LOVE BITES

When the weather gets cooler, it’s time for tasty snacks

Winter is the season for TV binge watching. And at the same time, satisfy your inner self with a few scrumptious nibbles. Snacks are a popular addition to the daily menu. They provide extra energy and warmth during the cooler months whether it’s after school or sport or during the holidays or weekends. Nourishing foods that taste great are the best. And they’re simple so all the family can do their own thing.

Kiwis love toasties. You can pack a truck load of nutrients between two slices of bread before grilling or toasting to golden perfection — tomatoes, cold meats, mashed egg, smoked fish, grated carrot, sliced tomatoes and pickles. And kids love constructing their own masterpieces.

This year, New Zealand’s favourite toastie competition has returned — 185 venues (e.g. cafes, restaurants, bars, food trucks and more) are offering unique toastie creations using cheese and McClure’s pickles, plus a selection of tempting goodies they hope will make their toastie the Supreme Winner. There should be an opportunity to taste a toastie in your area as cooks from Waitangi in the north to Lumsden in the south are competing up until July 27.