Placeholder Content Image

Woman’s painful shoulder leads to shock diagnosis

<p dir="ltr">In December 2022, a normal day in the office turned into a nightmare for 24-year-old Kadi Watson.</p> <p dir="ltr">The customer service rep stretched out her hand to feel her shoulder - the same shoulder she'd been experiencing pain with a day prior. </p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to<em> 7Life</em>, the 24-year-old revealed, “It felt kind of like when you do a workout and then days later you get the muscle soreness.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I hadn’t done anything to warrant having that soreness.” </p> <p dir="ltr">She said she was feeling between her neck and her right shoulder when she discovered a lump. </p> <p dir="ltr">“OK, that’s a bit unusual,” she recalled. </p> <p dir="ltr">For the next two days, she monitored the lump, but it didn’t go away.</p> <p dir="ltr">So, she booked a doctor’s appointment and her GP reassured her there shouldn’t be “much need to worry”.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, to rule out anything malicious, the GP booked her in for an ultrasound of the lump and an X-ray. </p> <p dir="ltr">A week later, as Watson was set for her ultrasound, the technician contacted a radiologist and requested that Watson also undergo a CT scan. </p> <p dir="ltr">The scan showed “heaps of lumps” around her chest and heart.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s when they said, ‘This is more serious than just a lump growing on your neck’,” she revealed.</p> <p dir="ltr">She underwent surgery to remove the lumps and admitted she had come to terms with the possibility she could have cancer. </p> <p dir="ltr">When she learned the results, Watson was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma - a rare type of blood cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was expecting a phone call, I knew it wasn’t going to be face to face,” she said, adding that by that point she was exhausted from going to appointments every day and waiting around for calls.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Obviously, a call would have been better, but I got the text message instead,” she explained.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I feel like I was a bit more mentally prepared when I got those results because by that time it had been three or four weeks with, ‘This is what you could have’ and me mentally preparing for that answer.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Watson said her diagnosis put her life into perspective. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I thought by 24 I would have done a bit more than just do the old routine kind of thing,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I felt like I should have done more with my life than just sat here and worked.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You spend so much time working - and not enough time living.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She has also connected with people on their own journeys throughout 2023 so far.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I get probably five messages a day of people telling me how much this has helped them and what they can look out for,” she admitted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s not really the most common cancer out there and I didn’t know about it until I got diagnosed with it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So I’m glad to spread a bit more awareness.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m very, very excited for the day where I can say ‘I’m in remission’.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

Crumbed Lamb Cutlets with Vegemite

<p>Jazz up your lamb cutlets this Xmas with these simple yet delicious homemade breadcrumbs and my secret ingredient; vegemite, which takes the overall flavour to the next level!</p> <p>Whenever we have family or friends visiting, I turn to making lamb cutlets as they’re easy to cook with, taste delicious and my go-to little hack to help them go further is by crumbing them. I know it can be so easy to resort to pre-made or panko breadcrumbs but these homemade breadcrumbs are truly worth it. But what makes this recipe extra special is the use of vegemite. I know that may sound weird but let me put it this way for you… you would pair lamb with anchovy so why not vegemite? It’s a great anchovy replacement and has a rich depth of umami flavour that is perfectly paired with lamb. </p> <p>You can also cook these lamb cutlets three different ways: in the oven, airfryer or my favourite way, shallow fried in extra virgin olive oil – AND the best part, they take 15 mins max to prep and cook. Something we all need when welcoming family members round.</p> <p>Makes 10 - 12 cutlets Serves 4</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <p>Raddico, Watercress and Feta salad</p> <p>● 1 raddico</p> <p>● 1 bunch watercress</p> <p>● 2 cups peas</p> <p>● 100g feta</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lemon Honey Dressing</span></p> <p>● ½ cup olive oil</p> <p>● 2 tablespoons honey</p> <p>● ¼ cup lemon juice</p> <p>● 1 garlic clove finely sliced</p> <p>● Zest from 2 lemons</p> <p>● Salt and pepper</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Vegemite toast crumb lamb cutlets</span></p> <p>● 10 - 12 lamb cutlets</p> <p>● 6 slices of white sandwich loaf</p> <p>● 1 tablespoons vegemite</p> <p>● 2 eggs</p> <p>● 1 garlic clove crushed</p> <p>● 1/2 cup flour</p> <p>● 1 teaspoon salt</p> <p>● 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper</p> <p>● ½ bunch fresh parsley roughly chopped and stalks discarded</p> <p>● ½ tablespoon fresh rosemary roughly chopped</p> <p>● Extra Virgin Olive oil</p> <p>Method -</p> <p>Raddico, Watercress and Feta salad</p> <p>1. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl. For the dressing, combine all ingredients into</p> <p>a jar and shake well. Dress the salad and sprinkle with feta.</p> <p>Vegemite toast crumb lamb cutlets</p> <p>1. Lay the bread out onto a baking tray and leave it to dry out overnight. It’s important your</p> <p>bread has been dried out as this will give you the crispiest breadcrumbs.</p> <p>2. In a shallow wide bowl, whisk your eggs and garlic together.</p> <p>3. Place several lamb cutlets at a time between two pieces of baking paper. Using the smooth side of a mallet pound the cutlets, until roughly 2cm thick throughout. This step is to ensure the lamb cooks at an even rate.</p> <p>4. Spread the vegemite onto one side of the bread. Roughly tear apart your bread and</p> <p>place into a food processor with the parsley and rosemary. Blend until the bread is</p> <p>chunky and the herbs have been mixed through. Place your breadcrumbs into a bowl.</p> <p>5. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and pepper. Begin with your flour, followed by the egg wash, breadcrumbs and finish with a large clean plate to place the cutlets. Take one lamb cutlet and coat both sides evenly with the flour, place into the egg wash, coat both sides evenly. Lastly, place into the breadcrumb mixture applying pressure with your hands when you flip the lamb over to ensure the breadcrumbs are evenly coated all over. Set aside and repeat with the remainder of the cutlets. Place the lamb into the fridge for 30 - 60 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to set and bring the meat to a cold temperature.</p> <p>6. In a large frying pan, add 2 - 3cm of olive oil and bring to heat. Turn the heat down to low- medium and fry 1 - 2 pieces of lamb at a time for 3 minutes on one side and then 2.5 minutes on the other or until they are golden and crispy. Place the lamb cutlet onto a cooling rack.</p> <p>7. Enjoy with the raddico, watercress and feta salad.</p> <p><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

“A serious chip on her shoulder”: Pauline Hanson refuses to see ‘foreign’ doctors

<p dir="ltr">Pauline Hanson has revealed that she refuses to be treated by doctors trained outside of Australia, claiming that she doesn’t trust them and that they are not up to Australian standards.</p> <p dir="ltr">The controversial leader of the right-wing One Nation party made the revelation while slamming a proposal from Health Minister Brad Hazzard to remove barriers preventing overseas doctors from working in Australia.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Hazzard told the <em><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/brad-hazzard-slams-barbed-wire-fence-blocking-foreign-doctors-from-easing-gp-crisis/news-story/c8c2564f2705459be3c745f9fca74c22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Telegraph</a></em> that the “barbed wire fence” of red tape medical graduates trained overseas face to practice in New South Wales has forced hundreds of doctors to quit the industry, even as the country faces a GP shortage that risks creating a healthcare “apocalypse”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This should be ringing alarm bells in the offices of the Federal Health Department and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP),” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to <em>Sky News</em>, Hanson questioned the red tape Mr Hazzard was referring to and went on to claim that his plan would lower the standards in healthcare.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Lowering the standard again which I believe that if you do that and allow these foreign doctors here that are not up to our standards,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Well then you're going to play Russian roulette with people's lives.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I personally will not go to a foreign doctor because I don't trust ... the system when I know they've allowed them into this country and most of them don't pass the first test.”</p> <p dir="ltr">To practise medicine in Australia, doctors who have earned medical degrees from overseas institutions need to be registered with the <a href="https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/International-Medical-Graduates.aspx">Australian Medical Council</a>, which can involve passing a written exam and clinical exam, including demonstrating a minimum standard of English speaking skills through proof of education in English or passing one of several exams.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hanson claimed that a lot of overseas doctors had to take the test “a couple of times” and that many couldn’t pass because “they can’t speak English” - though it is unclear which test she was referring to.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You can't be a doctor in this country if you can't communicate with the patient. It's not good at all,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“If we allow these foreign doctors in that can't pass the test, they've already lowered the standard twice.”</p> <p dir="ltr">To combat this lowering of standards, Hanson said the solution should be paying GPs more to prevent them from moving into specialist areas to get a higher wage.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We've got to stop draining doctors from other countries and bringing them out here to Australia because, you know, we have a world standard in (medicine),” she continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The people (Australia is) bringing over from overseas, we're lowering our standards.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Her comments have come under fire across social media, with many rallying to support internationally-trained doctors and praising them for the care they have provided.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Pauline Hanson yet again demonstrated prejudice against foreign trained doctors. Maybe we should fast track our current medical students? Oh that would be lowering standards then as well! And who still has mandates? Misleading bigoted crap once again from this troublemaker!” one person noted.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To all my wonderful colleagues, Australian or from other countries, who Pauline Hanson might consider foreign. I am so sorry. You are wonderful,” one emergency physician <a href="https://twitter.com/KristinJBoyle/status/1579640575925837824" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted</a>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c6079882-7fff-b484-1053-8a117b306bc5"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Our health system depends on you. Thank you for working alongside me and for treating me and my family. 🙏”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">My GP came to Australia from overseas, he is an excellent communicator and caring doctor, I thank him for picking up my cancer. What Pauline Hanson is doing is spewing racist bile based on her own prejudices. She is a truly awful human being with a serious chip on her shoulder</p> <p>— Dr Anthony (Tony) Moore 💉💉💉💉 (@PerpetualWinger) <a href="https://twitter.com/PerpetualWinger/status/1579652006733828102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Another doctor wrote: “My GP came to Australia from overseas, he is an excellent communicator and caring doctor, I thank him for picking up my cancer. </p> <p dir="ltr">“What Pauline Hanson is doing is spewing racist bile based on her own prejudices. She is a truly awful human being with a serious chip on her shoulder.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-df35916e-7fff-f4d1-59ed-7d2586e0a100"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Sky News</em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Shepherd’s pie with sweet potato topping

<p>Not only is this dish the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, but it’s also a meal with an interesting history.</p> <p>Made to use up any leftover meat, Shepard’s pie dates back to the 1790s. When it is made with beef it's called cottage pie and if it is made with lamb, then it's shepherd's pie.</p> <p>The sweet potato really spices this recipe up a bit to give it some kiwi flavour.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>2 tbsp. butter, olive or coconut oil</li> <li>1 brown onion, finely chopped</li> <li>2 medium carrots, medium diced</li> <li>2 celery sticks, medium diced</li> <li>450g lamb mince</li> <li>1 ½ (375ml) cups beef stock</li> <li>1 tbsps. Worcestershire sauce</li> <li>40g tomato paste</li> <li>2 large sweet potatoes, peel and cut to quarters</li> <li>2 more tbsps. of butter</li> <li>Dash of cream or full fat milk</li> <li>½ cup mozzarella cheese grated</li> <li>¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated</li> <li>Freshly ground salt and pepper</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 180°C for a fan forced oven.</li> <li>Heat butter in a large pan and on a medium heat add onions, carrot and celery.</li> <li>Cook stirring for 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened.</li> <li>Add lamb and cook until browned, for about 5-8 minutes, squashing any lumps with a fork.</li> <li>Add beef stock, Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste.</li> <li>Season with salt and pepper.</li> <li>Reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally and cook for 30 - 40 minutes or until sauce thickens.</li> <li>When meat sauce has thickened, spoon into an oven proof dish and spread with mashed sweet potatoes.</li> <li>Sprinkle with the two cheeses.</li> <li>Bake 20 minutes or until the top is golden and juices are bubbling through.</li> <li>Serve with some simple steamed broccoli.</li> </ol> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

Gordon Ramsay slammed for "very sad" animal video

<p dir="ltr">Gordon Ramsay has caused quite a stir after jokingly picking out a lamb to eat for his next meal.</p> <p dir="ltr">The celebrity chef shared the TikTok video of himself standing on the fence looking at the lambs in delight as he rubbed his hands together repeatedly saying “yummy yum yum yum yum”.</p> <p dir="ltr">He then asks "Which one's going in the oven first?" before pointing at a lamb saying “you”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 55-year-old then makes his way into their yard which forces the lambs to walk away from him as he says “oven time”.</p> <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7125124287412882694&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40gordonramsayofficial%2Fvideo%2F7125124287412882694%3Fis_copy_url%3D1%26is_from_webapp%3Dv1%26lang%3Den&amp;key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr">The video was captioned, “The Lamb sauce was still not found in the making of this video” and in the comment section he posted, “No animals were cooked in the making of this video”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite his joking matter, people were unimpressed with the video which has already been viewed more than 9 million times.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m not even vegetarian but this is very sad,” someone wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Ok I am not a vegan or vegetarian but that crosses the line,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Ramsay playing with fire,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Others however, loved the video with many commending the chef for his sense of humour.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Don't play with your food, Gordon,” one read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Gordon Ramsay keeping it real as usual,” another wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Who left Gordon unsupervised,” someone else joked.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

From cancer diagnosis to a shoulder to lean on: One volunteer shares her story

<p dir="ltr">Sharon Dreise was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of 58, when she finally got a mammogram following years of putting off breast screens.</p> <p dir="ltr">Having been successfully treated, Sharon now volunteers with the Cancer Council’s <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services/support-groups/cancer-connect" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cancer Connect</a> program - an anonymous, confidential telephone peer support service for people diagnosed with localised cancer and those experiencing survivorship issues.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When I first heard of Cancer Connect, I thought it sounded like a fabulous service, now it is one of the most rewarding things I do with Cancer Council,” Sharon says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is a great way for people to share their own personal experiences with someone who understands. It gives people the freedom to react how they want to react with no judgement.”</p> <p dir="ltr">With her own experiences with cancer, Sharon speaks to people from when they are first diagnosed to their last days of treatment and helps them learn what to expect.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When you are told you have cancer, your whole world changes, so to be able to provide comfort and understanding to people is so rewarding,” she says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When I first speak to someone at the beginning of their cancer experience, they are so worried and concerned. There is a big difference to our last call when they seem so happy and thankful, it gives you the warm and fuzzies.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Diagnosis of cancer can be a lonely experience, but Sharon says that volunteering with Cancer Council in programs like Cancer Connect can help provide support for those who need it.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If I can help them, even just to listen to them, which is often the case, they often say they feel so much better,” she says.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>If you or anyone you know is affected by cancer and in need of support, call Cancer Council’s Information and Support Service on 13 11 20.</em></p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-7f4afc5f-7fff-c8b2-f12a-af1bcc827744"></span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Novak slammed by lamb ad at Australian Open

<p>A billboard has appeared in the surrounding area of the Australian Open, taking a swipe at Novak Djokovic.</p> <p>The billboard features the latest annual Australian Lamb ad, which surface every year around the upcoming Australia Day.</p> <p>This year, they chose to advertise near Melbourne Park, where the tennis tournament is underway without the Serbian tennis champ. </p> <p><span>On the side of a truck, the Meat and Livestock Australia ad reads, “Everyone’s welcome at our BBQ. Not Djoking.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Australian Lamb has some new billboards getting around at the <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a>. <a href="https://t.co/enJ6S8E1MQ">pic.twitter.com/enJ6S8E1MQ</a></p> — Kellie Lazzaro (@kellazzaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/kellazzaro/status/1483281067788627969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><span>The new ad is part of the 2022 campaign that Meat and Livestock Australia say is all about sharing. </span></p> <p><span>“Building on the ‘Share the Lamb’ brand platform, the 6-week integrated campaign reflects upon how Australia has become isolated from the rest of the world due to strict international border closures during the pandemic,” MLA says on its website.</span></p> <p><span>As the story of Novak </span>Djokovic's recent deportation has stayed in the headlines, the MLA has capitalised on the situation in their signature witty fashion. </p> <p>Novak was tipped as the player to beat in the Australian Open, before he was deported from Australia last week after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke revoked his visa, on the grounds that he had not been vaccinated for Covid-19. </p> <p>Mr Hawke argued in court that allowing Novak to compete in Australia would incite an anti-vaccination sentiment, and greatly impact the amount of people turning up for their booster shots. </p> <p>As well as the witty billboard in Melbourne, the MLA have released their full length TV ad, which showcases Australia cut off from the rest of the world and reunited by a huge barbecue. </p> <p>Check it out here. </p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ck8CO6zGFB0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><em>Image credits: Twitter @kellazzaro</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Try this one pot lamb shanks with button mushrooms

<p>Need some weeknight dinner inspiration? Why not try this tender-to-the-bone lamb shank recipe?</p> <p>Serves: 3 | Cooks in: 3 hours and 10 minutes</p> <p><strong>Ingredients </strong></p> <ul> <li>50g (1/3 cup) plain flour, to dust</li> <li>4 lamb shanks, Frenched</li> <li>1½ tbsp olive oil</li> <li>½ bottle red wine</li> <li>12 eschalots, peeled</li> <li>1 bunch thyme, half trussed, half leaves picked</li> <li>400g Button Mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed</li> <li>Salt and pepper, to season</li> <li>Creamy polenta, to serve (¾ cup with 750ml mix of chicken stock and milk, butter and finely grated parmesan)</li> </ul> <p><strong>Method</strong></p> <p>1. Preheat the oven to 160°C. Place the flour into a large bowl and season well with salt and pepper. Dust the lamb shanks in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.</p> <p>2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large, heavy-based, ovenproof saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the shanks for 5 minutes, turning, until browned. Remove and set aside.</p> <p>3. Pour in the wine and boil for 5 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Return the shanks to the pan with the eschalots and trussed thyme. Pour in enough water to submerge the shanks and bring up to a simmer. Cover the surface with a piece of baking paper, then cover with a lid and place in the oven for 1.5 hours.</p> <p>4. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and turn the shanks over, topping up with water if necessary. Add the mushrooms and cover with the baking paper and lid, then return to the oven for a further 1.5 hours or until the shank meat is falling from the bone.</p> <p>5. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tsp oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Toast the remaining thyme until bright green, then remove and set aside.</p> <p>6. Remove the shanks from the pan and place in a bowl, loosely covered with foil and set aside to rest.</p> <p>7. Place the pan over high heat. Reduce the sauce for 10-12 minutes or until thickened and glossy.</p> <p>8. Divide polenta among bowls and top with a shank, mushrooms and eschalots. Spoon over the sauce and scatter with toasted thyme to serve. Season to taste with salt and pepper.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/recipes/one-pot-lamb-shanks-with-button-mushrooms" target="_blank">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

Unbelievable deal: ALDI shopper scores lamb roast for under $1

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">An ALDI customer has shared how she bought a lamb roast for just 83c and the unexpected reason why.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Posting the story on the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1034012533313136"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ALDI Mums</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Facebook page, Monique said she was excited to pick up the dinner favourite at her local ALDI.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The half leg of lamb was still four weeks out from its ‘best before’ date, so it wasn’t reduced because it was close to expiring.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Upon closer inspection, the ALDI label shows that it had been incorrectly weighted at 68g.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seasoned ALDI shoppers estimate that a similar leg would weigh anywhere from 1.5kg to 2kg, with the error pricing it at well under 100g.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I was so excited about my bargain find today I knew you mums would appreciate it!” Monique wrote on the page.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I paid a whole 83c for this lamb roast today as it was marked and weighed wrong!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Monique said she even checked if the price was right with the checkout worker.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I was like so this is marked 83c, does that mean I get it for 83c? He went and spoke to his manager and they were like ‘Yeah we can’t charge you any more for it’.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since it even scanned at 83c, Monique said, “I was like, ‘Yes! Get in my basket!’”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fellow shoppers were amazed by her good luck.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Lucky you, enjoy! Just about need a bank loan to buy any cuts of lamb these days!” one said.</span></p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

Woolworths massive price drop on lamb

<p>Woolworths has announced they will reduce the price of Australian lamb throughout spring.<br /><br /><span>The supermarket has made cuts of up to $5 off the per-kilo price of several premium cuts of the popular meat.</span><br /><br /><span>The new discounted costs come into effect on Wednesday, August 26.</span><br /><br /><strong>The reduced prices are:</strong></p> <ul> <li><span><span>Australian lamb rump steak - reduced from $28kg to $23kg</span></span></li> <li><span><span>Australian lamb cutlets - down from $42kg to $37kg</span></span></li> <li><span><span>Australian lamb leg roast - reduced from $14kg to $12.50kg</span></span></li> <li><span><span>Australian lamb mid loin chops - dropping from $27kg to $23kg</span></span><span><span></span></span></li> </ul> <p><span><span><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40841/lamb-hotpot.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fc1576f5c2e14d778562fa4204db144f" /></span></span></p> <p><span><span>Woolworths Director of Buying and Replenishment Paul Harker says the reduction comes due to favourable market conditions.</span><br /><br /><span>“We’re fortunate in Australia to have some of the most fresh and delicious lamb available,” he said.</span><br /><br /><span>“As market conditions have improved, it’s given us the opportunity to pass those savings on to our customers.</span><br /><br /><span>“Between COVID-19 and wintertime, Aussies have been spending more time indoors and as we go into spring, they’ll be looking to turn on the barbeque and for ways to get more value from their shop.</span><br /><br /><span>“With Father’s Day around the corner, lamb is a great spring dish as the quality of the meat is at its best, perfect for chops on the barbecue or a slow roasted lamb leg.</span><br /><br /><span>“Customers can buy with confidence knowing all of our fresh lamb is 100% Australian grown, and they’re supporting the best farmers in Australia who produce the highest quality lamb.”</span></span></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Woman finds green ooze from Coles roast lamb

<p>A Sydney woman has been forced to throw out her family’s Sunday roast after green liquid oozed out of her Coles lamb leg.</p> <p>Amanda Wright Rima had been cooking her half leg roast for 40 minutes when she noticed a strange matter seeping out of the meat.</p> <p>More light green fluid flowed out after she pressed on and cut the slab.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Famandarima%2Fposts%2F10223447568364211&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=552&amp;height=760&amp;appId" width="552" height="760" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>“Needless to say we won’t be having lamb roast again after this,” she wrote on a Facebook post.</p> <p>The liquid appeared to be abscess, or a localised <a href="https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/animal-health-welfare-and-biosecurity/diseases/infectious/cheesy-gland/">bacterial infection</a> that leads to the development of pus pockets.</p> <p>A Coles spokesperson told the <em>Daily Mail</em> the supermarket had apologised to the customer and offered a refund.</p> <p>“We have strict quality standards that all livestock partners must meet,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p>“Coles has already issued this customer a refund and apologised for the unpleasant experience.</p> <p>“As always we encourage customers to return any item they’re not 100 per cent happy with to their nearest store for a full refund or replacement.”</p> <p><em>Picture: Facebook / Amanda Wright Rima</em></p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

Trouble in paradise? Kate Middleton shrugs off hand on shoulder from Prince William

<p>Duchess Kate set tongues wagging in her and Prince William’s latest TV appearance on<span> </span><em>A Berry Royal Christmas</em>.</p> <p>She appeared to shrug off her husband’s hand when he placed it on her shoulder as they were speaking with volunteers on the show.</p> <p>The pair hosted a Christmas party for charity workers and volunteers who will spend their holiday period working with former <em>Great British Bake Off</em> judge Mary Berry for the BBC.</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/B6GlHWlJYEW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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> <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/B6GlHWlJYEW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A Berry Royal Christmas.🎄The Duchess of Cambridge has revealed that one of 19-month-old Prince Louis' first words was Mary because he recognised Mary Berry in a cookbook. William and Catherine have joined the former Bake Off presenter in a Christmassy TV special. Click the link in our bio to find out more.👆#MaryBerry #RoyalFamily #bake #bbcnews</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/bbcnews/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> BBC News</a> (@bbcnews) on Dec 15, 2019 at 10:16am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans were quick to point out how awkward the encounter was.</p> <p>“She moved with a quickness,” commented one fan on Twitter, while a second wrote: “Awkward! Too awkward!! They should have cut it out!”</p> <p>Another noted: “Kate shaking off William’s hand on her shoulder during #ABerryRoyalChristmas.”</p> <p>Another added: “What just happened here???? Ouch!”</p> <p>“I really can’t stop watching this,” said another Twitter user, while a second penned: “Very awkward indeed.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Kate shaking off William's hand on her shoulder during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ABerryRoyalChristmas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ABerryRoyalChristmas</a> <a href="https://t.co/NyzjdKC3rk">pic.twitter.com/NyzjdKC3rk</a></p> — Caitlin McBride (@mcbride_caitlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcbride_caitlin/status/1206688540991655936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">16 December 2019</a></blockquote> <p>However, some other Twitter users had another theory.</p> <p>“I like the way they interact, it’s professional. I don’t want to see excessive hand holding and back rubbing. It’s awkward, like you’re intruding on a private moment,” commented one, while a second added: “They’re not supposed to show PDA.”</p> <p>”Why can’t people just be content with the fact that she didn’t feel a PDA was appropriate at that moment/at that event,” said another via social media. “It wasn’t about them, it was about all the volunteers.”</p> <p>Kate also shared a sweet story about how she stays up late to bake a cake before each child's birthday.</p> <p>“It’s become a bit of a tradition that I stay up until midnight with ridiculous amounts of cake mix and icing and I make far too much,” said Kate.</p> <p>“But I love it.”</p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

A must try! Marinated lamb skewers

<p>Serves 4.</p> <p>These deliciously marinated lamb skewers are a simple and easy dinner option - full of flavour and succulent with each bite.</p> <p>Lamb is a very sturdy meat and so you can add heavy flavours to it without overpowering it, unlike fish or white meat. The maple syrup and soy sauce in this recipe go fantastically well with lamb so make sure the meat is thoroughly coated with the marinade. </p> <p><a href="http://t.dgm-au.com/c/185116/71095/1880?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.booktopia.com.au%2Fpaleo-monday-to-friday-daniel-green%2Fprod9780857833228.html"><em>Recipe from Paleo: Monday to Friday by Daniel Green, published by Kyle Books, RRP $35.</em></a></p> <p><em>Photography © 2016 Peter Cassidy</em></p> <p><em>153 calories | 10.3g fat | 2.7g saturates | 0.3g sugar | 0.9g salt | 15.5g protein | 0.2g fibre</em></p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>900g lean boneless lamb, cut into 2.5cm cubes</li> <li>2 garlic cloves, crushed</li> <li>1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into 2.5cm cubes</li> <li>1 medium white onion, quartered</li> <li>12 button mushrooms</li> <li>2 tablespoons Paleo soy sauce</li> <li>2 teaspoons tomato paste</li> <li>1 tablespoon maple syrup</li> <li>A few sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves picked</li> <li>Olives</li> <li>Rocket leaves</li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions</strong></p> <p>1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 6.</p> <p>2. Place the soy, garlic, tomato paste, maple syrup and thyme in a large bowl and mix together well. Add the lamb and toss in the marinade until thoroughly coated, then cover and place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.<br /><br />3. Load each skewer with alternating cubes of lamb, onion, pepper and mushroom and then place on a foil-lined tray.<br /><br />4. Place the kebabs in the oven and cook for 16 minutes for rare or 20 minutes for medium well. Alternatively, grill at high heat, turning and browning all sides until cooked through but still a little pink in the middle. Allow to rest for a minute or two, then serve with a small bowl of olives and a side of fresh rocket leaves.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/lamb-skewers.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

Mouth-watering Moroccan lamb with lemon spinach

<p>Are you interested in what going gluten free tastes like? Or do you have issues with IBS? Either way we have you covered with this hearty lamb dinner which will have them asking for seconds!</p> <p>Recipes and images from THE Two-Step Low-FODMAP DIET and Recipe Book by Dr Sue Shepherd (Pan Macmillan, RRP $39.95).</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>Moroccan lamb</li> <li>2 teaspoons ground cumin</li> <li>2 teaspoons ground coriander</li> <li>1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger</li> <li>1 teaspoon sweet paprika</li> <li>1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper</li> <li>1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li> <li>1⁄4 teaspoon salt</li> <li>4 large lamb leg steaks, approx. 180 g each</li> <li>60 mL (1⁄4 cup) garlic-infused olive oil</li> <li>1 × 425 g can crushed tomatoes</li> <li>250 mL (1 cup) gluten-free, onion-free beef stock</li> <li>Lemon spinach</li> <li>60 mL (1⁄4 cup) lemon-infused olive oil</li> <li>100 g baby spinach leaves (or baby kale leaves if desired)</li> <li>salt and freshly ground black pepper</li> </ul> <p><strong>Method</strong></p> <p>1. Combine all the spices in a plastic bag. Brush the lamb steaks with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and place in the bag.</p> <p>2. Toss in the spice mix to ensure an even coating.</p> <p>3. Refrigerate for 2 hours if possible (the lamb will still be tasty if this is not done).</p> <p>4. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium–high heat. Sear the lamb for 1–2 minutes on each side.</p> <p>5. Add the tomatoes to the pan with the stock. Lower the heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, slightly covered, or until the lamb is tender and the sauce thickens.</p> <p><strong>To make the lemon spinach</strong></p> <p>1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan, add the spinach and toss through until the spinach just wilts.</p> <p>2. Season to taste, and serve with the lamb.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/moroccan-lamb-with-lemon-spinach.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Food & Wine

Placeholder Content Image

Shoppers beware: The cost of a lamb roast has just skyrocketed

<p>Lamb and beef prices have soared up across Australia as cattle production continues to take hammering from the droughts and increasing export demand.</p> <p>Coles, Woolworths and ALDI confirmed that the wholesale cost of beef and lamb had increased, with the typical 2.5kg lamb roast being priced at nearly $34. Meanwhile, prices of beef scotch fillet rose up to $35 per kilogram at major supermarkets.</p> <p>“The drought has increased the price of beef and lamb on livestock markets and we’ve been working to absorb as much of these cost pressures as we can over the past year,” said Woolworths head of meat Chris Croese.</p> <p>“We understand the cost-of-living pressures facing Australian families and continue to focus on delivering competitive meat prices for our customers.”</p> <p>An ALDI spokeswoman also said the retailer had to change the prices accordingly. “All of our fresh meat products are 100 per cent Australian sourced, however weather conditions including the drought do impact our supply chain. We adjust the price of our fresh meat according to market conditions.”</p> <p>Prices at independent butchers have also climbed, with businesses in Sydney telling the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/lamb-prices-rise-a-shock-117-per-cent-with-beef-increasing-by-22-per-cent/news-story/3370d9d03df25dfc2ead1fbf0d0c8bf9?login=1" target="_blank"><em>Daily Telegraph</em></a> that they had to raise the prices of red meat by as much as 15 per cent in the past 18 months.</p> <p>“There has been a 25 per cent increase on red meat prices from suppliers in the past 18 months,” said Todd McFarland of McFarland’s Quality Meats.</p> <p>The cost of red meat has surged following the pressures from the Eastern States drought and growing international demand.</p> <p>Apart from red meat, the drought has also driven up prices of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/why-your-grocery-bill-is-getting-more-expensive" target="_blank">fruits and vegetables</a>.</p> <p>The growing demand for meat from China, Japan and Korea also played a part in the price hike. Over the past year, export of red meat to China has increased 48 per cent to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/5949918/who-is-driving-the-global-beef-bus/" target="_blank">162,682 tonnes</a> while the volumes sent to Korea and Japan have increased by 15 per cent and 8 per cent respectively.</p> <p>“Drought is impacting on supply to our international markets, so they are likely to try and maintain their supply, which will push prices up and impact on prices in our domestic markets,” Robert Herrman, managing director of agricultural forecaster Mecardo told the<span> </span><em>Daily Telegraph</em>.</p> <p>What do you think about the rising cost of red meat? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

Money & Banking

Placeholder Content Image

Heartbreaking photo shows young girl clutching dead lamb in drought

<p>A heartbreaking photo of a young girl cradling a dead lamb like a teddy-bear has revealed the devastating impact the current drought is having on Aussie farmers.</p> <p>The emotional image was shared to the Facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2069664873305289/permalink/2170618473209928/?__tn__=H-R"><strong><u>One Day Closer to Rain (Drought)</u></strong></a> which was created to let drought-stricken Aussies share how they have been affected by the current climate.</p> <p>The girl is holding the animal on her family farm near Tenterfield, at the border of New South Wales and Queensland.</p> <p>In the past month, Tenterfield has only received just 18.8mm of rain compared to a monthly average of 55.3mm since 2010.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d64577358d624344a1be3c4c3a58c2c8" /><img style="width: 277.60416666666663px; height:500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820573/drought.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d64577358d624344a1be3c4c3a58c2c8" /></p> <p>An impactful poem was shared alongside the photo by a group member on Wednesday.</p> <p>The poem describes how the farmers in drought-stricken NSW and southern Queensland are struggling in the extreme conditions that are killing most of their livestock.</p> <p>Written by Gina Naylor, the poem reads:</p> <p><em>Another farmer sighed today, she couldn't do this anymore, She was tired of the fight, her </em>heart broken<em> and body sore.</em></p> <p><em>She'd searched for hay everywhere, it was so hard to bloody find, "Australia, you've done it now, you’re in a bloody bind".</em></p> <p><em>"You're sending your feed away, to places overseas, with the drought in this country now, we're on our bloody knees".</em></p> <p><em>The people say "Stop it! enough is e - bloody -</em>nough<em>" "Look after Australia first" she cried "Hell, it’s getting tough!"</em></p> <p><em>Her stock </em>are<em> weak now, there's more dying by the day,  She has no water anywhere, her cows are calling for their hay.</em></p> <p><em>Out in the bush here, near Tenterfield Town, The land is like a desert, it's empty, it's cracked and it’s brown.</em></p> <p><em>The waterholes are empty, the dams </em>broken<em> down and dry, A little girl carries a lamb and she has a little cry.</em></p> <p><em>"Lamb's Mum died" she weeps, "I’ll go and tell my Mum" If I cry loud enough out here, perhaps she'll hear me and come.</em></p> <p><em>Another mouth to feed, she thinks, another to try to keep alive, Another that might not make it, only the tough out here survive.</em></p> <p><em>From a herd of 300 ewes, now 100 breeders dead, All raised on her farm by her hand, from the love that she'd bled.</em></p> <p><em>Life out here near Tenterfield, its hard and bloody rough.</em></p> <p><em>The traprock country, this rugged land is only meant for the tough.</em></p> <p>The photo has since been shared 4,800 times, with commenters expressing their support for suffering farmers and the young girl in the photo.</p> <p>One user commented: “Words seem so inadequate when people are facing thing like this. We are all trying to do as much as we can. We just pray it's enough to help you all.”</p> <p>This photo is the latest reminder of the extreme conditions farmers are facing, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning that drier-than-average conditions in NSW and Queensland will continue into spring. </p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with Greek tomatoes

<p>The flavour and texture combination in these roasted tomatoes is outrageously good – fragrant, sweet, salty and crunchy… magic. They make the perfect accompaniment to slow-roasted lamb shoulder.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> 6</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>2.2kg lamb shoulder on the bone</li> <li>2 red onions, thickly sliced</li> <li>4 large sprigs rosemary </li> <li>5 sprigs thyme, or 3 sprigs thyme and 2 sprigs oregano</li> <li>13 cloves garlic, peeled</li> <li>1½ cups (375ml) white wine</li> <li>18 ripe, vine-ripened tomatoes</li> <li>3 tablespoons olive oil</li> <li>1 teaspoon cumin seeds</li> <li>Finely grated zest of 1 lemon</li> <li>¼ teaspoon chilli flakes</li> <li>1 cup black olives (not pitted)</li> <li>½ cup currants</li> <li>150g soft feta, crumbled</li> <li>½ cup lightly toasted pine nuts</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <p>1. Remove the lamb from the fridge half an hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 150°C. </p> <p>2. Put the onions, 2 sprigs of rosemary and 3 sprigs of thyme in the base of a medium-sized roasting pan. Put the lamb on top, fat side up. Make 8 slits in the flesh and poke 8 cloves garlic into the holes. Pour the wine into the base of the dish and season the lamb really well with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover with foil and cook for 4¼ hours, then remove the foil and cook for another hour.</p> <p>3. Meanwhile, snip the tomatoes into bunches of three or four and place in a medium oven dish. Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle over the cumin seeds, lemon zest and chilli flakes. </p> <p>4. Lightly squash the remaining 5 garlic cloves and tuck in around the tomatoes. Tuck the olives around the tomatoes with the remaining 2 sprigs thyme or oregano. Sprinkle over the currants.</p> <p>5. After the uncovered lamb has been in the oven for an hour, crank up the heat to 180°C for a further 30 minutes, then add the tomatoes to the oven and cook for another 15 minutes. Remove both the lamb and tomatoes from the oven, crumble the feta over the tomatoes and return them to the oven for 7 minutes before sprinkling with the pine nuts and serving with the lamb.</p> <p><em>Written by Sarah Tuck. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>. Photo credit: Aaron McLean/Stuff.</em></p>

Food & Wine

Our Partners