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Can all dogs swim? What to know before taking your pup for a dip

<h2>Do dogs like to swim?</h2> <p>That depends. “Some dogs like to swim on their own, as they enjoy the water,” says veterinarian Dr Amber Karwacki. Other dogs might follow you into the water even if they don’t like it for the sheer enjoyment of being next to you. And if that doesn’t pull at your heartstrings, this will: Some loyal dog breeds overcome their aversion to water because they think you’re in danger. “If your dog is protective, they will do things they normally would not to keep you safe,” says Dr Karwacki.</p> <h2>Can all dogs swim?</h2> <p>It’s impossible not to associate the doggy paddle with dogs swimming. After all, that’s where we get the basic swimming technique from. Yet not all dogs can swim. Some don’t have the desire to be in or near the water, while other breeds might find swimming difficult or impossible. “These include any of the brachycephalic, or ‘smushed nose’ breeds, and dogs with long bodies and short legs such as corgis, dachshunds and basset hounds,” says veterinarian Dr Kelly Diehl.</p> <p>The good news is that dogs without natural swimming instincts can be taught with lessons, and you can keep them safe by putting them in a doggy life jacket. But can all dogs swim if they have swimming lessons? If your pup isn’t showing any interest or appears anxious in or around water, it might be better to stay on dry land.</p> <h2>Which dogs are natural swimmers?</h2> <p>Several dog breeds are inherently drawn to water. “They tend to be breeds that were bred to work in and around water,” says Dr Diehl. If these top-notch swimmers had résumés, their roles would span from heroic water rescues to hunting and retrieving to working with humans in and around boats. Still, genetic makeup isn’t a guarantee. Some descendants of well-known water-loving breeds may never want to dip their paws in for one reason or another. That said, the most common dog breeds known for swimming include:</p> <ul> <li>Labrador retriever</li> <li>Newfoundland</li> <li>Standard poodle</li> <li>Golden retriever</li> <li>Portuguese water dog</li> <li>Otterhound</li> <li>Spanish water dog</li> <li>English setter</li> <li>Irish water spaniel</li> <li>American water spaniel</li> <li>Chesapeake Bay retriever</li> <li>Barbet</li> <li>Boykin spaniel</li> <li>Curly-coated retriever</li> <li>Flat-coated retriever</li> <li>Lagotto Romagnolo</li> </ul> <h2>Which dogs can’t swim?</h2> <p>Certain breeds simply can’t doggy paddle like others due to their physical characteristics. “Dogs with shorter legs like dachshunds, rounder chests like pugs or denser muscle mass like bull terriers cannot swim,” says Dr Karwacki. Shorter legs, long bodies or barrel-shaped bodies struggle with staying afloat. And flat-faced breeds, like pugs, can easily get water up their noses and struggle to breathe, especially while exerting themselves swimming.</p> <p>Other issues? The thick and dense coats some dogs sport aren’t waterproof or water-repellent, so they get heavy in the water. And generally, most toy dog breeds, bred to be affectionate and cuddly, tend to favour a cosy lap over swimming laps.</p> <p>Here are some of the breeds that prefer a belly rub to a belly flop:</p> <ul> <li>Pug</li> <li>Dachshund</li> <li>Bull terrier</li> <li>Bassett hound</li> <li>French bulldog</li> <li>Boxer</li> <li>Pekingese</li> <li>Corgi</li> <li>Shih Tzu</li> <li>Chow chow</li> <li>Sharpei</li> <li>Staffordshire bull terrier</li> </ul> <h2>How do you know if a dog can swim?</h2> <p>OK, now you know how to answer the question: Can all dogs swim? But how do you know if your dog can swim? Regardless of whether you have a water-loving dog, a cute mixed breed or a super mutt, the first step is figuring out if your pup has any interest in playing or swimming in the water. “Walk around shallow water, wade in a little and see if they follow,” says Dr Diehl. If they’re not interested, invite some doggy friends to join or hit up a dog park with a designated swim area for pups. “One of my own Labrador retrievers was not enthusiastic but fell right in with the crowd when she saw other dogs swimming,” Dr Diehl adds.</p> <p>Once they are in a depth of water where paddling is necessary, watch them closely. Dogs instinctively know how to dog paddle, but dogs with little or no experience panic and frantically splash around to stay afloat. Dogs that propel their paws outward and back down, pushing the body in a smooth forward motion, show they can swim beyond panic/survival mode. With frequent and consistent swim sessions, pups can learn to swim safely and comfortably.</p> <h2>How to teach your dog to swim</h2> <p>First and foremost, “never toss your dog into the water to force them to swim,” says Dr Diehl. Your sweet pup will likely panic and be scarred for life, never wanting to return for a second lesson. Sarah-Anne Reed, a consulting holistic dog trainer, shares the following steps for teaching your dog to swim.</p> <h3>Test the water</h3> <p>Select a calm and shallow area with a gradual slope. Ensure the area is free of sharp rocks, broken glass and the like. “The water should be cool but not frigid,” says Reed.</p> <p>A doggy or kiddie pool is another great way to introduce puppies to water. “Begin with a small amount of water, and put some favourite toys in the pool,” Reed advises. “Move to deeper bodies of water only when your pup is comfortable not touching the ground.”</p> <h3>Use a life vest</h3> <p>Like humans, dogs need a life vest to keep them afloat while learning to swim. Choose a doggy life vest with a handle to grab them easily when in the water. Your dog might not share your enthusiasm for wearing a vest, so hold off on the first swimming lesson until they get acclimated to it. “Help your dog feel comfortable wearing the life vest by putting it on them every day, starting with five minutes and gradually increasing the time, before taking them to swim,” says Reed.</p> <p>After your pup has mastered swimming, it’s still a smart idea to use the vest to keep them safe. It can be a literal lifesaver if your dog gets tangled up in seaweed or debris or ends up in unpredictable currents.</p> <h3>Introduce your dog to the water gradually</h3> <p>Let your dog sniff around the water, and give them time to ease into it, wading up to their ankles. “Dogs will naturally feel more comfortable if they can touch the ground with their feet as they adjust to the sensation of being in water,” says Reed. Then, slowly encourage them to venture a little deeper. “Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to reward your dog for their progress.”</p> <h3>Show your dog how to swim</h3> <p>Since most dogs want to be with you, doing whatever you’re doing, use that to your advantage and get into the water with them – as long as you know how to swim. If your dog is scared, grab the handle on the vest and hold them close. “Once they seem comfortable in the water, swim around in front of your dog and encourage them to follow you,” says Reed. “This is easier if one person is holding your dog, while the other is gently coaxing them to swim.”</p> <p>Dog water toys and balls are great ways to entice your dog to stay in the water and swim. Toss one just a metre or so at first, and then gradually increase the throwing distance when your dog gets more confident.</p> <h3>Stay close and monitor your dog</h3> <p>Your dog is depending on you to be their personal lifeguard while they are in and around the water. “Keep an eye on their body language and behaviour, and be ready to help them if they need it. Some dogs might not realise their limit, especially puppies or dogs swimming together who are having a grand ol’ time in the water. “If your dog becomes tired and is struggling to swim or panting excessively, take a break, and try again another day,” says Reed.</p> <h3>Rinse off your dog after swimming</h3> <p>“After your dog’s swim, rinse them off with fresh water to remove any chlorine or salt from their coat,” says Reed. This will help prevent skin irritation and the possibility of toxic ingestion when dogs lick their wet fur.</p> <h2>Other safety issues to watch out for</h2> <p>Ready for a dip? Wait! Keeping your dog safe in the water isn’t simply a matter of keeping them afloat. Here are some other things to keep in mind:</p> <h3>Harmful algae</h3> <p>“With the climate warming, we’re seeing a lot more cases of blue-green algae poisoning,” says Dr Diehl. Seen in freshwater, this bluish-green algae can smell like rotting garbage. Avoid any water that clearly has pond scum and smells. When a dog drinks this contaminated water or licks its fur after swimming, it can work quickly.</p> <p>Warning signs your dog is sick include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, staggering, disorientation and seizures within hours of exposure or up to a few days after ingesting, Dr Diehl says. If you suspect your dog was in blue-green algae water, call your veterinarian immediately.</p> <h3>Dangerous water conditions</h3> <p>Many dogs are stellar swimmers, but even the Michael Phelps of the canine world can get caught off-guard in certain conditions. “Dog owners still need to be mindful of rough weather, large waves, air temperature and water temperature,” says Dr Diehl.</p> <h3>Hazards in the water</h3> <p>Whether you’re heading into the lake or a pool, scope the area for potential hazards. “Ensure there is a safe entry and exit point,” says Dr Karwacki. Seeing every danger in the water is impossible, but you should still look for broken glass, sharp shells and dead tree limbs under the surface that could trap your dog. If your dog doesn’t object, try getting them used to wearing paw protectors to shield their paws from sharp objects and hot sand that can burn their paw pads.</p> <h3>Deeper-than-expected water</h3> <p>“Dogs can charge into the water and suddenly find themselves in over their head,” says Dr Diehl. This happened to one of her neighbour’s dogs that was used to swimming in shallow water. “She decided to follow our Labrador into a pond near our house but started panicking when she found herself suddenly in deeper water, and we had to wade in and help her out.” Dogs may not have good judgement about how far or deep they should go, so always be present when your dog is swimming.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/can-all-dogs-swim-what-to-know-before-taking-your-pup-for-a-dip" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Oh buoy! British tourist learns a tough lesson in taking a drunken dip

<p>When this British tourist decided it would be a good idea to take a morning dip, he could not possibly have anticipated the way his day was going to go. </p> <p>In a clip that has taken the internet by storm, the holidaymaker was found clinging to a buoy at about 7 am in the morning, roughly 3.2 kilometres off the coast of Thailand near Pattaya. </p> <p>As to why he’d been out there so early in the first place? It had seemed like a “good idea”. </p> <p>The young man was reportedly intoxicated at the time of his discovery, when a boat passed by and he waved them down in his swimming shorts, seemingly hoping to catch a ride back to shore. </p> <p>After getting himself onboard, he took a moment to try and catch his breath, before informing the captain that his situation had arisen from him waking up and thinking a swim would be a good idea first thing. And before launching into some small talk with his saviour, he elaborated on his peculiar situation by adding, “I swim swim swim and then…”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNewsflare%2Fvideos%2F584202360137745%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=380&amp;t=0" width="380" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>The boat’s captain, Charawat Rasrikrit, later reported that the young man appeared to be unhurt, and that he had been returned to his hotel. </p> <p>“I went to the temple early in the morning because it was a Buddhist holy day. I drove my boat and did not expect to see [a] tourist,” he admitted. “He was waving at me and said he could not swim back.</p> <p>“Maybe the Buddha took me to that area of the sea to help him. It was a holiday, not many boats would pass by him if I didn't come.</p> <p>“I see a lot of tourists get into trouble here. I thought that maybe he had been out partying the night before and was still in a good mood in the morning. He was probably still a little bit drunk. </p> <p>“A lot of tourists behave strangely when they come here.”</p> <p><em>Images: News Flare / Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Rental properties dip below “safe” temperatures

<p dir="ltr">If you have ever felt freezing cold in your rental apartment, even when you have a blanket wrapped around you and the heater on, you’re not alone. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to a new study, conducted by tenants’ advocacy group Better Renting, rental homes in both New South Wales and Victoria are below the World Health Organisation’s recommended “safe and well-balanced” 18ºC a full 70 per cent of winter months.</p> <p dir="ltr">On top of this, the lowest house temperature recorded so far was a toe-numbingly low 6ºC.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the study is still ongoing, these figures are enough to raise concern. </p> <p dir="ltr">The group’s founder and executive director, Joel Dignam, said that even beyond these 18ºC, there were very low temperatures seen in even relatively warm parts of the two states.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Even in some relatively warmer parts of Australia, the average temperatures are still really low. So in New South Wales and Victoria, the average temperature in the rental properties we’re tracking is still below 18ºC,” he told the ABC. </p> <p dir="ltr">The study involved the group using around-the-clock temperature trackers inside 70 rental homes over seven weeks during winter.</p> <p dir="ltr">On top of these alarming temperatures, Sydney’s wild weather and unrelenting rain since March has meant many homes, specifically rentals, are filled with damp and mould, which thrive in a colder environment. </p> <p dir="ltr">In response to this, landlords have been telling renters it’s not only their responsibility to fix it, but that the solution was to leave windows open for ventilation, bringing in the freezing temperatures. </p> <p dir="ltr">All these elements considered, it seems renters can’t win.</p> <p dir="ltr">While the conclusion of the report has not yet been finalised, hopefully there is some resolution for tenants to be able to live in a warm, and habitable environment. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Real Estate

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Rap song linked to dip in suicide rates

<p><em>Content warning: This article contains mentions of suicide.</em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An American rap song has been more than just a hit on the charts, after new research found it had a direct link to more people reaching out for crisis support and a decrease in suicide-related deaths.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">1-800-273-8255</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a song by American rapper Logic, features the phone number for the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The study, published in the </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj-2021-067726" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">BMJ</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, found that within 34 days of the song’s release in April 2017, the 2017 MTV Music Video Awards and the 2018 Grammy Awards, the hotline received an increase of 9,915 calls - working out to be an increase of seven percent more than the expected number.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846511/logic1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1958b234800047b3926988b93a6e3e28" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Logic performing ‘1-800-273-8255’ at the VMAs in 2017. Image: Getty Images</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These three events generated intense public attention around the song, and within those periods of publicity, the number of suicides in the US decreased by 245.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">1-800-273-8255</span></em> <a rel="noopener" href="https://happymag.tv/logic-song-linked-decline-in-suicide-rates/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">has been praised</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for its efforts to end the stigma surrounding mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But, the researchers point out that their study is only observational and “can’t establish cause”. They also noted that it was unclear whether the song had any effects beyond the three events where it received peak attention, or whether using social media data captured how many people listened to the song.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite this, </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/1-800-hip-hop-song-linked-to-a-reduction-in-suicides-in-the-us" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">they say</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> these findings “emphasise the potential population health benefits of working creatively and innovatively” with the music industry to share stories of people seeking help and depicting people coping during times of crisis.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Logic has also been touched by the impact the song has had and the attention it’s brought to suicide prevention.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We did it from a really warm place in our hearts to try to help people,” he told </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">CNN</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “And the fact that it actually did, that blows my mind.”</span></p> <p><em>If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/" target="_blank">lifeline.org.au</a> or <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites" target="_blank">beyondblue.org.au</a>.</em></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Mind

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Crunchy vegetable chips with peanut dip

<p>Oven–baked chips are not only healthier than those that are fried - their flavour is fresher too. Here, thin slices of beetroot and potato are baked to make dippers for a spicy Southeast Asian dip. If possible, slice the vegetables with a mandolin to ensure they are all an even thickness.</p> <div id="ingredients"><strong>Ingredients:</strong> <ul class="no-bullet"> <li>2 teaspoons sunflower oil</li> <li>1 large red Asian shallot, finely chopped</li> <li>1 clove garlic, crushed</li> <li>½ teaspoon ground cumin</li> <li>½ teaspoon ground coriander</li> <li>¼ cup (60 g) crunchy peanut butter</li> <li>1 tablespoon light soy sauce</li> <li>1 tablespoon honey</li> <li>1 tablespoon lemon juice</li> <li>2 potatoes, about 350 g in total, scrubbed</li> <li>3 beetroot, about 350 g in total, scrubbed</li> <li>2 tablespoons sunflower oil</li> <li>½ teaspoon sea salt flakes</li> </ul> </div> <p><strong>Preparation:</strong></p> <div> <ol> <li>To make the dip, heat the oil in a small saucepan over a moderate heat, add the shallot and garlic, and fry, stirring frequently, for 3–4 minutes, or until the shallot is soft and golden brown.</li> <li>Stir in the cumin and coriander, and cook for a further few seconds, then add the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey and 4 tablespoons water.</li> <li>Stir over a gentle heat until the ingredients are smoothly combined.</li> <li>Remove from the heat and mix in the lemon juice.</li> <li>Spoon into a small bowl, cover and set aside in a cool place while preparing the chips.</li> <li>Preheat the oven to 220°C.</li> <li>Cut the potatoes and beetroot into very thin slices, about 3 mm, preferably using a mandolin.</li> <li>Alternatively, use the fine slicing blade in a food processor, or slice as thinly and evenly as possible with a sharp knife.</li> <li>Put the potato and beetroot slices in 2 separate large bowls and add 1 tablespoon oil to each bowl.</li> <li>Toss the vegetable slices until they are all coated lightly with oil, then spread them out, making sure they are in a single layer, on 3 large non–stick baking trays (or on ordinary baking trays lined with baking paper).</li> <li>Sprinkle the slices evenly with the sea salt flakes.</li> <li>Bake for 35 minutes, turning the vegetables over frequently and swapping round the position of the baking trays each time you turn the vegetables, until the potatoes are crisp and golden and the beetroot is firm but still slightly moist.</li> <li>Keep a close eye on the chips towards the end of their baking time, to be sure they do not burn, removing them as soon as they are ready.</li> <li>Transfer to a wire rack.</li> <li>To serve, place the bowl of dip on a large serving platter and pile the cooled chips around it.</li> </ol> <p><em>This article first appeared in </em><span><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/recipes/vegetable-chips-with-peanut-dip"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></span></p> </div> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

Food & Wine

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Sweet potato oven fries with lime coriander dipping sauce

<p>Oven-baked sweet potato fries sing with a zingy lime dipping sauce. It’s the perfect game-day snack. You just might need to double the recipe.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <p><em>For the fries</em></p> <ul> <li>1 large sweet potato, about 650 g, peeled and cut into chips, about 1 cm thick</li> <li>2 tablespoons polenta</li> <li>1 teaspoon sea salt</li> <li>½ teaspoon smoked paprika, or use ground cumin</li> <li>½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li> <li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li> </ul> <p><em>For the dipping sauce</em></p> <ul> <li>125 ml mayonnaise</li> <li>½ small garlic clove, finely chopped</li> <li>2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander leaves</li> <li>3 teaspoons lime juice</li> <li>½ teaspoon grated lime zest</li> <li>½ teaspoon Tabasco or other hot sauce, or to taste</li> <li>½ teaspoon sea salt</li> <li>¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol start="1"> <li>Put the sweet potato chips in a large mixing bowl, cover with cold water and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse and drain the sweet potatoes in a colander, then tip them onto paper towel to dry. Blot any remaining visible moisture with paper towel.</li> <li>Preheat the oven to 210°C. Adjust the oven racks so there is one at the top of the oven and one at the bottom. Put 2 baking trays in the oven to heat.</li> <li>In a small mixing bowl, whisk or stir the polenta, sea salt, paprika and pepper until combined.</li> <li>In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato chips in the oil until each chip is coated. Tip the polenta/spice mix over the chips and toss well, until all the chips are well coated.</li> <li>Remove the baking trays from the oven and line with baking paper. Spread half of the chips on each tray, making sure there is plenty of room between the chips. Bake for 20 minutes, then turn the chips and rotate the trays. Bake until the edges of the chips are turning dark, about 15–20 minutes more.</li> <li>Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, garlic, coriander, lime juice, lime zest, Tabasco, salt and pepper.</li> <li>To serve, place the fries on a plate with the dipping sauce in a small dish on the side.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Tip:</strong> use orange sweet potato. </p> <p><img width="182" height="171" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36509/image__182x171.jpg" alt="Image_ (276)" style="float: right;"/></p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from </em>The Potato Cookbook<em> by Dale Whybrow published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $24.99 and is available in stores nationally. Image credit: Ben Cole.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, </strong></em><strong>The Way Mum Made It</strong><em><strong>, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a></span>.</strong></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Mock chicken dip

<p>As featured in the Over60 cookbook, <em>The Way Mum Made It</em>, Sue Ferguson says of her mock chicken dip recipe, “This recipe is handwritten by Mum in my own recipe book. I have been making it all my married life and find it very handy for ‘Happy Hours’ on the road. It has been shared with many Grey Nomads over our many years of travelling this great land. My mum, who is now 92, often made this delicious dip when guests were coming over at short notice. Everyone has the ingredients in their pantry and it’s so easy to make. Tastes good on crackers or sandwiches and the ingredients can be doubled or tripled.”</p> <p>To get this recipe and 174 others, for a limited time you can get 23 per cent of the Over60 cookbook, <em>The Way Mum Made It</em> by <a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-way-mum-made-it-alexandra-o-brien/prod9780733335037.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">clicking here.</span></strong></a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Makes:</span> 1 cup</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>1 tablespoon butter</li> <li>1 tablespoon diced onion</li> <li>1 tomato, peeled and diced</li> <li>1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs</li> <li>salt and pepper, to season</li> <li>1 tablespoon tasty cheese, grated</li> <li>1 egg, lightly beaten</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until just melted. Add the onion, tomato and mixed herbs. Season to taste. Simmer gently until the ingredients are soft.</li> <li>Add the cheese and egg. As soon as the egg is cooked, remove from the heat. Allow to cool, then refrigerate until needed.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Note:</strong> This dip will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.</p>

Food & Wine

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Chunky sundried tomato and parmesan dip

<p>You rarely buy store bought pasta sauce, so why settle for store bought dip? This hearty, gourmet, home recipe is what your cheese platters have been missing.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>1/2 cup semi sundried tomatoes</li> <li>1/2 cup loosely packed flat-leaf parsley</li> <li>2 tablespoons raw almonds</li> <li>40g parmesan cheese, cut in small chunks</li> <li>100g cream cheese, softened</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Place tomatoes, parsley, almonds and parmesan in the bowl of a food processor and blitz to a chunky paste. Add cream cheese and pulse to combine.</li> <li>Serve with vegetable crudités or as a spread for sandwiches.</li> </ol> <p>Tip: Try substituting the semi sun dried tomatoes for roasted red capsicum. The flavour of this dip will intensify with standing, so try making it a few hours before serving.</p> <p>What’s your favourite kind of dip to serve when you’re having guests over? Do you have a personal recipe to share with us? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Recipe courtesy of Legendairy. <a href="http://www.legendairy.com.au/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Visit their site for more delicious food ideas.</strong></span></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, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now.</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/04/salsa-verde/" target="_blank"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Salsa verde</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/04/blue-cheese-dip/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Blue cheese dip</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/04/roast-beetroot-dip/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Roast beetroot dip</span></em></strong></a></p>

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Blue cheese dip

<p>This recipe for blue cheese dip provides you with a sauce that’s a tasty addition to any plate of appetisers. Serve this dip with carrot and celery sticks. </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Ingredients</strong>:</span></p> <ul> <li>2 teaspoons olive oil</li> <li>3 garlic cloves, crushed</li> <li>100g mild blue cheese, crumbled</li> <li>250g tub crème fraiche</li> <li>1 tablespoon lemon juice</li> <li>Extra 20g blue cheese, crumbled</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Method</strong>:</span></p> <ol> <li>Pour oil into a small frying pan and heat at a medium setting.</li> <li>Add garlic and cook, stirring, for about a minute or until it becomes fragrant.</li> <li>Transfer garlic to a medium sized bowl and set aside for 10 minutes to cool.</li> <li>Once cooled, add blue cheese and crème fraiche to the garlic.</li> <li>Combine with a stick blender, until the mixture is smooth and thickened.</li> <li>Drizzle with lemon juice and toss to coat.</li> <li>Place the tip in a service bowl and top with extra cheese.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/guacamole/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Guacamole</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/03/carrot-and-cumin-dip/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Carrot and cumin dip</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/spinach-artichoke-dip/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Creamy spinach and artichoke dip</strong></em></span></a></p>

Food & Wine

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Roast beetroot dip

<p>If you’re sick of your regular dips and after something a little bit different, this recipe provides a delicious alternative. This is easy to make and very tasty.</p> <p>We recommend serving this dip with grissini breadsticks.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Ingredients</strong>:</span></p> <ul> <li>1 bunch beetroot</li> <li>1 head garlic</li> <li>Olive oil cooking spray</li> <li>1 cup low-fat yoghurt</li> <li>2 tablespoons dill, finely chopped</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Method</strong>:</span></p> <ol> <li>To begin, line a baking tray with baking paper and preheat your over to 200°C.</li> <li>Trim the beetroot, leaving 1cm of the stalks attached.</li> <li>Cut a tiny bit off the top of the head of garlic, roughly 5mm.</li> <li>Place beetroot and your garlic onto the prepared baking tray and spray with oil.</li> <li>Roast for 45 minutes or until tender. Test with a skewer.</li> <li>Set aside to cool for 15 minutes.</li> <li>Gently peel and discard skin from beetroot and squeeze garlic flesh from the head.</li> <li>Chop the beetroot, roughly, then place into a food processor with the garlic flesh.</li> <li>Process until smooth, then transfer to a glass bowl.</li> <li>Stir in the yogurt, dill, some salt and pepper, then cover.</li> <li>Refrigerator for a few hours, then transfer to a serving bowl.</li> <li>If you have any additional dill leftover, use to garnish.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/guacamole/">Guacamole</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/03/carrot-and-cumin-dip/">Carrot and cumin dip</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/spinach-artichoke-dip/">Creamy spinach and artichoke dip</a></strong></em></span></p>

Food & Wine

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Carrot and cumin dip

<p>If you’ve got guests coming over and would like to add a bit of flavour to the appetisers, consider whipping up this delicious carrot and cumin dip. </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients: </span></strong></p> <ul> <li>1kg carrots, peeled, coarsely chopped</li> <li> ¼ cup olive oil</li> <li> 2 teaspoons ground cumin</li> <li> 3 garlic cloves, crushed</li> <li> Salt and freshly ground black pepper</li> <li> Turkish pide, or flatbread to serve</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Cook the carrot in a large saucepan of salted boiling water.</li> <li>Cook for 30 minutes or until tender then drain.</li> <li>Place the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor, and process until smooth.</li> <li>Taste and season with salt and pepper.</li> <li>Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with pide or flatbread.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/asparagus-with-greek-dressing/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Asparagus with Greek dressing</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/03/carrot-and-ginger-soup/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Carrot and ginger soup</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/sugar-free-carrot-cake-muffins/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Sugar-free carrot cake muffins</strong></em></span></a></p>

Food & Wine

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This crocodile takes morning dip in swimming pool

<p>A two and a half metre crocodile has been found floating languidly in a Florida Keys swimming pool, in what must’ve been an interesting couple of minutes for the homeowner.</p> <p>As we see in the image below, the monster croc really looks as though it’s enjoying the dip.</p> <p><img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/14473/crocodile-in-text_500x375.jpg" alt="Crocodile In Text" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><em>Image credit: Facebook / Monroe County Sheriff’s Office </em></p> <p>The homeowner has only just moved into the area, and while he may have expected to be doing some entertaining he probably didn’t think he’d be catering for these kinds of guests.</p> <p>Monroe County Sheriff’s Office took the photo and posted it on social media.</p> <p>As local Fish and Wildlife officials tried to figure out what to do with the massive reptile, the crocodile (obviously fully refreshed) slowly lumbered back into the ocean.</p> <p>Check out the video above to see the crocodile yourself.  </p> <p><em>Video credit: Facebook / Monroe County Sheriff’s Office </em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/01/grandma-finds-out-granddaughter-having-triplets/"><strong>Watch this Grandma find out her granddaughter is having triplets</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/01/man-old-blanket-worth-a-fortune/"><strong>Man finds out old blanket is worth a fortune</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/news/news/2016/01/baby-elephant-best-friend-dog/"><strong>Baby elephant rejected from its herd finds unlikely new best friend in a dog</strong></a></em></span></p>

News

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Creamy spinach and artichoke dip

<p>A dip that’s sure to be a hit at parties, this creamy spinach and artichoke appetiser is best served with fresh bread and crackers.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Makes</span>:</strong> Approximately four cups</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients</span>:</strong></p> <ul> <li>250g frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained</li> <li>1 jar (275g) marinated artichokes, drained and chopped</li> <li>1 cup shredded mozzarella</li> <li>½ cup grated Parmesan cheese</li> <li>1 clove garlic, minced</li> <li>¼ cup mayonnaise</li> <li>½ cup sour cream</li> <li>Pinch of salt</li> <li>Olive oil, to grease</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method</span>:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly grease a small baking dish.</li> <li>Combine all ingredients in bowl except olive oil. Mix well. Transfer mixture into baking dish. Bake in oven for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and brown. Cool before serving.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/10/cucumber-mint-dip/"></a></em></span></strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/peach-popsicles/">Peach popsicles</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/10/cucumber-mint-dip/"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/baked-parmesan-zucchini/">Baked parmesan zucchini</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/10/cucumber-mint-dip/"></a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/12/tuna-noodle-patties/">Tuna noodle patties with lime and cucumber yogurt</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/10/cucumber-mint-dip/"> </a></em></span></strong></p> <p> </p>

Food & Wine

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Creamy spinach dip

<p>For a dip that’s sure to impress when entertaining, try this creamy spinach dip served with a side of tortilla chips and crunchy veggies.</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves</span>:</strong> 6-8 &nbsp;</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients: </span></strong></p><ol><li>250g fresh or frozen spinach, chopped</li><li>½ cup sour cream</li><li>100g cream cheese, softened</li><li>½ cup thickened cream</li><li>1 clove garlic, minced</li><li>1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese</li><li>2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese</li><li>4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled</li></ol><p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method: </span></strong></p><ol><li>Preheat oven to 200°C.</li><li>In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, cream and garlic with an electric mixer until creamy. Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese and spinach. Beat until well combined.</li><li>Pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and browned.&nbsp; Let cool and top with crumbled bacon. Serve with a side of tortilla chips.</li></ol><p><strong>Related links:</strong></p><p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/01/coconut-macaroons/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Coconut macaroons</span></a></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/01/blueberry-cheesecake/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Blueberry cheesecake</span></a></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/01/mini-smoked-salmon-quiches/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mini smoked salmon and parsley quiches</span></a></strong></em></p>

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