Cooking Questions with Mark Lane Your own personal chef

I have been cooking professionally for 38 years, both in New Zealand and internationally. I have my own business, Culinary Lane Catering, providing three and five course dinners in my clients’ homes, outcatering and grazing tables.

Now you can gain the benefit of my experience by emailing me your cooking questions and I will do my best to answer them in an upcoming issue.

Marilyn, Silverdale: What are some top pantry staples you recommend always having available that can add lots of flavour to a wide variety of dishes?

Great question! I always have Vegeta in my cupboard. This vegetable stock powder gives a great boost of flavour to sauces, soups and savoury dishes. To be honest, salt is your best friend and this will always add extra flavour to savoury foods. Chefs learn to add enough salt to just maximise flavour. Far too many people are afraid to season but mashed potato with just the right amount of salt is a different beast altogether. We all need 500mg per day to survive. The average Kiwi has around 3000mg per day, so just be sensible with your intake. Also have plenty of dried herbs and spices on hand to jazz food up.

Emma, Hibiscus Coast: We’ve got chickens so always have plenty of eggs. What are some great non-breakfast ways for using up extra eggs.

and frozen for up to one year but for maximum freshness, it is recommended to eat them with four months.

Bridget, Orewa: Is there anything I can do if I make a sauce, soup or stew too acidic or salty, without just watering it down?

Your best option is to counteract the salt with caster sugar (finer than standard sugar, it will dissolve quickly). This will better balance the salty flavour. When making soups or stews, always add ‘some’ salt at the beginning but just enough so that as it reduces the salt doesn’t over season. You can always add more salt at the end but you can’t take it away.

Mark Lane | Culinary Lane Catering www.culinarylane.co.nz

For 3 & 5 course in-house lunches and dinners, out-catering, grazing tables and corporate catering.

Mahurangi Artists’ Studio Trail

The Mahurangi Artists’ Studio Trail is a free event where Mahurangi artists will be showcasing their talents throughout the beautiful Mahurangi region.

The opening night is on 2 February from 6-8pm at the Warkworth Town Hall, with the trail running from 4-12 February.

Visit artists in their studios, galleries and shared spaces and be delighted by the variety of art works on display.

Collect a trail brochure, available at the members’ art showcase in the Warkworth Town Hall, or download one from the website below.

Weave your art adventure through the beautiful countryside and be surprised and delighted by the colours, textures and treasures waiting to fill your soul and inspire you.

More details available at https://www.mahurangiartistnetwork.com/art-trails

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The trail is FREE! Simply download a guide from our website, get out there and support our amazing local artisits!