weekend cupcakes, this time with a difference!

For more on the Sparkle Cupcakery, the cupcakes, and the cupcake decorating classes (sign me up - I need these ASAP!), go to: http://www.sparklecupcakery.com.au/

The store is located at 132 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills; call 02 9361 0690.

Lotus and Ming: Chinese New Year food, sorted

I adore Chinese New Year.

The colour, the movement, the madness, the noise. My fave thing is to head to Cabramatta, where all of the above is in abundance. It's sensory overload.

Okay, I will admit. It's all about the food for me. And a pal recently put me onto Asian food brand Lotus and Ming.

Think dumplings, spring rolls and sauces (many of which are guilt free) - with a twist.

The unique blends of Asian fusion flavours was born from founder Karen Laveckys travels to New York in 2001 where she discovered a wide range of Asian food from south-east to Chinese cuisine. She then modified these recipes making them freezer safe - and convenient. From sesame barramundi spring rolls to mini BBQ pork buns, Lotus and Ming is delish for Chinese New Year parties - or anytime (my freezer stock levels would diminish rapidly, I tell you).

Or hey, what about shiitake and leek sping rolls, seafood har gow dumplings or coconut chicken sugar cane skewers?

These delicious morsels are also easy to find: Lotus and Ming is now widely distributed to over 400 clients throughout Australia.

For more, including where to buy these delicacies, see http://www.lotusandming.com.au/

Cakes That Are Sorry

There are a million ways to say you’re sorry, but it's definitely more heartfelt when put on a cake. Even if the message is a little less than appetizing.

'Christmas Cheers': Sydney Airport's delectable offer

I recently had the good fortune of sampling the delectable, edible wares Sydney airport has to offer in the newly refurbed Sydney airport international terminal.

It's quite literally desination dining: Sydney’s newest eating precinct gives travellers a great reason to hit the airport even earlier, as SSP opens five world class eateries as part of the $500 million redevelopment of Sydney international airport.

SSP - which has been delivering world class food and beverage experiences in travel locations
across the globe for more than 60 years - is behind the opening of the first of these exceptional venues in Sydney.

Ah, too bad I wasn't jetting off that day I did the sampling. But still. It was fairly awesome to pretend I was. And allow puh-lenty of time to savour some scrummy delights.

Oh yes, did we taste it all. And now can too...

Three of Sydney international airport’s best eateries have come up with the ultimate way to kick start the holiday season and set out on your journey in style with some special ‘Christmas Cheers’.

Danks Street Depot, Montreux Jazz Café and Bambini Wine Room will each be offering a glass of Moet & Chandon Champagne and three tasty tapas for just $32.

Those with friends and family farewelling them can celebrate their journey and catch some legendary music acts at Montreux Jazz Café or head for Jared Ingersoll’s Danks Street Depot, which are both located on the departures level of terminal 1 ahead of customs. Or you can relax and enjoy the ‘Christmas Cheers’ offer after customs at Sydney’s favourite Bambini Wine Room.
Of course, for those wanting more than a glass and a nibble, all three eateries have extensive menus and wine lists worthy of any Christmas celebration or New Year’s gathering.

Where's my passport?

30 Sexually Suggestive Food Names

These foods have sexually suggestive names that are ridiculously funny. Some of them are really outrageous. I wonder what their sales are like.