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Deb Knight facing the chopping block

<p>2GB's long-standing host, Deb Knight, is <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/nine-star-deb-knight-set-to-axed-from-the-afternoon-slot-on-2gb/news-story/b632da64901dd4662a9a77efc00b92b9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the verge of being axed</a> from her role as the host of the Sydney radio station's afternoon show. According to <em>The Sunday Telegraph</em>, Nine Radio is expected to make an official announcement soon, marking the end of Knight's four-year tenure.</p> <p>This news comes as a shock to many, especially given Knight's significant presence as the only female presenter on the conservative talk station.</p> <p>Reports suggest that Knight was informed of her impending departure last week, leaving her "shattered" by the news. The seasoned broadcaster, who has been a prominent figure on 2GB for four years, has been a vital voice on the station. However, her recent ratings have allegedly plummeted to a record low, with only a 6 percent market share in the most recent radio ratings survey. This decline is a stark contrast to her 2023 high of 8.9 percent, indicating a substantial drop in audience engagement.</p> <p>Knight's journey as the afternoon show host began in 2020, a time when the radio industry experienced a surge in listenership due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Her initial success saw her ratings soar to an impressive 11.4 percent share. However, the recent decline in ratings may reflect the challenges faced by radio stations in maintaining audience interest in an ever-evolving media landscape.</p> <p>When Knight took on the role in 2020, rumours circulated that her contract was an impressive $600,000. While her departure raises questions about the financial implications for 2GB, it also leaves fans speculating about Knight's potential transition to Nine's TV arm, where she has been a popular newsreader since 2011.</p> <p>With Knight's sudden departure, the spotlight now turns to the coveted afternoon show hosting position at 2GB. Media reports suggest that several personalities are eyeing the role, creating anticipation about who will fill the void. The <em>Sunday Telegraph</em> highlighted Joe Hildebrand, a recent fill-in for Knight, as a potential "favourite" for the position.</p> <p>Additionally, Mark Levy, a fellow 2GB presenter, has expressed interest, adding to the intrigue surrounding the selection process. Only time will tell how this transition unfolds and what it means for the broader landscape of Australian radio.</p> <p><em>Image: 2GB</em></p>

TV

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Clever capsicum chopping hack for doing away with mess

<p dir="ltr">Tired of finding rouge capsicum seeds in the kitchen long after you’ve cooked with it? Next time try this trick to virtually eliminate any mess. </p> <p dir="ltr">Shared on TikTok, this “tried and tested” hack for cutting up capscicum has gone viral – and for good reason. </p> <p dir="ltr">Grace, a nurse from the UK, shows how she turned the capsicum (which she calls a 'pepper', of course) upside down, and – using a sharp knife – cuts a simple cross in the bottom.</p> <p dir="ltr">She then pulls the four sections apart, which leaves the large seeded centre behind, making it easy to dispose of.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the comments she added: "Easy way to chop them without getting seeds everywhere”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Literally! Life-changer."</p> <blockquote class="tiktok-embed" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@goldilocks.bears.x/video/6930302759128419590" data-video-id="6930302759128419590"> <section><a title="@goldilocks.bears.x" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@goldilocks.bears.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@goldilocks.bears.x</a> How do you cut yours!? 🫑 <a title="minimalwaste" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/minimalwaste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#minimalwaste</a> <a title="foodwaste" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foodwaste" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#foodwaste</a> <a title="cookingtips" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cookingtips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#cookingtips</a> <a title="cookingtiktok" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cookingtiktok" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#cookingtiktok</a> <a title="learnontiktok" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/learnontiktok" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#learnontiktok</a> <a title="foodtips" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foodtips" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#foodtips</a> <a title="foodhacks" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foodhacks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#foodhacks</a> <a title="♬ UCKERS - Shygirl" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/UCKERS-6750665582753875970" target="_blank" rel="noopener">♬ UCKERS - Shygirl</a></section> </blockquote> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-812fd3d7-7fff-b38b-47b4-a6fd9bb08277"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The video clocked up over 1.2 million views with many thanking Grace for sharing the tip.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: TikTok</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Daring bride chops her hair off halfway through wedding

<p>A Melbourne bride has shocked her wedding guests, along with her groom, as she cut her hair midway through her wedding. </p> <p>Luciana, 27, married the love of her life James, 28, in May after having to postpone their wedding three times due to Covid lockdowns in Victoria. </p> <p>Halfway through the reception, Luciana disappeared to undergo a drastic change, with no one at the wedding knowing what she was up to.</p> <p>"I've always had this idea of cutting my hair mid-wedding," she told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/real-life/article-10808189/Now-THATs-wow-moment-Bride-shocks-groom-guests-chopping-hair.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> - and that's exactly what she did. </p> <p>Luciana started her wedding with her long hair in curls, and finished the day with a short, sleek bob. </p> <p>Her hairdresser Brooke captured the moment, and shared the transformation video online, with the clip now having over 6 million views. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdJ3Yb_jgzT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdJ3Yb_jgzT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Blonde Specialist Melbourne ⚡️ (@hairbybrookemurray)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"My husband was so speechless but loved it so much. The whole night he was telling me that he loved it and that he had no idea what the surprise was," Luciana said. </p> <p>"He really loves my hair short, and since we were going on a honeymoon straight after I thought why not make it easier for me to style in the hot weather."</p> <p>"I love the new look. I've been planning it with my hairdresser Brooke Murray for two years."</p> <p>The cut itself only took 25 minutes and Luciana said Brooke is the "only hairdresser" she trusts. </p> <p>"No one knew about the surprise haircut, so when I walked out there was some people who were confused and others who were screaming and cheering."</p> <p>"Nobody believed how quick the haircut took but Brooke had her A-game on and nailed it. It was a perfect cut."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Mum’s miracle hack for restoring ruined chopping boards

<p>An online Melbourne mum and avid Tik Tok user by the name of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mama_mila_/video/6862601561869241606" target="_blank">Mama Mila</a> has wowed fans with her amazing hack to bring scratched wooden chopping boards back to life – and it’s so easy you can get it done in just minutes.</p> <p>“This hack is so quick and it's completely chemical-free,” writes Mila. “Just cut a lemon in half and rub the entire board with the juice. Once you've rubbed the board with lemon juice, sprinkle coarse sea salt and rub that in with a cloth.”</p> <p>Leave it for a few moments, and then rinse the board and leave it to dry.</p> <p>“Finally, rub it with mineral oil as this prevents it from absorbing moisture and cracking over time.”  </p> <p><strong>METHOD</strong></p> <ol> <li>Cut a lemon in half and rub the lemon juice into your wooden chopping board.</li> <li>Sprinkle coarse sea salt and rub it in with a microfibre cloth.</li> <li>Leave for a few moments, then rinse the board and leave it to dry.</li> <li>Rub is with a mineral oil to prevent it from absorbing moisture and cracking over time.</li> </ol> <p>Thousands who viewed the quick and easy hack were blown away by just how simple and effective it is, writing “OMG” and “this is fantastic”.</p> <p>“I need this,” another wrote, “my board just cracked.”</p> <p>Others said they would definitely try it for themselves.</p> <p><strong>IMAGES:</strong> Tik Tok / <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mama_mila_/video/6862601561869241606" target="_blank">Mama Mila</a></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Reese Witherspoon just chopped off all her hair: The chic style that suits everyone

<p><em>Big Little Lies</em> star Reese Witherspoon has debuted her new haircut, which is on trend for many celebrities of late. </p> <p>She shared a video on her Instagram account that shows off her new haircut. Witherspoon also thanked her stylist for her “new summer cut”.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByTBjDpAE7o/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByTBjDpAE7o/" target="_blank">Thanks for my new summer cut @lonavigi! 💇🏼‍♀️☀️</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reesewitherspoon/" target="_blank"> Reese Witherspoon</a> (@reesewitherspoon) on Jun 4, 2019 at 11:05am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Judging by the smile on her face, Witherspoon is thrilled with her new look.</p> <p>Fans were loving her chic new hairstyle as well.</p> <p>One fan commented saying, “Let’s be honest. Reese could shave her head, and still be breathtaking.”</p> <p>Another agreed saying that they were thinking about this cut for themselves and tagged a friend.</p> <p>As she was debuting long hair as recently as last week, during the promotional tour for the second series of<span> </span><em>Big Little Lies</em><span> </span>with her co-stars Zoe Kravitz and Laura Dern, it’s the signature style that Witherspoon is known for since <em>Legally Blonde</em>.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7827593/big-little-lies.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6304803664144e6bba3d3d89f56c5786" /></p>

Movies

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Your favourite department store is on the chopping block

<p>For many Australians a trip to the shops wouldn’t be complete without popping into Target, but the future of one of the country’s most instantly-recognisable department stores now looks decidedly bleak, after a string of sub-par sales reports.</p> <p>Rob Scott, the managing director of Wesfarmers, which owns Target, revealed the company recorded a “non-cash impairment” of $300 million due to lacklustre sales yesterday, and is considering all options for the underperforming chain.</p> <p>One possibility is converting unprofitable Target outlets into the Kmart brand, which was performing strongly by comparison, although a merger has been ruled out.</p> <p>Two Targets in Broadmeadows and Templestowe in Victoria have already been converted into Kmarts, with a third conversation slated for Victoria Park in Perth.</p> <p>“No further conversions have been disclosed as yet,” a Wesfarmers spokeswoman told <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>News.com.au</strong></em></span></a>.</p> <p> “Kmart is going strongly and that is where the biggest growth and focus is likely to be.”</p> <p>The cause of Target’s decline has been disputed by many retail experts, with Queensland University of Technology retail expert Dr Gary Mortimer saying shoppers shouldn’t be surprised.</p> <p>“I suggested a couple of years ago it doesn’t make sense for one conglomerate, Wesfarmers, to run two different discount department stores,” he told <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>News.com.au</strong></em></span></a>.</p> <p>“They are duplicating their costs and essentially selling the same products.”</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Would you be sad to see Target go?</p>

Money & Banking

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Marinated BBQ pork chops

<p>You can’t go wrong with pork chops, but Merv Hughes’ delicious marinade takes them to the next level.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> 4</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>4 pork chops</li> </ul> <p><em>For the marinade</em></p> <ul> <li>3 tablespoons soy sauce</li> <li>3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce</li> <li>3 tablespoons hoisin barbecue sauce</li> <li>1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar</li> <li>1 teaspoon garlic powder</li> <li>1 teaspoon onion powder</li> <li>Salt and pepper, to taste</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol start="1"> <li>Trim the pork chops of rind and excess fat.</li> <li>Place all the marinade ingredients into a large zip-lock bag. Add the pork chops and marinade for 1 to 2 hours or longer if possible.</li> <li>Heat the barbecue grill, then cook the chops for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. For crosshatch grill marks, turn 45 degrees after 3 minutes.</li> <li>Turn down the grill and baste with the leftover marinade until the chops are cooked through. When done, cover with foil and rest for 5 minutes before serving.</li> <li>Serve with a red cabbage and apple slaw.</li> </ol> <p><img width="118" height="130" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7264684/bbq-beer-bs_118x130.jpg" alt="BBQ BEER BS (1)" style="float: right;"/></p> <p><em>BBQ Beer &amp; B.S., New Holland Publishers RRP $40.00 available from all good bookstores or online <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.newhollandpublishers.com/" target="_blank">www.newhollandpublishers.com</a></strong></span></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Lamb backstrap with sweet potato chopped salad

<p>Want something fresh and healthy yet filling? Merv Hughes’ delicious lamb and sweet potato chopped salad is just perfect.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span> </strong>4 to 6</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>3 lamb backstraps</li> <li>400 g rocket leaves and mixed leaves</li> <li>2 sweet potatoes, cut into 1 cm cubes (to be roasted)</li> <li>2 to 3 small beetroot, cooked and cubed</li> <li>1 small red onion, finely sliced</li> <li>75 g crumbled feta</li> <li>3 bacon rashers, cooked and diced</li> <li>50 g pine nuts, roasted</li> <li>100 g roasted red capsicum, sliced into strips</li> <li>Barbecue rub</li> <li>50 ml olive oil</li> <li>Salt and pepper, to taste</li> <li>Honey lemon mustard dressing</li> <li>Spiced avocado yogurt dressing</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol start="1"> <li>Rub the lamb back straps with oil and barbecue rub, let marinate for 30 minutes then on a hot grill cook for 3 to 4 minutes each side then rest for 10 minutes.</li> <li>Prepare both the dressings and put them in the fridge until required.</li> <li>Peel and cube the sweet potato place in a large bowl then microwave for 4 to 5 minutes until tender, dress with an enough oil to coat the potato and season with salt and pepper. Then place in a shallow oven tray on a medium hot barbecue with the hood down for 10–15 minutes or until browned once done set aside.</li> <li>On a medium hot barbecue cook off the bacon to your liking and set aside to dress the salad later.</li> <li>Slice the lamb back strap into thin slices then on serving platter add the leaves, onion and toss, then top with the lamb slices, sweet potato cubes, beetroot, feta, capsicum and bacon.</li> <li>When ready to serve top with both the honey lemon mustard and spiced avocado yogurt dressing and pine nuts.</li> </ol> <p><img width="140" height="155" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/45828/bbq-beer-bs_140x155.jpg" alt="BBQ BEER BS" style="float: right;"/></p> <p>BBQ Beer &amp; B.S<em>., New Holland Publishers RRP $40.00 available from all good bookstores or online <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.newhollandpublishers.com/" target="_blank">www.newhollandpublishers.com</a></strong></span></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Can chopping your vegetables boost their nutrients?

<p><em><strong>Duane Mellor is a Senior Lecturer at Coventry University. Ekavi Georgousopoulou is a Research Associate at the University of Canberra. Nenad Naumovski is an Assistant Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Canberra</strong></em>.</p> <p>We all know <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n55_australian_dietary_guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">eating vegetables</a></strong></span> is a good way to improve health. And for many years the focus has been on just <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2011/09/08/3308919.htm" target="_blank">eating more vegetables</a></strong></span>, be it fresh, frozen or tinned.</p> <p>But what if there was a quicker and easier way to get more benefit from our vegetables? Can the way we prepare vegetables boost their nutrition? Does tearing or chopping your lettuce makes any difference? And if we chop, does it matter what type of knife we use?</p> <p>For a long time, we’ve believed tearing vegetables, especially salad leaves, is the best way to preserve their nutrients. The idea is that tearing leaves disrupts the cells of the plant less than chopping. Chopping slices straight through cells allowing their contents to spill out. This means nutrients, especially minerals such as potassium can <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://search.proquest.com/openview/76c92b4387f8c383140b1c9869572817/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&amp;cbl=36750" target="_blank">leak away</a></strong></span>.</p> <p>But it’s not all bad news for chopping. It has several other effects on vegetables, some of which may be beneficial, at least in theory.</p> <p><strong>Cutting boosts polyphenols</strong></p> <p>Vegetables contain a wide range of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/78/3/517S.short" target="_blank">bioactive compounds</a></strong></span>, a term that extends beyond their nutrients, like vitamin C and potassium, to include the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/Abstract/2017/03000/Exploring_Possible_Health_Effects_of_Polyphenols.4.aspx" target="_blank">polyphenols</a></strong></span>.</p> <p>These compounds are only found in plants and have various <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1360138506003141" target="_blank">roles</a></strong></span>, including providing colour, acting as plant sunscreen against ultraviolet radiation and giving the plant a bitter taste, which discourages animals from eating it.</p> <p>Cutting some types of vegetables – notably celery, lettuce and parsnips – can <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814606002603" target="_blank">increase</a></strong></span> their polyphenol content.</p> <p>There is logic in this. Cutting wounds the flesh of the vegetable and it responds by producing more polyphenols, helping defend the vegetable tissue from further damage. Similarly, if a grazing animal tasted these bitter compounds it may think twice before taking another bite.</p> <p>In theory, higher levels of polyphenols (say, from chopping) are better for our health. Polyphenols often make up a large proportion of what are described as “<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/81/1/215S..full" target="_blank">antioxidants</a></strong></span>”, which are thought to help support our body’s <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijfs.13075/abstract" target="_blank">defences</a></strong></span> against inflammation.</p> <p>But there’s a complication. After chopping comes <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-why-cut-apples-turn-brown/" target="_blank">enzymatic browning</a></strong></span>, the same chemical reaction that turns cut apples, potatoes and avocados brown. That’s thanks to the enzyme polyphenol oxidase breaking down the polyphenols, the very compounds you’re interested in.</p> <p><strong>How about chopping and chilling?</strong></p> <p>Refrigeration might help <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.fruitandvegetable.ucdavis.edu/files/217061.pdf" target="_blank">slow the rate</a></strong></span> of this browning reaction and so help preserve the potentially beneficial polyphenol content. This works as the cold temperatures in the fridge slow down the chemical reactions, which normally would breakdown the polyphenols.</p> <p>On the face of it, this sounds like a great idea: chop up your vegetables and chill them to slow down polyphenol loss (and to stop colour changes associated with enzymatic browning).</p> <p>But the very act of the vegetable producing polyphenols (say after chopping) often involves using up <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814606002603" target="_blank">vitamin C</a></strong></span>. So, nutritionally it could be a case of “robbing Peter to pay Paul” and there may not be any overall benefits.</p> <p>We also need to look at the actual levels of polyphenol changes brought on by chopping. Although chopping carrots boosts levels by nearly <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814606002603" target="_blank">200 per cent</a></strong></span>, carrots normally contain very small amounts of these compounds to start with.</p> <p>So, while there may be statistically more polyphenols produced after chopping, practically this increase is largely irrelevant. This is because the quantities in these chopped and chilled vegetables is still only modest, and is typically very <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17157175" target="_blank">poorly absorbed</a></strong></span>.</p> <p>So, for most people the key message remains keep working towards eating at <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n55_australian_dietary_guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">l<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>east five serves of vegetables per day</strong></span></a>. It is less important if the veggies are chopped or shredded, as any benefits are too small to be significant.</p> <p><strong>Chopping can affect taste and texture</strong></p> <p>But chopping (and the rise in polyphenols that come with it) can alter a vegetable’s taste. This is because polyphenols have a slightly bitter taste, which <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://theconversation.com/hate-vegetables-you-might-have-super-taster-genes-74428" target="_blank">not everyone likes</a></strong></span>.</p> <p>Chopping can also affect a vegetable’s texture, as breaking up the cells releases other enzymes that can cause the structure of the product to breakdown and become soft and mushy. Refrigeration can slow this effect too.</p> <p>This is the case with basil, with many recipes recommending tearing rather than chopping or risk <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/the-science-behind-bruising-yo-100988" target="_blank">bruising the basil</a></strong></span> as it can alter flavour and texture. The tearing of the leaves, seems to damage fewer cells, so lower levels of enzymes are released, so less browning and damage can occur.</p> <p><strong>Can different knives affect polyphenol loss?</strong></p> <p>There is some suggestion that the type of knife may influence the breakdown of polyphenols and browning. A blunt knife potentially causes more damage to the cells, promoting polyphenol breakdown. So it might be better to use a sharp one.</p> <p>More significantly, the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://amg-v.com/copperpage.html" target="_blank">copper</a></strong></span> in steel knives can help the polyphenol oxidase enzyme work, causing more rapid browning. So, a <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=bWMWA1Mh0AsC&amp;pg=PA272&amp;lpg=PA272&amp;dq=stainless+steel+knives+browning+vegetable&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=4HRL_I3XOt&amp;sig=lFCm74Ul_Kv51oXWeif8vYQ2yjA&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjvguyOrr7TAhUDJJQKHYJlDEAQ6AEIZTAN#v=onepage&amp;q=stainless%20steel%20knives%20browning%20vegetable&amp;f=false" target="_blank">ceramic</a></strong></span> or plastic knife, could reduce this effect.</p> <p><em>Written by Duane Mellor, Ekavi Georgousopoulou and Nenad Naumovski. First appeared on <a href="/%20https:/theconversation.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The Conversation</span></strong></a>.</em><img width="1" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/75393/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation"/></p>

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Essential GP service on the chopping block

<p>Concern is growing among medical professionals that Medicare Benefit Scheme (MBS) payments for after-hours visits are set to face the chopping block in the upcoming Federal Budget, in a move that could affect thousands of sick Aussies. </p> <p>The National Association for Medical Deputising Services (NAMDS) has commissioned research to assess the popularity of GP home visits, after Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt claimed that the service was being “rorted” by some households.</p> <p>Mr Hunt said while the government was committed after-hours medical care, they must be funded correctly, “We also have a commitment to ensuring that every service provided is genuine and that every doctor is up to scratch. I am concerned about reports that some doctors are claiming to be providing urgent services when they're not urgent at all.”</p> <p>NAMDS President Dr Spiro Doukakis was quick to jump in however, saying the service actually saved money and helped ease pressure on overcrowded hospitals.</p> <p>Dr Doukakis explained his position in an interview with <strong><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Fairfax Media</em></span></a></strong>, "Doctor home visits are an essential Medicare service and are relied on by 2 million Australian families – especially carers of people with disability, the elderly and young children.”</p> <p>Are you concerned about these budget cuts?</p>

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Pork chops with apple, sage and sweet wine

<p>This is more of a gentle reminder than recipe, but I refuse to make excuses as it is one of my favourite things at this time of year, with perhaps some fluffy, buttery mash alongside to catch all of those delicious juices.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> 2</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>2 pork loin chops on the bone</li> <li>Salt and pepper</li> <li>Olive oil</li> <li>1 teaspoon butter</li> <li>1 apple (ideally a sundowner), cored and up into thin slices.</li> <li>Small handful of sage</li> <li>1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard</li> <li>1 cup of sherry or sweet white wine such as riesling or pinot gris</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>To begin, season the chops with salt and pepper on all sides.</li> <li>Get a heavy pan going over a moderate heat and let it heat up for a minute or two. Add a bit of oil and butter and let it melt and sizzle up.</li> <li>Add the chops to the pan and cook for several minutes on one side and then the other, until they are nicely golden brown and no longer pink in the middle.</li> <li>Remove from the pan and transfer to a warm plate to rest.</li> <li>Add the apples to the same pan and cook them down for a minute or so, adding a little more oil and if the pan is too dry. Once the apples have softened a bit, add the sage and mustard, stir around and then follow with the sherry or wine.</li> <li>Bring the heat up and let it bubble up and reduce down by half.</li> <li>Return the chops to the pan and nestle into the sauce.</li> <li>Taste and season if need be, then serve.</li> </ol> <p>Don’t you just love pork chops? What’s your favourite meat to cook? Let us know in the comments.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Jason Creaghan. Written by Sam Mannering. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</span></a>.</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/08/bbq-pork-sausage-cassoulet/"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>BBQ pork sausage cassoulet</strong></span></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/08/pot-roasted-pork-scotch/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Pot-roasted pork scotch with potato, fennel and tomato</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/06/bbq-pork-cutlet-with-sunshine-salsa/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>BBQ pork cutlet with sunshine salsa</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Israeli chopped chicken salad

<p>This spicy salad is a great side dish or is also hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> 4</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>75ml extra virgin olive oil (5 tablespoons), plus extra to drizzle</li> <li>500g skinned and boned chicken thigh fillets</li> <li>1 piece flatbread, cut into 2.5cm squares</li> <li>1½ teaspoons sumac</li> <li>¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon</li> <li>Juice of 1 lemon</li> <li>Large pinch of sugar</li> <li>8 radishes, coarsely chopped</li> <li>2 spring onions, thinly sliced</li> <li>Small handful of coriander leaves, coarsely chopped</li> <li>Small handful of flat-leafed parsley leaves, coarsely chopped</li> <li>Small handful of mint leaves, coarsely chopped</li> <li>3 tomatoes, deseeded, coarsely chopped</li> <li>3 Lebanese cucumbers, halved lengthwise, deseeded, coarsely chopped</li> <li>1 carrot, peeled, cubed 1cm</li> <li>1 long green chilli, finely chopped</li> <li>¼ cup sunflower seeds, toasted</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Preheat the oven to 180°C. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Season the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then cook for 5 minutes each side or until golden and cooked through. Set aside for 5 minutes or until cool enough to handle.</li> <li>Meanwhile, scatter the bread squares on an oven tray, lightly drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Bake in the oven for 6 minutes or until golden.  </li> <li>Whisk 1 teaspoon of the sumac together with the cinnamon, lemon juice, sugar and remaining 4 tablespoons of oil in a large bowl. Season well.</li> <li>Cut the chicken into 1.5cm cubes, then add to the bowl, along with the radishes, spring onions, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrot, chilli and sunflower seeds. Toss to combine, then scatter with the bread and remaining sumac to serve.</li> </ol> <p><em>First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong><em>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</span></a>.</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/spiced-pumpkin-and-carrot-salad/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Spiced pumpkin and carrot salad</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/diabetes-friendly-chicken-and-white-bean-casserole/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Diabetes-friendly chicken and white bean casserole</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/indian-turkey-and-mint-yogurt-wraps/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Indian turkey and mint yogurt wraps</span></strong></em></a></p>

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Mistakes people don’t realise they make with chopping boards

<p>Nearly every household has a couple of chopping boards in the kitchen, but most of us don’t really know the ins and outs of how best to use them. Is wood or plastic better? Can I put them in the dishwasher?</p> <p>Here we have pulled together some common chopping board mistakes that you might be making.</p> <p><strong>Using the same board for meat and veggies</strong></p> <p>To avoid cross-contamination, you really need to set aside one board for meat preparation. It could be a different colour (as they do in commercial kitchens) or for wooden boards add some coloured electrical tape so that you know which is which.</p> <p><strong>Not securing your board in place before use</strong></p> <p>If you don’t want to lose a finger, always use this tip to keep your board from slipping and sliding. Dampen some paper towel and pop this underneath your chopping board, or buy boards with grips underneath.</p> <p><strong>Using a board that is too small</strong></p> <p>You need room to move, and a board that is too small means you will quickly become overloaded with your chopped vegetables – or worse it could lead to a knife injury. Your knife should not be bigger than the width or height of your board – if it is you need a bigger board.</p> <p><strong>Cleaning your board in the dishwasher</strong></p> <p>Neither wood nor plastic boards should not go in the dishwasher. The prolonged exposure to heat and water can cause your board to warp or crack. Fill your sink with hot soapy water instead and use this to scrub your chopping boards. Allow to air dry.</p> <p><strong>Not oiling your wooden boards</strong></p> <p>Your wooden chopping board can dry out after all that hand washing. They need to be oiled with liquid paraffin or beeswax to keep them in good shape and help to prevent water absorption.</p> <p><strong>Not throwing out old boards</strong></p> <p>Don’t start a collection of warped or scratched chopping boards. These are hard to clean and can lead to contamination. Replace them and toss them out.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/03/15-clever-uses-for-apple-cider-vinegar/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>15 clever uses for apple cider vinegar</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/03/how-to-get-rid-of-kitchen-odours/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 tips to get rid of kitchen odours</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/03/nontoxic-ways-to-remove-hard-water-stains/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Non-toxic ways to remove hard water stains</strong></em></span></a></p>

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