05 Dec Waste Not, Want Not 💛
‘Tis the silly season… and boy oh boy – we can be very silly indeed! I’ve been thinking a lot about waste, especially as we approach this challenging new environment of increased interest rates and inflation, concerns around rising supermarket costs and on-going supply chain issues. I often bring home items that are at, or past, their BB (Best Before dates) … sugar, flour, rice, tea, salt, dried pasta, vinegar, cheese…the list goes on and on and on. I recall being particularly shocked on one occasion when a customer returned a bottle of very good quality vinegar to us, saying it was too close to its best before date. I was flummoxed. I recall once buying very expensive 50-year-old balsamic vinegar for my sister-in-law for her 60th birthday (superb!). Vinegar simply doesn’t go off. Why on earth are we putting Best Before dates on these types of products?
The issue here is legislation and regulation rather than the customer. In a world that is struggling to feed its population, and with the rising cost of living, can we please bring back some common sense and a more rational approach to food? Have we really become so food ignorant that we no longer understand the principles behind storage of foods, managing food supplies and being able to rely on our own senses to qualify if a product is good to consume or not?
In France, where it is now illegal for supermarkets to waste food, there is a chain of stores called “NOUS Anti-Gaspi” (WE Against Waste), You can buy all manner of items there from toothpaste to biscuits, oils to fresh vegetables, items that may have been slightly damaged or may be at, or beyond, the Best Before date. It is a brilliant idea, I think.
Another important thing we can all do is to dig deep in our pantry and use items that may have been on the shelf for a while. Pull them out and assemble them on the bench. Look up some recipes to use the products… or give an item to a friend or neighbour who may enjoy using it if you can’t.
Use the freezer to extend the life of fatty items like cheese (it’s so expensive these days, you should never have to throw it out!). Frozen cheeses can be thawed in the fridge and are great in cooking (sauces etc).
Food waste is a big topic and a big problem, and I know I’m glossing over it superficially, but if we all raise our consciousness a little, and maybe spend some of our holiday time reflecting on our buying habits, I bet we could all bring down our waste…and our food bills too! I believe shopping for smaller quantities more regularly is better than big, less regular shopping that may not all get consumed.
One thing I’m going to add here is a note about bread. I love sourdough bread. Sometimes it sits on my bench for a day or 2 longer than it should. The only thing that has happened to that fresh loaf of sourdough is that it has lost its moisture. Put it in a paper bag, lightly wet the bag under your tap, put it in the oven at 150C, after about 15 minutes (squeeze it to feel if it is soft) you will enjoy a warm, ‘fresh’ loaf of bread. There are lots of ways to ‘keep’ older bread: home-made crostini are one such idea, slice up your old bread on the diagonal (baguette, sourdough, brioche) and put it on baking paper on an oven tray, brush it with olive oil, sprinkle with a flaky salt – you can add garlic or dried rosemary if you wish. Bake it at 150C for 10 minutes or until is golden. When it’s cool, put it in a sealed container – great for snacks with drinks, or broken up for some added crunch on a summer salad.
Another fabulous way to use up excess bread and bits from your fridge.
Sweet or Savoury Bread Pudding
The basics of this recipe apply to both the sweet and savoury version, so here is the perfect ‘no waste’ breakfast, lunch or dessert! It’s quick to make and you can be flexible around the ingredients.
Preheat your oven to 175C.
Grease a casserole dish with butter (or margarine or oil – olive oil is great for the savoury version)
Slice up your old bread – about 5mm thick, enough to arrange in leaves in your casserole.
Ingredients & Method
In a bowl mix your ‘filling’ ingredients (which will depend on what needs using up!) You want about 2 – 2 1/2 cups of ‘filling’. Here are some ideas:
1. Chopped mix of apple, rhubarb (fresh), nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds), 1 tsp cinnamon, optional 1/2 cup raisins or dates (pre-soaked in rum or another favourite drop if you like!). 1 tsp pure vanilla essence.
2. Sliced strawberries, mixed berries (you can use frozen berries), chopped rhubarb (optional), grated rind of 1 lemon or orange. Sliced almonds to sprinkle on top if you wish.
3. Select any of about 6 items from this list:
Chopped wilted & squeezed spinach, spring onion, finely sliced celery stalks, parsley, grated cheese (or crumbled feta), grated courgette, sliced mushroom, garlic, sautéed onion and / or red peppers, fresh garden herbs, chilli or sweet paprika. Tomato slices can go on top.
In a second bowl whisk together:
4 large eggs
1 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
150 gr melted butter (or alternative such as margarine or oil)
1 pinch salt
3/4 cup sugar (for SWEET Bread Pudding)
Grind of black pepper (for SAVOURY Bread Pudding)
Arrange bread slices in rows with your filling between the rows. Pour over the egg mix. Finish with any ‘toppings’ you have put aside (almond slivers or tomato slices and a little grated cheese). Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until it is ‘set’ and golden on top. Serve immediately. The sweet version is great with yoghurt or cream.
Bon appetit,
Alison
Scarecrow Christmas Cakes
We know things are getting busy! Here is a final reminder of our gorgeous Scarecrow Christmas Cakes – still available but not for much longer! Our recipe this year makes an incredibly moist, dark and delicious Christmas Cake, beautifully presented to really wow your guests this festive season. Send us an email to place your order, or pick one up when you’re in store next. Our cakes come in 2 sizes, with gluten free options available. View details here.
We’re nuts about…
Looking after your food properly is important, as we have discussed already. Contrary to popular belief, nuts should be stored in the fridge or freezer. Nuts contain high amounts of unsaturated fat, making them highly prone to going rancid. Spoilage is further accelerated by light, oxygen, humidity and heat. Storing nuts (and seeds) in the fridge or freezer limits their exposure to all these elements and will result in your nuts retaining their nutritional value and flavour and tasting less bitter.
Nuts & seeds can be purchased in bulk bins but in this environment they are exposed to oxygen (and other people’s sticky fingers!), so it’s recommended to buy them in sealed packs and then keep them in your own containers in the fridge or freezer (you can extend the life of your nuts up to up to 2 years in the freezer!). This is also a great way to protect them from insects such as weevils or other pantry pests.
There is a great range of superb nuts now grown commercially in NZ and you can find plenty of them in store right now at Scarecrow 
. Have you tried Why Nut Organic Macadamias? Great name, great product! From one of the largest certified organic orchards in New Zealand, Why Nut Organic Macadamias are grown in an organic and sustainable environment in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges. Available in natural, roasted or chocolate covered, they are delicious, and good for you! And perfect added to a chocolate themed Christmas gift!
Don’t forget to include packs of Uncle Joe’s walnuts and hazelnuts, grown and cracked in sunny Marlborough. A lovely addition to a cheese platter, summer salads, home baking or simply enjoyed as a high-protein, healthy snack. Buying them in the 1kg pack and storing them in smaller packs is great.
So come to Scarecrow at 33 Victoria St East and ask our team about our range. You’d be nuts not to. 
Enamel is back!
Fresh to the Scarecrow shelves comes a range of enamelware 
we absolutely adore. There’s a reason enamel is firmly back in vogue – aside from looking great, it is durable, versatile and reasonably priced. Take it away camping, use it at home. Bake your own Shakshuka in the oven (or bread pudding!), then enjoy it straight from the dish – and yes, it works on induction or a gas ring. Our enamel mugs have been so popular, we’re clearly not the only ones to appreciate their long-lasting and multiple uses. A fabulous summer gift and just beautiful for the table.
Our range
Scarecrow has a range of beautiful items for the home, including organic linen and cotton tea towels and napkins. Rather than a throwaway item that won’t last past the summer, choose long-lasting quality instead. Ask about our Ali Davies, Nikki McIvor and Sue Wickison range of botanical kitchen linens.
See our beautiful artisan tea and coffees, and quality accessories to accompany 
them. A packet of Kokako coffee beans paired with a unique ceramic mug, cinnamon stars or a gingerbread tree…. or that classic Christmas gift: a real Panettone!
There are so many ideas for affordable and thoughtful gifts! NZ’s best chocolate – wrap 3 bars in ribbon and pop them under the tree. Or, for plant lovers, see our houseplants for the green gift that keeps on giving. Create a bee-autiful gift of artisan NZ made honeys, beeswax candles and honey accessories. Many options are available in store at Scarecrow, and none of them need break the bank. What’s more, each purchase supports our local artisan makers and producers. Come in and see us at 33 Victoria Street East in the city to browse our gifting goodies.
Considered gifts
At a time when so many are affected by the increasing cost of living, Christmas gift ideas can be daunting. Here are some of our own suggestions around buying gifts for loved ones this Christmas.
- Aim for something that is meaningful, personal and useful.
- If someone doesn’t want big and fancy – don’t buy them big and fancy! Often the smallest things, selected with thought and care, can have the biggest impact.
- Don’t forget, Christmas is about togetherness and creating memories. It is easy to get wrapped up (excuse the pun!) in all the hype. Oftentimes, the smallest effort – a bunch of foraged fresh flowers, a homemade meal shared with friends, family or neighbours, a ritual – light some candles, a favourite playlist, a walk in your local park… makes for the best of memories.
IWIN Food & Craft Market
You may not know our talented pastry chef Taiyebeh hails from Iran. And so we are delighted to let you know about the upcoming food and craft market by Iranian Women in NZ (IWIN) in collaboration with Voice of Iranian (VOI). Starting at 2.30pm on December 11th at Mt Eden Normal Primary School, this is a great way for you and your family to support the Iranian community by your presence, and learn about the women-led revolution in Iran. There will be a variety of foods, arts and crafts, music and fabulous performance. Come along!
Reminder of our December & January hours
We are now open 7 days, right through to 2pm on December 24th. Pop in before, during or after work, or visit us on the weekend for a nourishing bite and browse our shelves. On Christmas Eve, we close our doors at 2pm and give our wonderful staff a well-deserved break. We’ll be open again on Saturday 14 January, 2023, ready for a brighter, more settled 2023!