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Hughesy spills the beans on major shows set to be axed

Dave Hughes has shared his prediction that The Masked Singer is die to be axed from Network Ten's lineup this year as the network continues to battle dwindling ratings. The host of the show made the admission on his radio show on Tuesday, saying he hadn't been given any updates on when filming was due to commence. “We’ve been waiting on a production schedule. That production schedule has not come through, so as far as I know, The Masked Singer won’t be filmed this year for Channel 10,” Hughes said on his show Hughesy, Ed and Erin on 2DayFM. “We’ve had such a great time over those years, it’s been such a fun show to be on, so many great singers have been on,” he continued. “We’ve had great panels. We started with Jackie O, Dannii Minogue, [Lindsay] Lohan, then Urzila Carlson came in, we’ve got Abbie Chatfield, Chrissy Swan, Mel B. All stars in their own right." “It’s a tough one for the production team.” Later during the radio show, Hughesy and the team called Osher Günsberg to question whether The Bachelor was facing the same grim fate as The Masked Singer. “I tell you what, I haven’t cancelled our trip to Fiji, which is in the middle of the shooting window we normally have [for The Bachelor],” Günsberg, who has been host of the dating show since 2013, said. Osher went on to criticise Australian TV for putting British and American shows on prime time, rather than favouring homegrown talent. “I personally feel we really need to value our own stories, and our culture, and our own voices far more highly,” he said. “And we’ve got to do what we need to do to make that happen on our screens." “If we’re not going to sing our own songs and tell our own stories – we’re just going to be this weird echo of the US and the UK, and that’s not going to work out well for us.” Last year's season of The Bachelor premiered to the franchise’s lowest ratings in its decade-long history, while personalities involved with The Masked Singer have repeatedly said "it is a very expensive show to produce". Image credits: Ten

Why Mr Bean is being blamed for decreasing electric vehicle sales

Rowan Atkinson has been blamed for a decrease in electric car sales, with a "damaging" article being debunked in the House of Lords. The actor and comedian, who is also a well-known car enthusiast, wrote an article for The Guardian, claiming he felt "duped" by electric vehicles, saying they aren't as eco-friendly as they are often portrayed. Atkinson says the problem with the vehicles' sustainable marketing focuses on just one part of the car’s operating life: what comes out of the exhaust pipes and ignores other elements such as the manufacturing and the mining of rare earth minerals, shipping and building of the batteries. These claims, and the article itself, have been addressed by the UK's House of Lords, with politicians blaming the story for a decrease in electric vehicle sales. UK think tank the Green Alliance says, “One of the most damaging articles was a comment piece written by Rowan Atkinson in The Guardian which has been roundly debunked.” Other deterrents identified by the committee were the high purchase price and insufficient charging infrastructure. Social media users were quick to take Atkinson's side in the debate, with one person writing on X, “If Rowan Atkinson is responsible, then give him a knighthood.” Another user says, “Rowan Atkinson with a degree and masters in Engineering. Knows more than those pushing electric cars.” "Apparently it's Mr Bean's fault for the poor take up of electric cars. Cancel him," another said. For the last 12 months, high power costs in the UK have meant that fast charging your electric car can be more expensive than refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle. The UK is planning to ban sales of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035, despite the slip in sales. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

3 surprising health and beauty benefits of coffee beans

Ah, coffee - who doesn't love to start the day without a cup! You'll be delighted to hear that coffee beans also have a plethora of beneficial uses. For starters, coffee beans can also improve hair and skin. Hello bright eyes These days, lots of trageted eye creams contain caffeine for its ability to decrease puffiness. Failing buying a new cream, why not try and little beauty DIY. Simply soak a cotton pad, ball or some clean gauze in some cool coffee water and relax with it on your eyes for at least 10 minutes but no more than half an hour. Wake up skin Not only can coffee brighten your comlexion, because of antioxidants and acids it has also been shown to diminish fine lines and tighten skin. Combine filtered warm water, coffee grounds, 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts and a bowl and allow to soak for a little while. Then simply wash you face - not only will you get a brightening clean, but the ground will give you a gentle exofliation too. Colour boost This is one for those with brunette hair. To add shine to your hair, make a paste from mixing coffee grounds with water. Simply apply to damp, clean hair and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing. Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Chicken and cannellini bean soup

<div> With store-bought chicken and a zesty, herby gremolata, this wonderful warmer is ready in 30 minutes! Ingredients </div> <div> <div> <div> Finely grated zest of 2 lemons 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 store-bought barbecue chicken 1 Tbsp olive oil 20g butter 350g button mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 brown onion, finely chopped 1 red capsicum, deseeded, finely diced 540g jar tomato and basil pasta sauce 4 cup chicken stock 400g cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season Carta di musica, to serve </div> <div id="TeadsContainer0"></div> <div> <h2>Method</h2> <ol> <li> To make gremolata, combine zest, parsley and garlic in a bowl and set aside. Remove skin from chicken and discard. Shred meat. Set aside. </li> <li> Heat oil and butter in a large deep saucepan over a medium-high heat. When butter is melted, add mushroom and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Add onion and capsicum to pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until onion is soft. </li> <li> Add tomato sauce, stock, beans, chicken and mushroom and bring mixture to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until heated through. Season. </li> <li> Ladle soup into bowls, top with gremolata and serve with carta di musica bread. </li> </ol> Image: Better Homes & Gardens </div> </div> </div>

Food & Wine

VEGEMITE BAKED BEANS?!

Beans, beans the musical fruit – the more you eat the more you toot! And iconic brand Vegemite are clearly tooting their own horns with this latest ambitious crossover, as they have teamed up with SPC to sell a completely new style of flavoured baked beans. The collaboration will see the iconic spread infuse its taste in the beans and rich, cheesy tomato sauce which “oozes the bold, fair dinkum flavour of Australia”. SPC Marketing Manager George Dimkin said the collaboration was aimed to “give Aussies a reason to fall in love with baked beans all over again”. “While we’re drawing upon the iconic taste of Vegemite, that classic rich SPC flavour stays true blue, all the way through, creating the ideal Aussie combination which can be enjoyed at breakfast, lunch and tea,” she said. Each can is packed with protein, has a four-star health rating, contains no artificial flavours and is made from 4.3 servings of veggies. Jacqui Roth, Vegemite Marketing Manager, said Vegemite wanted to tap into Aussies’ love of baked beans through the collaboration. The collaboration is available at supermarkets across Australia and retails for $5 for a four-pack or $1.70 for a single can. Image: Shutterstock / Coles

Food & Wine

How Mr Bean came to be

We all grew up watching Rowan Atkinson in the much loved Mr Bean television series, animation and movies. But how did it all come to be? Atkinson, who actually has a degree in electrical engineering from Oxford University, came up with the show’s idea while studying. It was his love for acting and performing with the university’s comedy group known as “The Oxford Revue” which helped bring his character to life. The British actor had a stutter which would disappear while portraying a character but he was well received by his peers and eventually by large audiences. Atkinson described the show as “a child in a man’s body” and went on to create his dream which debuted on New Year’s Day in 1990 on ITV to a worldwide audience. Not many actors can boast that. Atkinson worked with fellow actor Richard Curtis, who saw a successful five-year run of Mr Bean which in turn saw the production of several movies. Then in 2002, an animated series of Mr Bean was also created, which saw it enjoyed by millions more around the globe. So how much did this make for Atkinson? Are you ready? An eye-watering $150 million. Not bad when you consider that the iconic character barely even utters a word! Image: Instagram

Movies

Foods that make you fart are good for you

<h1>Foods that make you fart are good for you</h1> <h2>A good sign for your microbiome.</h2> <div class="copy"> The production of gas means that your body is hosting the right kinds of bacteria in your microbiome, an Australian scientists says. Dr Trevor Lockett, Head of the Gut Health and Nutrition Group at the country’s peak government science agency, says we should encourage these “good bugs” by eating more fibre. “Fermentable components of dietary fibre have a critical role in feeding the gut microbiome,” he told Bugs, Bowels and Beyond, the 2015 National Scientific Conference of the Australian Society for Medical Research held in Adelaide, South Australia this week. Recent findings describe how different dietary components influence the microbiome, and determine their production of not just gas, but also molecules that are beneficial in the large intestine. “For example, we know now that bacteria living in the large intestine produce a short chain fatty acid known as butyrate, which can reduce inflammation by stimulating regulatory immune cells,” Lockett said. Resistant starches tend to make it through digestive processes in the stomach and small intestine to feed the microbiome in the large intestine. Unrefined whole grains, pulses and legumes, unripe bananas and cooked and cooled foods such as potatoes, pasta and rice are goods sources.  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=11098&title=Foods+that+make+you+fart+are+good+for+you" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> </div> <div id="contributors"> This article was originally published on Cosmos Magazine and was written by Bill Condie. Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia. </div>

Food & Wine

Woman’s eyebrow procedure leaves her “looking like Mr Bean”

UK mum Sarah Donnelly has proved that we go to extraordinary lengths for beauty. Sarah took to Tik Tok to share the results of a beauty treatment that she said left her “looking like Mr Bean”. She went to have her eyebrows laminated, which according to <a href="https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/a29030088/eyebrow-lamination-review/">Elle magazine</a>, “is like a lash lift for your brows ... Every hair stands to attention, giving a result very similar to the full and feathery effect of microblading, but without any needling or pain.” During the procedure, eyebrow hairs are “straightened” using a chemical solution that has results lasting for several weeks. As Sarah showed off her new brows to her online followers, she said she “couldn’t stop laughing”. In hysterics in her car after her treatment, Sarah said, “I look ridiculous! What have I done to myself?” “I don’t know whether I want to laugh or cry.” The clip was captioned, “I was trying to keep up with the kids, so I got my brows laminated, and this happened.” Among the 1,600 comments on the video, one follower likened her thick black brows to Mr Bean, to which Sarah responded, “Hilarious! I actually really look like him, don’t I?” Luckily, Sarah was able to find the humour in the situation, as she even referred to her new brows as “slugs” in one comment. While many poked fun at the trendy procedure, one person questioned why the beauty professionals would use such a dark tint colour. They asked, “Why on Earth would they put black tint on a blonde-haired woman?” Despite many in the comments vowing to never risk the procedure themselves, a few people insisted Sarah’s new look would be worth it. “In a couple of days these will look epic,” one person reassured her. “Lamination is the ultimate, trust the process!” We can only pray that Sarah publishes an update for us all to enjoy. Image credits: TikTok @sarahdonnelly5

Beauty & Style

Bean dad sparks internet fury

One of the biggest debates of 2021 so far has sent social media site Twitter into a furious divide – and it all started over a humble can of beans. Earlier this week US man John Roderick was met with fierce backlash after he took to Twitter share his own parenting story that involved making his nine-year-old daughter starve for six hours until she was able to open a can of beans. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.34556574923545px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839375/bean-dad-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/980b37e0a02a4dcfac2916ab7a7a0abb" /> <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.34556574923545px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839374/bean-dad-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8683226e648c47f98bdd1cc5cc06f112" /> <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.38718173836696px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839373/bean-dad-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ba7680d19f194a7982b6e88af2fd5ce1" /> The man has since deleted his Twitter account, but screenshots last forever. In a series of tweets, he recounted how horrified he was to discover his young child did not know how to use a can opener. He instructed her to “study the parts” and “study the cans” which left her struggling with the can for six hours in order to open the can. Hours later, Mr Roderick says his daughter had been left defeated. What was meant to be a hilarious parenting anecdote, a number of people did not see it that way. Nicknaming him “Bean Dad”, the father has been slammed for not helping his daughter, and insisting she starve instead of assisting her. The debate became even more heated when a series of racist and anti-Semitic tweets penned by Mr Roderick resurfaced. He promptly issued an apology for his “poorly told” parenting story. “I framed the story with me as the asshole dad because that’s my comedic persona and my fans and friends know it’s ‘a bit’,” he said in a statement. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> still waiting on my dad’s response but my mom’s response is killing me. “he is mean.” <a href="https://t.co/JKqhRpwwhY">pic.twitter.com/JKqhRpwwhY</a> — austin carter 🥨 (@_amcarter) <a href="https://twitter.com/_amcarter/status/1346134461457592327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a></blockquote> “I was ignorant, insensitive to the message that my ‘pedant dad’ comedic persona was indistinguishable from how abusive dads act, talk and think.” In standard Twitter fashion, a number of users took the odd story and turned the parenting lesson into a parenting test. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/XZ0VnMSFyW">pic.twitter.com/XZ0VnMSFyW</a> — Arianna Haut (@AriannaHaut) <a href="https://twitter.com/AriannaHaut/status/1346180249231347712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a></blockquote> Writer Caroline Moss shared a screenshot of a text conversation between her and her dad where she wrote: “If I was eight and didn’t know how to open a can with a can opener, how would you suggest I learn. “Take a can, an opener, start the opening, let you finish. Give you another can let you start yourself. Help if necessary,” Caroline’s dad replied. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This was a sweet answer but also weird bc we never went out to restaurants when I was 9 cuz we didn’t have money. For reference also I am 35 now, Dad is 68. <a href="https://t.co/caaCh99t3y">pic.twitter.com/caaCh99t3y</a> — Leslie (@Leslie_D) <a href="https://twitter.com/Leslie_D/status/1346213277253201922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2021</a></blockquote> Soon others were sharing their responses from their dads, which had a number of hilarious responses.

Food & Wine

Turia Pitt likened to “can of baked beans”

Motivational speaker and burns survivor Turia Pitt has shared a “compliment” she received during an encounter with a fellow traveller. The 32-year-old shared a selfie taken on a plane and revealed that a man she met at the airport likened her to “a can of baked beans”. “A very sweet man at the airport just told me that if you could personify a can of baked beans, it’d be me,” she wrote. “It was meant as a very kind compliment (and I took it that way!) but... I have questions. “Firstly, what is it about baked beans that reminds you of me? Their bland, formless shape? Their soft exterior? “Am I the sort of bean you eat in a sad, cold, straight from the tin sort of way? Or am I served in a steaming pool, atop hot buttered toast, with a side of crispy bacon, in your kitchen on a winter’s morning? TELL ME MORE ABOUT MY LIFE AS A BAKED BEAN.” <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/B5GwFYDANBJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" 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> <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/B5GwFYDANBJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A very sweet man at the airport just told me that if you could personify a can of baked beans, it’d be me. It was meant as a very kind compliment (and I took it that way!) but... I have questions. Firstly, what is it about baked beans that reminds you of me? Their bland, formless shape? Their soft exterior? The slightly sweet, hammy sauce they’re suspended in? Am I the sort of bean you eat in a sad, cold, straight from the tin sort of way? Or am I served in a steaming pool, atop hot buttered toast, with a side of crispy bacon, in your kitchen on a winters morning? TELL ME MORE ABOUT MY LIFE AS A BAKED BEAN. I need answers!!! 😂😂😂</a> <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/turiapitt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Turia</a> (@turiapitt) on Nov 20, 2019 at 3:21pm PST </div> </blockquote> Pitt’s followers added their two cents in the comment section. “I survived off of brown beans and toast in college. You are life sustaining. A very important staple in many diets,” one commented. “You can drop, kick, throw and dent a can of baked beans to within an inch of its life, and yet what’s inside will still be unwaveringly good,” another wrote. “So I can only assume he was referencing your ability to weather any number of storms and still be a top notch chick.” An Instagram user commended Pitt’s positive take on the man’s statement. “Your positive outlook shines through in every aspect of your life! Love how you’ve laughed along with him - most things can be viewed positively, it’s how we choose to handle it, which is why you’re such a great ambassador of positivity and living life to the full.”

News

Sweet potato, corn and bean salad

This wholesome salad can be eaten as a side or served on its own. Serves 4-6 as side salad Prep time: 20 mins Cooking time: 20 mins Ingredients: <ul> <li>1kg sweet potatoes, scrubbed</li> <li>2 tbs olive oil</li> <li>2 tbs fajita spice</li> <li>3 fresh corn cobs</li> <li>425g can black beans, drained, rinsed</li> <li>2 tomatoes, chopped</li> <li>1 avocado, chopped</li> <li>1/2 small red onion, halved, thinly sliced</li> <li>1 cup coriander leaves</li> </ul> Dressing <ul> <li>3 tbs extra virgin olive oil</li> <li>1 lime, juiced</li> <li>1 tbs finely chopped pickled jalapeño</li> <li>1 tsp caster sugar</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Preheat oven 220°C fan forced. Cut the sweet potatoes in half crossway then into wedges lengthways. Place onto a large, greased baking tray. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle over the fajita. Turn to coat. Roast 20 minutes, turning once until golden and tender.</li> <li>Combine all the dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Season then whisk until well combined. Remove 1 tablespoon to a jug.</li> <li>While sweet potato is roasting, cook corn on a greased barbecue grill plate, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until lightly charred. Remove to a board, cut kernels from cobs. Add corn, black beans, tomato, avocado and onion to the dressing. Stir to combine.</li> <li>Spoon corn mixture over the roasted sweet potato. Pour over the reserved dressing. Toss gently to combine. Scatter with coriander. Serve.</li> </ol> Recipe by Australian Sweet Potatoes.

Food & Wine

Caramelised onion, bean and corn tacos

Make snack time more special with these tasty tacos. Ingredients: <ul> <li>4 brown onions, peeled, thinly sliced</li> <li>2 tbs olive oil</li> <li>2 tbs brown sugar</li> <li>40g sachet fajita seasoning</li> <li>8 flour tortillas</li> <li>2x400g can black beans, rinsed, drained</li> <li>2 corn cobs, kernels removed</li> <li>375g jar mild thick and chunky salsa</li> <li>2 cups grated tasty cheese</li> <li>olive oil cooking spray</li> <li>smashed avocado, lime wedges, sour cream and coriander leaves, to serve</li> </ul> Salsa <ul> <li>½ small red onion, peeled, finely chopped</li> <li>2 vine-ripened tomatoes, deseeded, finely chopped</li> <li>½ lime, juiced</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 220°C fan forced. Lightly grease two large oven trays.</li> <li>Place onions in a shallow microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Microwave on High or 100 per cent power for 4 minutes until soft.</li> <li>Heat half the oil in a medium, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until caramelized. Add seasoning. Cook, stirring for a further 1 minute.</li> <li>Divide onions evenly over half of each tortilla. Top with beans and corn. Spoon over salsa and sprinkle with cheese. Fold over to enclose.</li> <li>Place tortillas onto trays. Spray both sides lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tortillas are golden around the edges.</li> <li>Meanwhile, make salsa. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Serve tacos with salsa, avocado, lime wedges, sour cream and coriander leaves.</li> </ol> Tips: <ul> <li>Serve tacos with chipotle mayonnaise instead of sour cream. For a spicy kick, add drained pickled jalapenos to the salsa.</li> <li>For a non-vegetarian option, replace 1 can of black beans with 300g chopped cooked chicken.</li> <li>To serve at a later time, make to the end of step 3 and place on a tray in the fridge. Kids can cook them between baking paper in a sandwich press.</li> </ul> Recipe by Australian Onions.

Food & Wine

Braised beef short ribs with beans

Try this hearty slow-cooked beef to fill you up on a cold winter's night. Ingredients <ul> <li>4 bone-in beef short ribs (about 800g)</li> <li>2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes </li> <li>5 carrots, cut into short lengths, halved lengthways</li> <li>1 onion, sliced</li> <li>4 garlic cloves, chopped</li> <li>1 rosemary sprig, leaves finely chopped</li> <li>325g cooked white beans (140g dried)</li> <li>Salt and freshly ground black pepper</li> </ul> Directions 1. Position rack about 12cm from grill and preheat grill. 2. Place short ribs in a roasting tin and grill for 8–10 minutes until well browned on both sides. 3. Preheat oven to 160°C. 4. Add tomatoes, carrots, onion, garlic and rosemary, cover with foil and cook for 3 hours. 5. Stir in beans, cover and cook for another 30 minutes. 6. Using a fork, shred meat away from bones. Season to taste. Image and recipe from <a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/185116/69171/1880?u=http://www.booktopia.com.au/one-pan-roasts-molly-shuster/prod9781760522520.html">One Pan Roasts by Molly Shuster</a>, Murdoch Books, RRP $35.00. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/braised-beef-short-ribs-with-beans.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

Family favourite: Vegetarian chilli beans

Mexican food is often a favourite with the whole family. If your kids are fussy about spice, leave out the chilli powder initially, then add it little by little each time you cook the dish to increase their tolerance. Time to prepare: 15 minutes Cooking time: 4 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: ½ red onion, chopped (use remainder for salsa) 1 red capsicum (pepper), seeds and membranes discarded, chopped 400g tin chopped tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste (concentrated purée) 2 x 400g tins red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 3 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground cumin ½ teaspoon chilli powder 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 dried bay leaves 125 ml good-quality vegetable stock 85g sour cream 2 tablespoons coriander (cilantro) leaves, coarsely chopped (optional) flour tortillas or steamed rice, to serve (optional) Avocado salsa 1 avocado, peeled and diced 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 roma (plum) tomato, seeded and diced ½ red onion, thinly sliced 1–2 tablespoons olive oil Directions: 1. Place the onion, capsicum, tomatoes, tomato paste and beans in the slow cooker. Add the ground coriander, cumin, chilli powder, garlic and bay leaves. Pour in the stock and stir to combine well. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. 2. Put all the avocado salsa ingredients in a bowl and gently stir to combine. Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and refrigerate until required. 3. Spoon the chilli beans into bowls. Top with a dollop of the sour cream and scatter over the coriander, if using. Serve with the avocado salsa and tortillas or steamed rice, if desired. Images and recipes from <a rel="noopener" href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/185116/69171/1880?u=https://www.booktopia.com.au/slow-cooker-vegetarian-katy-holder/prod9781760523589.html?source=pla&gclid=CjwKCAjw3cPYBRB7EiwAsrc-uXW5TMKVsCrkFFQLKgIeqNuUjXagEPhzCuczSMiLwLeWraYFJ3006xoCOBMQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Vegetarian</a> by Katy Holder, Murdoch Books, RRP $29.99 Photography by Alan Benson

Food & Wine

Braised beef short ribs with beans

Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS: 4 bone-in beef short ribs (about 800g) 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes 5 carrots, cut into short lengths, halved lengthways 1 onion, sliced 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1 rosemary sprig, leaves finely chopped 325g cooked white beans (140g dried) Salt and freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS: <ol> <li>Position rack about 12cm from grill and preheat grill.</li> <li>Place short ribs in a roasting tin and grill for 8–10 minutes until well browned on both sides.</li> <li>Preheat oven to 160°C.</li> <li>Add tomatoes, carrots, onion, garlic and rosemary, cover with foil and cook for 3 hours.</li> <li>Stir in beans, cover and cook for another 30 minutes.</li> <li>Using a fork, shred meat away from bones. Season to taste.</li> </ol> Image and recipe from One Pan Roasts by Molly Shuster, Murdoch Books, RRP $35.00. Written by Wyza. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/braised-beef-short-ribs-with-beans.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Food & Wine

Heinz announces “bold” changes to baked beans

Australian shoppers may have noticed a change to one of our most beloved food products in the last few weeks. Kraft Heinz has transformed its baked beans in a rebranding campaign which the company claims is for the evolving needs of Aussie consumers. The company’s baked beans have been re-sized “based on research that found the existing can sizes didn’t match,” a statement from Heinz said. The baked beans will also no longer feature a Heinz logo on the packaging which Kraft Heinz Australia Commercial President, Elkin Jackson, referred to as a “bold” move for business. “Removing the Heinz logo for a limited time is a bold move. We want to emphasise our commitment to consumers and celebrate the introduction of the new can sizes and occasions,” she said. The 420g and 820g back bean cans have been pulled from production and replaced with 300g and 555g size cans. The 130g and 220g size cans will be replaced with rebranded versions at Woolworths, Coles and IGA stores. The company has removed its logo and replaced it with “new names to highlight which can sizes are best for the different dining occasions”. The news names are the ‘Lil One’ (130g), the ‘One for One’ (220g), the ‘One for Two’ (300g) and the ‘One for All’ (555g). <img width="499" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/43190/1_499x375.jpg" alt="1 (21)"/> “First, we mapped how Australians consume Heinz Beanz. Based on that, we started asking them if our current offer matched their needs such as the perfect amount of beans on a slice of toast, for a couple to share breakfast, for a family, and to refuel for that perfect snack,” a Heinz Australia spokesperson told news.com.au. “Aussies consume their beans differently to the rest of the world so we created a portfolio that matches their needs.” The changes stem from the company’s own 2016 research and ABS Census statistics. The research highlighted that “Australian households have changed over the last decades, and Aussies are looking for ideal can sizes to suit different occasions”. The company confirmed that changes may also be coming to Heinz spaghetti. “Watch this space, there is innovation in the spaghetti category coming and we can’t wait to share this with spaghetti fans across Australia and introduce similar can sizes in spaghetti.” What do you think of Heinz's changes to its baked beans range? Tell us in the comment below.

Money & Banking

Braised Turkish pork with cumquats and white beans

Forget expensive plane tickets and hotel rooms – you can go on an exotic journey without even leaving the house thanks to this delicious braised Turkish pork recipe that’s perfect for winter. Serves: 6 Ingredients: <ul> <li>1.2 – 1.5kg pork scotch roast</li> <li>50g Turkish seasoning</li> <li>2 tablespoons oil</li> <li>1 cup mandarin juice</li> <li>1 cup sugar</li> <li>200g cumquats</li> <li>20g small onions, peeled</li> <li>400g white beans</li> <li>3 cloves roasted garlic</li> </ul> Method: <ol start="1"> <li>Preheat oven to 170⁰C.</li> <li>Trim roast and roll in the Turkish spices evenly to coat.</li> <li>Heat oil in a large deep pan over a medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Brown the roast well on all sides.</li> <li>Combine the mandarin juice and sugar together and pour over the roast and bring to the boil.</li> <li>Add the cumquats to the pan along with the onions. Cover with the lid and place in the preheated oven at 170⁰C for 1½ hours.</li> <li>Cook the beans in salted water until soft and drain. Blend with the garlic and butter until smooth.</li> <li>Remove roast and rest. Place the liquid back onto the heat and reduce.</li> <li>Serve roast sliced on a bed of bean puree and serve with cumquats and onions and drizzle with sauce.</li> </ol> NOTE: Mandarin juice may be replaced with orange juice or apple juice. Recipe courtesy of <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.pork.com.au/" target="_blank">Australian Pork</a>.

Food & Wine

This fan theory will change the way you look at Mr Bean

It’s been 25 years since Mr Bean first appeared on our screens, but a new fan theory might just change the way you look at Rowan Atkinson’s popular character. A fan theory on the popular internet forum Reddit claims Mr Bean is actually a character from outer space, and they point to the opening sequence as proof. Reddit user iKomrade said, “At the beginning of an episode, you see a bright light appear on the ground and then it grows bigger and bigger until it stops and Mr Bean falls, which in my opinion, is a comical take on an alien being beamed down from a spaceship.” <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5LCAvh1nvvs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Other users argued and expanded on the theory, with one forum users believing he was a human who was once abducted by aliens before being he returned to earth. Redditor chris2webby wrote, “He used to be normal, which is how he has his own apartment, has a girlfriend, and somehow has some spending money. “But then he was abducted by aliens, tested on, and then dumped back onto Earth (which explains the opening to every episode where he falls from a light in the sky). Since he was tested on, it messed with his mind and now he is socially awkward.” <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2_cDB2pR6eY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Atkinson gave legs to this theory in an 1993 interview where he gave a brief rundown of a synopsis of a Mr Bean episode that never actually got made. Atkinson reportedly said, “He sees this spaceship landing in a field and he stops the car. He looks up and suddenly the door (lowers) and this bright light comes out of the spaceship and a Mr Bean walks out of the spaceship... and then another Mr Bean and they all shake hands and then 25 more Mr Beans all come out of the spaceship and pat him on the back and say ‘very nice to see you’.” So, what’s your take? Do you think there’s more to Mr Bean than meets the eyes? Or do some people just have too much time on their hands? Let us know!

Baked beans with chorizo crumbs

You'll never go back to bog-standard baked beans after trying this glammed up version. Ingredients: <ul> <li>4 tablespoons olive oil</li> <li>1 large red onion, finely chopped</li> <li>4 cloves garlic, minced</li> <li>5 sundried tomatoes, finely sliced</li> <li>1 red capsicum, deseeded, roughly chopped</li> <li>3 x 400g cans beans, rinsed</li> <li>2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes</li> <li>1/4 cup apple cider vinegar</li> <li>1/4 cup maple syrup</li> <li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika</li> <li>100g chorizo</li> <li>50g sourdough bread</li> <li>Fresh coriander and lime juice to serve</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Heat half the oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and cook the onion and garlic over medium heat until it begins to stick to the bottom of the saucepan – long, slow cooking develops the flavours, so be patient and cook it slowly.</li> <li>If you're using sundried tomatoes, put them in a small bowl, cover with boiling water and let sit while the onions are cooking.</li> <li>Blend the capsicum with a stick blender (or in a food processor) until finely chopped.</li> <li>Add this, along with the sundried tomatoes (and the liquid, if you have soaked them), beans, tomatoes, vinegar, maple syrup, cinnamon and paprika to the onion, season with sea salt, bring to the boil, reduce the heat then simmer for an hour.</li> <li>While the beans are cooking, crumble or cut the chorizo into small pieces (this will depend on whether your chorizo is more like salami or sausage) and break up the bread to form rough breadcrumbs.</li> <li>Heat the remaining two tablespoons oil and fry the chorizo for several minutes before adding the breadcrumbs and continuing to cook until the breadcrumbs are crunchy.</li> <li>Serve the beans on a good grainy sourdough loaf scattered with the chorizo crumbs, a bit of coriander and a squeeze of lime juice.</li> </ol> Written by Emma Boyd. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

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