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Can you believe it’s May already? It seems like just the other day it was the mid-summer (although if you’re from Sydney you’re probably asking, “What summer?”), and now the short days and chilly nights are telling us that winter is almost here again. It’s always tempting at this time of year to hunker down with a hot chockie and wait for it to warm up again, but this year, why not do it differently? Here at Table, we think May is the perfect time to finally get around to making those healthy-habit changes we’ve been talking about since the New Year, which is why our new issue (on-sale now from Coles supermarkets and newsagents) is all about health. 

Don’t worry; we’re not suggesting you go on a 20km run before breakfast or put the family on a wheatgerm and grapefruit diet. If we wouldn’t do it, we’re certainly not going to ask you to. Instead, we’ve listened to what you are interested in (thanks for all the letters and emails - keep them coming!) and put together a collection of deliciously tasty, good-for-you recipes you’ll want to make over and over.

Looking for inspiration for dinner? Why not try one of our vegie-packed midweek meals, master steaming with food director Suzanne’s cooking class or check out our hearty yet healthy rice recipes. Having friends over? If you’re cooking for a coeliac – or even if you’re not – our yummy gluten-free baked goodies will hit the spot, or try the tempting meat-free menu (eating less meat isn’t just good for you, it’s also good for the environment). Plus, there’s nourishing, home-cooked meals for babies and toddlers, the low-down on why low GI carbs are the smart choice for kids of all ages, and guilt-free, low-fat desserts you won’t be able to resist. Keep an eye out for the ‘Your Health’ boxes throughout the magazine for even more info on making the right choices.

Healthy cooking!

 Ps: to celebrate Mother’s Day we’re giving you the opportunity to win one of six fantastic $1000 pantry makeovers from Tupperware. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there.

Light the candles and pop the bubbly - it’s our 100^th issue and we’re celebrating with wonderful mouth-watering recipes, clever foodie facts and insider tips!

Australian Table’s April Issue, on-sale now from Coles supermarkets and newsagents, has 165+ of our best-ever recipes. Choose from old favourites made over to suit modern tastes, time constraints and new health guidelines or 100 quick-fix meal ideas to feed the family in record time. That’s over three months of dinners!

Plus, this bumper collectors’ edition also features 12 pages of celebratory cakes and slices, yummy finger food for drinks with friends, a hearty family feast from the home of our food director Suzanne Gibbs, and healthy kids’ party food the littlies will love. There’s also $23,000+ in fantastic prizes to be won, including 10 weekends away for two.

Now that’s something to celebrate!

Ps: do you know... since our first issue in August 1999, we’ve featured more than 280 lusciously indulgent chocolate desserts, 718 family-friendly chicken recipes, 239 heart-warming soups and broths and 38 lip-smackingly good cheesecakes. Yum!

What do you want from a recipe? Unless you’re a qualified chef chances are it’s not a lengthy list of obscure ingredients and a long, involved method that keeps you tied to the cooktop for hours at a time. If you’re like us here at Table, the perfect mid-week meal is one that’s both simple and speedy to make, which is why we’ve put together a whole issue of quick and easy recipes. In Australian Table’s March Issue, now available from Coles supermarkets and newsagents, we have 70+ recipes ready in under 30 minutes, including lots that are on the table in just 15 minutes. We’ve even put together a three-course dinner party that takes less than an hour. Our tip? Don’t tell anyone how easy it was!

To save you even more time, we’ve taken the “what to pack” dilemma out of school lunches with our healthy lunch box special. With 12 yummy recipes, plus loads more variations and ideas, you’re sure to be inspired. We’ve even come up with some ideas for getting kids to actually eat the healthy food you’re packing for them, and not just the packaged treats...

Plus, we’ve got a Good Friday feast that gives a whole new meaning to chocolate eggs (Puffed Chocolate Omelette anyone?), a step-by-step guide to making perfect pancakes, pizzas the kids can make themselves, and a round-up of the best beverages for good health.

 Happy cooking!

This probably won’t come as a surprise, but according to a recent survey by BeefEater Barbecues, women do 79% of the shopping for barbecues, 93% of the preparation for salads and sides, and 65% of the cleaning up afterwards, yet a whopping 44% of women say that it’s the bloke manning the tongs who gets all of the credit for a job well done! Typical, huh?

In Australian Table’s Summer Holiday Issue, now available from Coles supermarkets and newsagents, we help you make the most of your barbie with new ideas for seafood, meat and even vegetarian meals. Plus, we’ve got great grilling tips, a must-read barbecue safety guide for when things heat up, and loads of great prizes to win – all you need to do is share your favourite barbecue memories and recipes.

Don’t fancy a barbie? Why not try our simple, summery picnic spread that’s perfect to pack up and take anywhere. And because outdoor eating wouldn’t be the same without an ice-cold beer to wash it all down, we reveal the coolest local and imported brews of the summer. (Tip: place beer in the freezer 30 minutes before you leave and it will help keep food chilled in the esky.)

Happy holidays!

How are you holding up? We’re all well into the silly season and if you’re anything like us here at Australian Table, weariness is starting to set in. Maybe it’s the busy whirl of work-related functions, boozy backyard barbies and mid-week catch-ups with old friends, or maybe it’s just the end of a long year, but roll on those summer holidays! Here at Table we’ve been literally counting down the days until we close the office, while simultaneously putting together our breezy Summer Holiday Issue (look out for it in Coles Supermarkets and newsagents from 27^th Dec).

Of course, the real challenge at this time of year – especially for a group of people like us who really love food – is trying not to overindulge too much in the food and alcohol departments. Tricky? Well, yes, but we’ve put our heads together and come up with some strategies for getting through the party season without having to undo the top button of your jeans.

• Don’t “save up” kilojoules for a special event. If you skip meals in advance of a big event, chances are you’ll be so famished you’ll lose control and overeat.
• Eat a small meal before you go out to cocktail parties. Not only does food slow the absorption of alcohol into the blood, you’ll be less likely to pig out on fatty finger foods.
• Steer clear of salty snacks such as pretzels and peanuts. As well as being incredibly more-ish, they’re dehydrating, so chances are you’ll be tempted to drink more alcohol.
• To keep portion sizes under control when serving yourself from a buffet, use a side plate rather than a dinner plate.
• If you’re asked to bring a plate, make it a low-fat dip with crudités or a fruit platter, so you’re guaranteed of at least one healthy choice.
• Move away from the kitchen or buffet table while catching up with friends to avoid subconsciously snacking.

For more ideas, check out our Party Season Survival Guide on page 114 of the December issue.

And finally, we’d like to say thanks for all your support this year. We look forward to bringing you more behind the scenes insights into your favourite food magazine in 2008.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays! The Table Team