Summer is a great time to experiment making new salads. You really can’t go wrong – some baby spinach, fresh tomato, avocado, pine nuts and topping of the day! Here is one of the salads I made over the holiday break, mentioned in my Staycation post, which I promised I would post! I hope you enjoy! x

Serves 4 – 6

Preheat oven to 200C

Simply cook a piece of venison roast with some pumpkin and herbs of your choice – for approximately 20 minutes (depending on size of meat and pumpkin pieces).  A great tip when cooking with meat like venison is to rinse off completely before cooking as it helps get rid of the gamey / metallic flavour a lot of people taste. My personal favourite company in New Zealand is Silver Fern Farms – the quality is fantastic!

In a medium sized salad bowl mix together: baby spinach, baby rocket, a handful of pine nuts and sunflower seeds, and fresh basil leaves. Hand mix all the elements together and set aside.

Once the venison and pumpkin are ready and slightly cooled, add to salad bowl and top with crumbled blue cheese. I personally don’t add any dressing as find the venison and blue cheese full of flavour! The salad goes great with homemade crostini or pita chips!

Enjoy! x

Well even though it’s supposed to be Spring in New Zealand, it’s actually been feeling a lot like Autumn this week!  So in honour of Halloween coming up and Autumn starting in the Northern Hemisphere – this weekly roundup is full of Halloween goodies!

1. Blogger Oh Happy Day has some great costume ideas for the wee ones.

2. No trick needed, these cupcakes by Everyday Occasions, Jenny Hobick will definitely go down as a treat!

3. Looking for decorations, craft items, last minute treats? Paper Source has all your needs covered, just look at this amazing spread they created!

4. A candle that smells like pumpkin, I’m in heaven.

5. Great words to live by, but remember to be careful while trick-or-treating out there!

6. If you’re hosting a party this year, Little Ink’s black straws will make your evening look smart and sharp.

I hope everyone has a fantastic long weekend (for you local Kiwis!), I’m off to Wanaka for some lovely R&R with my Mr to celebrate our Anniversary! x