This raw peanut butter caramel cups recipe is a healthier take on a Snickers bar. A “nougat” biscuit cup is filled with the creamiest peanut butter salted caramel and topped with roasted peanuts and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. This recipe also happens to be dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan.
Raw salted caramel peanut butter cupsrecipe Makes 6 (or 12 mini)
Ingredients Base: 1 cup cashews 1 cup Chantal Organics desiccated coconut 1/4 cup Chantal Organics rice syrup 1/4 tsp fine sea salt 2 tbsp Chantal Organics coconut oil, melted
Filling: 4 tbsp Chantal Organics salted caramel peanut butter 10 medjool dates, pitted 1/2 cup Chantal Organics coconut cream 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Topping: 250g dark chocolate 1/2 cup Chantal Organics peanuts, roasted
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 160ºC.
2. Place the cashews into a food processor and blend until they resemble biscuit crumbs. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until the mixture comes together.
3. Divide the mixture between 6 holes of a muffin pan (or 12 mini muffin holes) and with wet hands press in firmly to create a cup. Place the cups into the freezer to set.
4. While the cups are setting, roast the peanuts in the 160ºC heated oven for 10 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool and then roughly chop into pieces.
5. To make the filling place all the ingredients into a blender and blitz until smooth and creamy.
6. Spoon the filling into the cups and smooth the tops. Top with the chopped peanuts and press them into the caramel.
7. Melt the dark chocolate either in the microwave or in a heatproof bowl over a pan of steaming water. Drizzle the chocolate over the peanuts then return the cups to the freezer to set for 30 minutes.
8. To serve, remove the cups from the muffin pan either by popping out if using a silicone pan, or using a small knife to ease them out of a tin.
An engagement (ideally) should reflect the relationship it seeks to ratify. And so it follows that the ring in question should do the same. For some couples, therefore, it’s understandable that the traditional diamond solitaire, emerald or princess cut might not feel quite right.
Luckily, there seems to be a groundswell of unique, sculptural, colourful and altogether intriguing rings on the market that couples seeking something a little different are opting for — and they’re just as beautiful as the more classical styles.
For those of you who are starting to consider these more serious affairs of the heart, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite, unique engagement rings to inspire you to inject a bit of creative flair into your next big step.
Who knows? Maybe a cheeky ‘share’ of this article on Facebook will be all the motivation your partner needs to make the move…
His voice is one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary and distinctive, and while Marlon Williams’ career thus far has seen him earn widespread acclaim, the captivating musician’s star is still very much on the rise.
Garnering comparisons to Roy Orbison and a young Elvis from the outset, Lyttelton-born Williams released his sophomore solo album Make Way for Love in 2018 and since then has been exploring various projects, including a growing roster of acting roles and an album of waiata reo Māori.
Here, the creative delves into his back catalogue of influences.
What was the first music you loved? The Beatles and The Seekers. The two prized picks of my Nana’s record collection. The Beatles, obviously, because they’re amazing. Judith Durham’s voice and the wonderfully naive, clean 60s folk simplicity of The Seekers songs just hooked me into their world. I still think ‘I’ll Never Find Another You’ is one of the greatest songs ever written.
What are you working on at the moment? A few bits and bobs. A soundtrack for a film, a duo project and an album of waiata reo Māori.
You’ve been based in Melbourne for a long time, how have you found living in NZ again, particularly over lockdown? I’m not sure whether it’s the pandemic specifically, or the increase in locally-targeted tourism advertising, or just a general feeling of homeyness, but I’m sure loving being home.
How else are you having to creatively adapt to these changing times? It’s highlighted the fact that this is the perfect time to be working on a te reo album. I’m very grateful to be able to do that.
What instrument do you wish you could play? Right now I definitely wish I was a tohunga taonga pūoro!
What makes you nostalgic? My warped sense of the past being a better place than the present.
What motivates you? Fear of reprimand is always the main driving force, sprinkled occasionally with a bit of pride.
What era do you wish you grew up in? I’m pretty happy to have grown up when I did. I wouldn’t mind holidaying in pre-colonial New Zealand though.
What is something you are learning? Mū Tōrere!
What have you been watching, reading, listening to recently? I’ve been rewatching Deadwood. God that’s a good show. Shakespeare in the wild west. I’ve been reading Hannah Arendt’s The Origins of Totalitarianism and it’s certainly resonating at the present moment.
One passage that struck me said: “Before mass leaders seize the power to fit reality to their lies, their propaganda is marked by its extreme contempt for facts… for in their opinion fact depends entirely on the power of the man who can fabricate it.”
Who is an underrated album or artist? My go-to answer for this has always been Bob Carpenter’s Silent Passage. If you haven’t been treated to this then I highly recommend you go listen now!
Who is an artist to watch right now? Have you heard Mads Harrop? She only has a few songs out there right now but they’re fucking boss. Check out the song ‘Medicine’.
Where’s the first place you will travel when we can again? All things considered I imagine the first overseas trip will probably be across the ditch but for the meantime I‘m happy travelling internally.
What are the best ways for people to support the music industry right now? Gigs are starting up again with a vengeance. Live music creates such a strong sense of community (and we could all do with a bit of that right now), it’s as much about supporting the fans as it is the artists, so get out there and let the music industry support you!”
Cracking the code for a good night’s sleep could keep you awake all night but Hyoumankind pillows have all the numbers to ensure you get your best beauty sleep.
While most of us are consumed by thoughts of sleep at night, Kiwi entrepreneur Steph Wyborn spends most of her waking hours helping the perennially weary find more than 40 winks.
Nine years ago Wyborn noticed that the way we slept had a direct impact on the way we looked and felt and decided to do something about it, refining the simple solution that became Hyoumankind’s collection of multi-tasking sleep pillows.
Along the way she has crunched the numbers behind sleep science to make dreams of sleep success even sweeter:
50% of the population get less than 6 hours sleep per night, the recommended amount is between 7-8 hours for an adult.
68% The percentage of people who suffer from sleep issues at least once a week.
8 years… of product development to create Hyoumankind pillows that promote better sleep. “The pillows had to have a contoured edge to support the neck and shoulders, and be made of premium, slow release memory foam,” says Steph Wyborn.
16 prototypes… were developed for the sleep pillows, with years of experimentation to achieve the best sleep results.
2.2 pillows… is the number the average person sleeps with. A single pillow is all you need to support your head for a perfect sleep. The purpose of a pillow is to keep your neck aligned with your spine in comfort.
4 pillows… is the number of products in Hyoumankind’s multi-functional range, which includes the 100 per cent New Zealand Made Go Pillow, Boost Pillow, Back Sleep Pillow and Therapeutic Knee Pillow.
While Prada’s last runway show in February was attended by the usual audience of hundreds, for her final collection as the sole creative director of her fashion house, Miuccia Prada staged a presentation in livestream format.
Swapping a singular perspective for the a varied viewpoint, Prada tapped five global creatives to showcase the spring/summer 2021 collection in a short film titled ‘The Show That Never Happened’.
American filmmaker, writer, director, actor and musician Terence Nance; London-based Polish photographer Joanna Piotrowska; American artist Martine Syms, and photographers Juergen Teller and Willy Vanderperre each created a chapter of the film capturing a facet of the new release.
This mirrors the collection itself, comprising five related yet evolving chapters.
Tailored suits and overcoats precede sportswear-inspired ensembles, followed by shirting, dresses, and skirts. Leather separates, knitwear and silk add texture, tech-centric layers presented in the form of Prada’s nylon pieces and the final looks were more undergarments than anything else.
The connecting thread for Prada spring/summer 21 is simplicity and an emphasis on clean lines, fabricated in tones of black, white, grey and blush.
Celebrating the stripping-back of adornment as a radical act, the collection goes back to its roots — as photographer Vanderperre described, “A look into the past with the future ahead.”
“Attention is drawn back to clothes – simple clothes, with a use and a value, a longevity and a place within people’s lives,” wrote the fashion house in the collection release. “As times become increasingly complex, clothes become straightforward, unostentatious, machines for living and tools for action and activity.”
When it was announced in February that Raf Simons would be joining the brand as co-creative director, the news sent ripples through the industry. Yet, no one could have predicted how much everything was going to change.
This season’s resort, couture and menswear collections in Paris and Milan have all been showcased virtually, however Paris Fashion Week has asserted that the September women’s ready-to-wear collections will show as normal — in front of an audience.
The viability of this remains to be seen, with resurgence of the virus a very real threat and the entire fashion industry shaken regardless.
The future of fashion shows aside, Mrs. Prada’s last solo collection before Simons comes on board pays homage to the DNA of her brand, reminding us all of power of simplicity.
Anyone that’s dined at Pasture knows how singularly special and memorable it is. Since 2016, chef and owner Ed Verner’s six-seat Parnell restaurant has pushed the boundaries of a dining experience, demonstrating just how exciting local produce and ingredients can be.
Now, Verner’s exploring his capabilities even further with a new project, Boxer, set to open on July 22. An 11-seat space at the front of Pasture, Boxer is a drinks-focused, chef-run venue — bar doesn’t seem to quite encapsulate the offering, but for ease and lack of a better word, the category is most appropriate for now.
Ed Verner. Photo: Matt Quérée
He’s opening it in collaboration with Hillary Eaton, a writer with a similarly forensic and deep-running love for all things gastronomy. Along with Nat Cheshire of Cheshire Architects, they have created a serene, charcoal-walled space that takes several cues from Japanese minimalism.
Centred by two impressive and seamless blonde wood islands by Blanc Industries, it’s a cocooning and considered environment for people to experience drinks (and, no doubt, food) they’ve never tasted before in a new way.
“The inspiration for the bar itself stems from my love for drinks at Pasture,” explains Verner. “It slowly built up over the years, and it became as important to me as the food menu.”
In search of a new challenge and a new vehicle for the drinks he was enjoying creating, the restaurateur took over the room at the front of his restaurant in November last year, which will also now serve as the new entrance to Pasture.
“This is really a progression for me. I’ve matured, my taste has changed, my knowledge is better, and this is the result.”
The space features blonde wood islands by Blanc Industries. Photo: Matt Quérée
Touted as a guided experience requiring would-be visitors to reserve a place on one of the ebonised wooden seats (although the duo says they anticipate having space for walk-ins), the Boxer offering will consist of a three-drink and a five-drink set menu. The option to book a one hour time-slot and order a la carte will also be available.
There will be a curation of wine, beer and champagne, and in particular we’re excited about the cocktail selection. All made with Boxer’s own in-house base spirit, or in exclusive collaboration with local distilleries, they’re completely unique to the venue.
Verner has been using a device called a rotary evaporator for over a year to push the boundaries of drinks-making, inhabiting the role of a sort of culinary chemist. Traditionally used in laboratories to extract solvents from lab samples, at Boxer it’s used to extract the aroma of ingredients, and redistill under vacuum pressure creating flavoured distillates.
The cocktail menu will include a variety of intriguing beverages in innovative combinations like apricot sour beer (a Garage Project exclusive) combined with matcha and clarified banana; a saffron, tomato and coriander cocktail; and smoked pineapple, lavender and elderflower kombucha.
Verner uses a rotary evaporator device to create unique distilled beverages. Photo: Fraser Chatham
“We will also be serving non-alcoholic versions of the three and five cocktail menu,” says Eaton. “We hope to create a bar experience that’s just as exciting for those who don’t want to drink alcohol.”
The site will also include an off-licence, meaning people can stop by and take something interesting home, even if they aren’t sitting down for a drink.
Verner’s particular take on ‘bar food’ will be available to complement the beverages. Patrons shouldn’t expect a full meal, as drinks are the focus, however the food is anything but an afterthought with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood from the on-site tank.
A chef will prepare snacks for those perched at the blonde wood islands right in front of them; the likes of fresh and aged sashimi, wagyu tartare brushed in aged wagyu fat and house made tofu skin with hazelnut oil will be satisfying morsels to enjoy alongside the drinks. An eel yakitori dish takes several days of preparation before it ends up as the perfect bite; more proof that effort to consume doesn’t negate effort to make.
Cocktails will be made with Boxer’s own in-house base spirit. Photos: Fraser Chatham
While Pasture confines itself to only local ingredients and produce, Boxer will expand its horizons to include high-end imported ingredients like caviar, and premium champagne for the drinks list.
Every detail in the bar has been thoughtfully crafted; from the hand-carved chopsticks to the seamless joinery throughout the wood and temperature-controlled fridges for optimum serving temperature.
Verner and Eaton are both clear that they want the space and experience to be fun, too, with an emphasis on music and the in-house record selection, modelled on a Japanese ‘listening’ bar.
“It’s a place where you can enjoy loud fun music, but also something that’s had four weeks of thought and fermentation put into a drink,” says Eaton.
As someone who’s travelled the world and seen more than most in the way of culinary offerings through her job as a food, drinks and lifestyle writer, Eaton is confident that people visiting Boxer will find things that are nowhere else, and this is what makes it special.
“I think people want to go out and have a nice time, have something different and feel like even something as simple as a drink with your friend is celebratory,” she says, “because it is celebratory now — now we all know what it’s like without it!”
In recent years, fluffy eyebrows have been a huge focus in beauty and now the latest innovation is brow lamination.
Touted as the ‘new microblading’, brow lamination is less invasive and promises to give the illusion of fuller and permanently well-groomed brows. So, what is it?
Reportedly originating in Russia, brow lamination is essentially a perm for your eyebrows and is designed to reshape brows into a desired shape, holding them there for between six and eight weeks.
Annie Bargiacchi, who works from her Mt Eden home under the moniker Annie’s Beauty Room, says the treatment is perfect for those with unruly or thinning brows who are looking to add volume and a more defined arch — “or just wanting a fuller, fluffier brow.”
The lamination procedure is non-invasive and involves a process similar to a lash lift. First, a solution is brushed through the eyebrow hairs and left on for twenty minutes to make them softer and more malleable. They are then brushed into the desired shape and place, and a setting or ‘laminating’ lotion is applied to keep the strands in position.
If you have thin or sparse brows, lamination helps arrange the hairs in such a way that fills in the gaps, hence the thickening effect. For those naturally blessed with a full shape, lamination is a great way to keep them tidy and groomed. “The treatment has been super popular among those of us who want the ‘I woke up like this’ look,” says Bargiacchi. “It’s one less thing to worry about in the morning and it means you no longer have to brush your brows into place every day.”
The after care is simple too; Bargiacchi simply recommends not getting your brows wet for 24-hours following the treatment, including saunas, spas and intense exercise. “Using a good quality brow serum always helps too,” she says.
So, if you’re looking to show your face-framers some love with a non-invasive and natural procedure, we recommend giving brow lamination a try.
There’s nothing quite like walking into one of Ina Bajaj’s spas after a long day. Offering a moment’s respite from the outside world, her East Day Spa and Spring Spa locations have brought world-class health and wellbeing experiences to New Zealand, and solidified Bajaj as a pioneer in her field.
Inherently entrepreneurial, Bajaj, who divides her time between Auckland and Bali, started her business in 2002 and has carefully presided over its steady growth. Now, her empire comprises nine locations across New Zealand and Indonesia, and continues to make sustainable strides forward.
Proving that success in the beauty and wellness industry requires resilience, a thick skin and sharp emotional instinct, Bajaj matches her business acumen with a desire to understand and empower the people who work for her, an approach that feels as holistic as the treatments her spas provide.
Here, she talks about her brush with hospitality, the lessons she has learned and why we should all have a catch phrase.
Spring Spa Ponsonby
“I am an emotional entrepreneur so I work from gut instinct. Reason and information only produce conclusions. Emotion produces action. I never micromanage, and prefer to hire people that are far more capable than I, immersing them in the running of the company. I am there for guidance and direction, and I encourage my team to figure things out themselves. This enables them to unleash their minds.
Never forget the people who support you, especially in difficult times. Advice I always come back to.
Inspiration comes fromtravel. I was born in Kenya, a country of spectacular scenery. Growing up in the African savannah and being surrounded by many different cultures, travelling and experiencing more of the world became a need. I find I am most drawn to destinations that embrace nature, which actually inspired our latest and most ambitious project, an eco-friendly spa retreat in Nusa Lembongan just off the island of Bali.
I am blessed to call three countries which are naturally spectacular home: Kenya, New Zealand and Indonesia. I would love to visit the gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda. I’m a huge fan of Jane Goodall and Diane Fossey and the work they have done in this field.
I ran a restaurant for a decade and during my international trips, I used to frequent spas in Asia and fell in love with the industry. It was 2002 and New Zealand really didn’t have any Asian-influenced spas. A trip to New York was the catalyst to the pivot (most overused word of 2020) where I realised I was living to work, not working to live. Three months after returning from New York I was out of restaurants and starting my path towards wellness. It’s been nearly two decades and my passion for this industry has not waned one bit.
An entrepreneur’s mind is on-call 24/7. Many people don’t realise the commitment, sacrifices and dedication required to run a successful business. All entrepreneurs, no matter how big or small their companies are, deserve to be applauded.
I am very proud of my business’ evolution. Creating these brands and nurturing them to become leaders in their field (in both the countries we are based) has been so rewarding.
Success to me is growth. We started with four staff in 2002 and now, we have over 250 employees at nine locations across two countries.
I wake up at 5:30am every morning, when I’m in Bali, and take my dogs for a quick sunrise walk on the beach. At 6.00am, I catch up with the New Zealand team as they are four hours ahead. 7.00am usually comprises a swim with my religious mantras playing — prayers while exercising. At 8:00am I’ll have breakfast and get dressed, before heading into the office around 9:00am.
Motivation comes from passion. I work with people I like, I work in an industry I love and I only select locations I’m obsessed with. It’s really that simple.
When I relax, I look for mindless pleasure. I’m a Netflix binger, but nothing heavy. Shows like Money Heist and Elite that aren’t too serious. No documentaries. I really don’t want to be educated when I relax. I’m also a fan of Bollywood movies, which offer total escapism.
Self-indulgence is necessary sometimes. My go-to guilty pleasure is always Dom Pérignon and Beluga on an Emirates flight.
Resilience is crucial in business. Resilient entrepreneurs are fighters not victims.
A render Bajaj’s latest project, an eco-friendly spa retreat in Nusa Lembongan
I need to know when to switch off and focus on increasing my physical activity. One thing lockdown taught me was that without distractions my performance was at its peak, as was my time diverted to non-work related activity. On a daily basis I was walking around 15,000 steps and swimming 50 lengths.
In a crisis, I always call my friend and COO, Lara Springhall. We have worked together for 14 years and traversed through a generation. Lara began her spa journey at 19 and me at 40.
If I had a catch phrase it would be, ‘when everyone zigs, I zag.’
I am in control of how I respond to and work with constraints. Lockdown showed me that resilience is a learned muscle and it’s taken a lot of it to get through what has certainly been the most challenging time of my professional life.
We only know the value of wellness when our health is at risk. Covid-19 has brought this message to the forefront. So, the global wellness economy, currently worth US4.5 trillion dollars, will see continued growth. The disconnect that people are experiencing (as a result of distancing) is having an impact on physical and mental wellbeing. The virus is a wake-up call to remind us how precious good health and wellbeing is, and by nurturing our bodies we strengthen our physical, mental and spiritual immunity. Spas, beauty and hair salons help people feel good about themselves and, with travel restrictions in place, will provide the necessary escapism for the winter ahead.
True luxury is about embracing time. In the face of a pandemic, immunity can be your biggest weapon and prevention is the core of wellness so support your immune system by investing in you. Time is the best gift you can give yourself.”
You might laugh at the simplicity of it all, but there’s more to wearing a hoodie than simply ‘wearing a hoodie’ when you are a fully grown human. The following rules are crucial for avoiding that 90s Slipknot fan vibe.
1. Wash it It might seem obvious, but a gentle reminder that this isn’t your old Kmart faithful from intermediate school will hopefully ensure you don’t wear it like the pre-pubescent teen you once were. You’re above that now — we hope.
2. Wear it with proper pants Pair with tailored pants to achieve a look that says ‘social media is my life’ but also ‘I reallydon’t care about it’. Accessorise with ironic eye-rolls and nerdy specs for an outfit that’s confusing in a cool way.
3. Avoid offensive graphics This is no time to dig out the novelty hoodie you bought for a laugh before a boys trip. It’s not that funny. Go for cool logos or keep it super simple. There’s nothing like a tone-deaf sweater to help you not make friends.
4. Pair it with a coat Wear your new hoodie underneath a trench or overcoat to add structure; bonus points if your coat is patterned for added contrast.
5. Keep it in context Don’t, for the love of God, think that it’s fine to chuck a hoodie over everything. This isn’t a free-for-all. Having a shirt collar visible underneath a hoodie is way less ‘daddy’ and way more ‘dad’ (big difference).
6. Know your limitations If you’ve tried to make a hoodie work to no avail, you won’t be any less of a hero if you call it quits. The street-meets-formal look is an acquired taste, and it doesn’t suit everyone. There’s no point in disregarding your own unique style to partake in a trend. In short, stick to your guns.
From left: World stamp sweatshirt from Louis Vuitton; C&M Sadie hoodie from Superette; Hooded dress with GG apple print from Gucci
From left: We11done oversized hoodie from Net-a-Porter; Autumn cashmere sequin hoodie from Muse Boutique; Printed logo sweatshirt from Gucci
From left: Classic hoodie from Checks Downtown; M Red Box pullover hoodie from Superette; Workshop Denim pullover hoodie from Workshop; Printed hoodie from Prada;
Let’s face it, after months in lockdown pretending we had a grasp on the intricacies of culinary mastery, our collective sigh of relief that we could leave the cooking to the experts was heard as soon as we could dine out again.
We will always find joy and satisfaction in ordering the dishes that never let us down, from tried-and-true favourites to more recent delicious additions.
Crudo from L’Americano Raw market fish combines with finger lime caviar, pickled cucumber and fresh chilli for a beautiful fresh crudo, harmoniously finished with aged balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
West Coast Whitebait Fritter with Lemon Butterfrom Soul Bar & Bistro We’ll never tire of Soul’s famous, delicate whitebait cooked to just-done perfection. But what really makes this dish sing is the deceptively simple lemon butter sauce.
Ravioli from Cotto From the pasta experts, a new highlight on Cotto’s winter menu, is delectable ravioli. The parcels are stuffed with smoked ricotta and puréed beetroot, finished with brown sage butter, poppy seeds, balsamic and parmesan.
Woodfired Octopusfrom Lilian This special dish lets whole octopus tentacles shine. Braised then finished over the wood fired grill, they’re served on a celeriac purée with olive and preserved lemon gremolata, finished with a small herb salad, basil oil and grated bottarga (salted fish roe).
Chicken Liver Parfait Wafflefrom Little Culprit The best bar snack in town comes from intimate inner-city bar Little Culprit. Its ingenious savoury waffle pairs creamy chicken liver parfait with tart cherry relish and dried blackberry — the perfect accompaniment to its excellent cocktails.
Charcuteriefrom Cazador It’s common knowledge that Cazador’s deli charcuterie selection is unparalleled. The current offering includes boar and pistachio salami, heritage pork pancetta with pimenton, game terrine, duck parfait with red onion marmalade, all served with house made pickles, preserves, bread and crackers.
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