Brownie lovers rejoice: this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Rich, dark and decadent, this brownie from Liv Glazebrook of Kitchen of Treats is simply too good to resist. Packed with gooey Whittaker’s Creamy Caramel Chocolate, it’s dangerously easy to make (and devour).
Caramel brownie recipe Makes 24
Ingredients 300g butter ¾ cup dark cocoa 2 ½ cup brown sugar 3 large eggs 1 ½ cups flour 250g Block Whittaker’s Creamy Caramel Chocolate
Method: 1. Preheat oven to 160°C fan bake. 2. Grease and a line a baking tin (this recipe used a 20cm x 30cm tin) 3. Melt the butter and cocoa. Once melted, add the brown sugar. 4. Quickly beat in the eggs one at a time. 5. Mix in the flour and pour into the tin. 6. Chop up the Creamy Caramel block carefully in to individual squares (as to ensure the caramel remains encased in each square). Push each square into the brownie, so that the brownie batter covers each. 7. Bake for 30 minutes or until firm around the edges. 8. When cool, cut into squares.
Few dishes offer the same rich payoff from very little effort as cacio e pepe. Translating from Italian as literally ‘cheese and pepper’, there’s not much more that needs to go into this pasta to make it a creamy, flavourful dream. However, arguably the more simple the dish, the more vital impeccable execution becomes. Gavin Doyle, Executive Chef of Soul Bar & Bistro, certainly agrees, sharing his recipe for mouth-watering cacio e pepe — plus, some key tips for making it the best it can be.
“This simple pasta dish is the epitome of ‘the basics made brilliant’, offering a great reward from some humble ingredients. Always toast the peppercorns in a dry pan before crushing them — it awakens the aromas and will elevate your eating experience even further. The pasta water is what really brings cacio e pepe together and, while you wouldn’t expect to hear this from a chef, store-bought, dried pasta is absolutely fine for this dish.”
Soul Bar & Bistro’s Cacio e PepeRecipe Serves 1
Ingredients 110g spaghetti (store-bought is fine) 70g butter 3g black peppercorns (freshly toasted and crushed) 50g parmesan, grated Pinch flaky sea salt 1 cup pasta water saved for sauce
Method 1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil and season heavily with salt. Cook the spaghetti according to packet instructions.
2. Put a medium pan on the heat. When hot, add half of the butter. As it starts to separate, it will turn brown and smell nutty. Add the peppercorns at this stage and take the pan off the heat momentarily.
3. When the spaghetti is cooked to al dente, drain it but make sure you save a cup of the cooking water. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with about 100ml of pasta water.
4. Toss the pan immediately, and keep tossing — this action will create the sauce. Add 2 large tablespoons of parmesan and the rest of the butter. Keep tossing to desired consistency. The pasta water, cheese and butter will emulsify into a delicious sauce.
5. If the sauce looks too dry, add a bit more pasta water to loosen it up. The sauce should coat all the pasta.
6. Plate up in a nice pasta bowl and generously cover in parmesan. Season with a pinch of flaky salt and serve.
While the current reality we find ourselves in is certainly more restrictive than we envisioned when we went to print with our Spring 2021 magazine just a week ago, the theme of this issue is that the future looks brighter for us all if we follow the science and get vaccinated. And, most importantly right now, stay at home. Lucky for you then, that our latest issue delivers inspiring content to get you through the days ahead.
Championing, as we have always done, the people, places, ideas and creations that make this little country of ours great, and highlighting the global trends and movements we think you need to know about, we provide ample material for you to welcome the warmer seasons with aplomb.
Glean life lessons, advice and inspiration from the incredible people we have profiled. Lauded New Zealand poet Sam Hunt, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Chelsea Winstanley and P.E Nation co-founder Pip Edwards share personal insights into their journeys, while Allbirds’ Head of Design Jamie McLellan delves into his design process in a comprehensive Masterclass, and restaurateur Tony Astle reflects on 48 years of his iconic former restaurant Antoine’s.
Elsewhere, find much to galvanize both your cooking and dining out repertoire, from recipes by three of Auckland’s top chefs to the best new openings, best burgers and best Japanese eateries. Should you be appraising your abode, we examine the latest design trends — including the whimsical appeal of the Neotenic aesthetic — and if a wardrobe update is in order, look no further than our substantial Coveted section for all the sartorial inspiration one could desire, including a stunning editorial shoot lensed by Mazen Abusrour in the United Arab Emirates.
Life-enhancing devices are given the Denizen endorsement in our Technology section, while over in Wellbeing we delve into the best beauty products and treatments to ensure you emerge from winter as radiant as can be. Our culture update includes all the best material to read, watch, listen to and book tickets for, and should you just want to get away from it all with your nearest and dearest (when national travel is safe again, of course), we introduce the most spectacular private lodges the country has to offer.
As we collectively hunker down in a bid to stop the spread of Covid-19, it’s cheering to think that soon the spring flowers will be blossoming and the days will continue lengthening. If we all do our part, there is much to look forward to. We hope you enjoy the issue.
Under Level 4, Denizen is available at selected supermarkets, dairies and gas stations. All subscriber copies will be delivered as usual via NZ Post over the coming week.
If you have not tried hot buttered rum, you’re really missing out. A richly smooth beverage, it combines a medley of spices for a warming cocktail with an undeniable kick. Destined to warm even the coldest souls in these tough times, this hot buttered rum recipe should be on your weekend cocktail making agenda.
Hot buttered rum recipe Serves 2
Ingredients: ¼ cup softened unsalted butter ¼ cup brown sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp cinnamon ⅛ tsp ground cloves ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg ⅛ tsp ground allspice ½ cup boiling water 120 ml dark rum
To garnish Whipped cream Freshly grated nutmeg
Method: 1. Mix the softened butter with sugar and vanilla extract, then mix in all of the spices. 2. While boiling the water in a jug, add a heaped tablespoon (more if you want) of the butter mixture into each mug or heat proof glass. 3. Divide boiled water between each vessel, stir with butter mixture, add rum, stir. 4. Top each with whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg. You can also add a cinnamon stick which can also serve as a stirrer.
Studio Piet Boon has built its reputation on courageous, bespoke designs that go well beyond the ordinary. Throughout its impressive portfolio, the tenets of exceptional craftsmanship, superior quality and forward-thinking vision are clearly upheld, which has made it one of the most sought-after design entities in the world.
Here, Studio Piet Boon turns its deft hand to a family villa in the Netherlands, creating a home that, while sophisticated, calm and contemporary, still carries a few unexpected surprises.
Mass Kitchen and Saar Stools by Piet Boon from ECC.
Occupying a generous plot of land encircled by a luscious, wooded area, the Landscape Villa gives a peaceful first impression. Its garden, designed by lauded landscape architect Piet Oudolf, is a verdant, natural oasis that surrounds the two-storey structure with beds of tonal flowers and greenery.
In the grounds, set just apart from the house, a large, recessed seating area complete with outdoor fireplace and barbecue offers the perfect place for the family to gather with friends for an al fresco drink or two — an activity that with this setup, is likely to last until well after the sun has gone down.
Husk Dining Chairs by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse.
This idea of easy, informal living is carried into the main house, thanks to the plethora of glass windows and doors that line its lower level, bringing the outdoors in. The exterior of the home was conceived by architect Marcel de Ruiter, and presents as an unassuming, slanted-roof structure that downplays the refined interiors that lie beyond.
From the natural stone staircase in the entrance hall to the layered textures of the predominantly dark furnishings throughout the house, the fit-out plays with light and contrast to make a bold and immediate impact.
Heit Swivel Chairs by Piet Boon from ECC, Chester Moon Sofas by Paola Navone for Baxter from Cavit & Co.
Never forgetting the needs of the clients, Studio Piet Boon married the home’s sandy-toned palette with colourful accents and intriguing, sculptural details to reflect their personalities (an impressive bronze chandelier by Studio Molen is a stellar example).
They even created a bespoke dog shower for the family dog. Sleek and ceramic-tiled, the dedicated space boasts an adjoining bench and was designed with a contemporary, concrete feel that would put many (human) showers to shame.
Continuing in this vein, the home’s basement level is an ode to the more niche interests of its owners. Upon entry, visitors are greeted with the gleaming copper vats of a private brewery, an impressive set-up that allows the owner the freedom to experiment with the art of crafting beer.
Similarly, a substantial wine cellar nearby, allows for the residents to collect and indulge in their favourite vintages in a cosy, elegant atmosphere.
Elsewhere in this subterranean level — nothing less than a modern-day Batcave — a fully-equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool with water jets and a generous sauna comprise a dedicated wellness area, while a custom-built garage houses the owners’ impressive collection of cars.
The meticulous attention to detail that dictated the aesthetic in the rest of the home continues here, as Pietra De Medici poco veccio (a natural stone) is paired with custom-made lighting to create serene, intimate spaces that feel like a break from the more open-plan living upstairs.
On the surface, Studio Piet Boon has created a home that caters to family living more generally — inviting living spaces, easy indoor-outdoor flow, plenty of opportunity for entertainment — but dig a little deeper and it’s clear that the design is far more bespoke. In fact, this residence is the perfect reflection of the people who call this exceptional property home.
Architect — Marcel de Ruiter Interior Design — Studio Piet Boon Photography — Richard Powers
You don’t have to be a lover of epic novels to be an avid reader. These short-story books exemplify the exquisite literature that can be created over limited pages and offer the perfect solution for those seeking a hint of escapism, or anyone who finds the prospect of a full novel altogether too daunting.
The Souvenir Museumby Elizabeth McCracken Said to be a virtuoso of the short-story genre, Elizabeth McCracken delivers a vibrant new collection that explores the often-tested bonds of family. Brimming with the writer’s signature wit, each story examines our desires against the passing of time, to be transformative for both character and reader alike.
100 Boyfriendsby Brontez Purnell Embark on a devastatingly funny journey into queer dysfunction, as the narrator explores, with transgressive irreverence, the lives of gay men as they try to not fall into self-sabotage. The stories are revelatory but inherently vulnerable, as this iconoclastic writer ventures into corners of life that are often left unexposed.
Are You Enjoying?by Mira Sethi The lauded debut from a young Pakistani writer, this short story collection deals with ideas of identity and family in a way that is personal, wry and immediate. Taking a courageous look at the inner workings of the human heart, Sethi embraces our collective desire to be loved, and explores what can happen when that need remains unfulfilled.
First Person Singularby Haruki Murakami Comprising eight stories, each told by a first-person narrator, this new work by the globally acclaimed writer is mind-bending and contemplative. From musings on music to memories of youth, each story is told with its own classically Murakami twist, and will leave you wondering how much is memoir and how much is fiction.
Our wardrobes are in the process of becoming substantially more stylish thanks to the arrival of several new luxury boutiques on our shores, opening between now and the end of the year in Westfield Newmarket. One of the first to welcome us through its glamorous doors was Saint Laurent this week, and the fact that it’s the first time the storied fashion house has had a standalone boutique in New Zealand makes this foray all the more exciting.
The Maison has a rich history. Founder Yves Saint Laurent was one of the greatest designers of the 20th century — he changed the way women dress, both when he got his start as a fashion wunderkind, named Creative Director of Dior at only age 21, and when he founded YSL in 1961. He introduced many styles and principles that have informed the fashion landscape to this day; the legendary Dior Trapeze dress that catapulted him to stardom, famed androgynous silhouettes like the Le Smoking tuxedo and his safari jackets, as well as designs that bridged the gap between fashion, art and culture.
From left: Megan Miles for Saint Laurent Denim 2021; Sonny Hall for Saint Laurent Denim 2021.
Anthony Vaccarello has been the brand’s Creative Director for five years now, after taking up the mantle from predecessor Hedi Slimane in 2016. (Slimane was responsible for dropping the Y from the Saint Laurent brand.) Vaccarello’s penchant for reinterpreting heritage YSL styles for the present-day consumer, while amping up the signature sensuality that he harnessed back when he helmed his own eponymous label, has ensured Saint Laurent remains eternally sought after by tastemakers, celebrities and style-savvy shoppers the world over.
The new Westfield store is a suitably glitzy destination, decked out in light and dark marble with chrome and mirrors galore. You’ll find a curated yet substantial selection of women’s and men’s collections, including ready-to-wear and accessories — currently, pieces from Fall 2021. We’ve got our eye on the achingly cool leather Kate booties, with Western-inspired details and chunky high heels; the men’s double-breasted, striped woollen jacket; and the Le Monogramme bucket bag, seen on ‘It girl’ (and Saint Laurent V.I.P) Hailey Bieber.
If your coffee table is looking rather bare, or you simply want to refresh your current stack, take time to peruse our curated selection of this year’s most alluring coffee table books below.
Her Dior: Maria Grazia Chiuri’s New Voice Celebrating the feminist spirit that Maria Grazia Chiuri has brought to the house of Christian Dior, this exquisite new coffee table book combines photography and essays by a number of incredible women to offer a picture of how the historical brand has embraced innovation to grow and evolve into a new era.
Abloh-ismsby Virgil Abloh Capturing the enigmatic nature of trailblazing American creative director, DJ, designer and stylist, Virgil Abloh, this coffee table tome is a collection of quotes that offer thought-provoking insight into his uniquely creative mind.
Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Floating Piers In light of Christo’s death last year, this special edition, designed and signed by the artist himself carries new weight. Christo, in his own words, runs through the creation of his and Jeanne-Claude’s iconic 16-day installation, The Floating Piers via sketches, collages, engineering drawings, technical data and more than 2,000 project photographs.
Nike: Better is Temporary Offering an unprecedented look at Nike’s internal design philosophy via a range of the brand’s industry-defining innovations, most recognisable products and never-before-seen prototypes and designs, this book shines a light on how a shoe brand evolved into a cultural phenomenon.
Enhance your sleeping sanctuary with a design-led lamp. Whether your tastes lean towards curved and sculptural, or more clean and linear, the scope of a shaded table lamp that melds with its surroundings is impressive. Find a curated selection of our favourite pieces below.
French modern furniture manufacturer Ligne Roset is known for enlisting the expertise of some of the world’s most revered contemporary designers to create instantly iconic pieces — including Michel Ducaroy’s Togo chair, Yabu Pushelberg’s Pukka series, Pierre Paulin’s Pumpkin chair, and many more.
We’re already appraising our interiors after the announcement that the company opens its exclusive New Zealand showroom in Auckland tomorrow, located at 299 Great North Road, Grey Lynn.
Ploum by R. & E. Bouroullec at Ligne Roset’s Auckland showroom.
With more than 200 exclusive stores across the world and over 600 retailer distributors, there’s no doubt that Ligne Roset’s stylish reach extends far and wide — originally founded in the 1860s, it remains a family-owned business today with the original founders’ great-great-grandsons leading the charge.
On display in the new showroom will be a comprehensive range of living and dining furniture from the 2021/22 collection, as well as lighting and accessories.
Pumpkin Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset pictured in Adam Kane Architects Melbourne studio. Photo: Felix Forest.
With much of the world’s gaze focused decidedly on the home front, the company has only gone from strength to strength over the last year, and its arrival as a standalone brand on our shores is garnering a very warm welcome (and very large wishlist) already.
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