Every two weeks we share all the stuff we’ve recently enjoyed – from the latest TV shows to must-try foods, gorgeous makeup products and the most exciting spots to visit in New Zealand.
Biroix Dutch Oven
Ah, this one’s a keeper, that’s for sure! Imagine my delight when a gorgeous, citrus-orange coloured cast-iron pot arrived on my desk.
Allow me introduce you to an essential kitchen tool that any home cook should own. The Biroix range of Dutch Ovens come in three gorgeous colours – yellow, green and orange – and work effectively with electric, gas, induction, ceramic and halogen.
So, what’s the big deal you ask?
Quite simply, a Dutch oven is the one pot that can turn out stews, soups and casseroles that are moist and fall-apart tender. You can use the pot in the oven, on the stovetop or on the grill which means you can start cooking something on the stovetop then pop it into the oven to finish it off. One pot for everything means less washing up. Perfect!
I also experimented with desserts and rustled up the delicious Gingerbread Self-Saucing Pudding that’s on the Biroix website and, although I haven’t tried it yet, you can even bake crusty bread. Honestly the possibilities are endless and I can see that this will be my go-to-pot over winter.
The thick walls and lid trap heat and steam which cooks the food evenly and the enamel non-stick surface is easy to clean.
At 5kg, the 4-litre pot is heavy but the ergonomic handles allow you to easily grip the pot with oven mitts and the slightly curved based means it’s easy to access all the beautiful contents.
A big plus for me is that Biroix Dutch ovens are classy enough to place on the dining room table and, another bonus, they retain their heat beautifully which means no cold food.
At $259, the price is quite high, however there is a two-year warranty and, with the correct care your Biroix Dutch should last a lifetime. We love that the business is female-founded and operates out of Queenstown.
The Turning Point, Gareth St John Thomas
We all have those memorable moments that are forever etched in our memories… moments that changed and shaped our lives.
The Turning Point is an anthology of personal stories which offer a glimpse into how 35 writer’s lives – chosen from an international writing competition – were changed through extraordinary and unexpected moments. It is a beautiful book that I dipped into every so often and each time I was inspired or felt a connection to what the writer was going through.
The book is dotted with inspirational quotes and has sections on Love and Romance, Big Changes, Momentous Decisions, Tragedy, Vivid and Learning Moments and stories from leaving your homeland to stray bullets in Los Angeles and falling in love in the Australian countryside. Readers will certainly find a diverse range of stories that often have unexpected outcomes but are all inspiring and relevant.
NZD $39.99
Interview with Penny Green
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Penny Green (Distant Healings). In this video, Penny talks about Emotional Energy and vibration, and finding your joy. She also shares her tips on increasing positive vibrations and using essential oils to heal and feel better.
