GARLIC BREAD MEATBALLS

• 1L (4 cups) Massel vegetable liquid stock

2 Method Steps

Step 1

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 40g (1/2cup) fnely grated parmesan, (or vegetarian hard cheese) plus extra shaved, to serve

• 1 lemon, juiced, zested

• Finely chopped continental parsley, to serve

10m prep 35m cook Serves 4

• 500g pre-made beef and pork meatballs

• 170g bought garlic bread

• 4 green shallots

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 500g Beef Mince

• 125ml (1/2 cup) teriyaki marinade

• 2 tsp cornfour

• 500g packet frozen stir-fry vegetable mix

• 450g packet microwave long-grain rice to a plate.

Set a 5L slow cooker to Browning. Heat oil. Cook onion, carrot and celery for 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, fennel and chilli. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato, beans, stock and bouquet garni. Season. Change cooker setting to High. Cover. Cook for 3-4 hours or until vegetables are almost tender.

• 155g (11⁄2 cups) pre-grated 4 cheese blend

Tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 brown onion, coarsely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• 3 anchovies, chopped

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 x 400g cans diced tomatoes

Step 2 Stir in cavalo nero, bread and parmesan. Cover and cook on High for 30 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly. Stir in lemon juice, to taste. Serve topped with parsley, lemon zest and extra parmesan.

2. Add the oil to pan. Cook the onion and garlic over medium-high heat, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the anchovy and tomato paste. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the tomatoes and 2 tbsp water. Bring to the boil then reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Season. Return the meatballs to pan. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in the basil.

• 1⁄2 cup torn fresh basil leaves, plus extra small leaves, to serve

METHOD

METHOD

1. Finely chop 2 shallots and slice the remaining into long thin strips. Place the long thin strips in a bowl of iced water to curl until needed.

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large deep ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning, for 5 minutes or until golden. Transfer

3. Preheat grill on medium-high. Tear the garlic bread into chunky croutons. Scatter half of the cheese over the meatballs. Top with garlic bread and remaining cheese. Drizzle over remaining 1 tbsp oil. Grill the meatball mixture for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. Season and sprinkle with extra basil.

2. Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan or wok over high heat. Add the beef. Cook, using a wooden spoon to break up any lumps, for 5 minutes. Combine the teriyaki marinade and cornfour in a small bowl until smooth. Add to the beef and stir to combine. Add the vegetables. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are heated through.

3. Warm the rice following packet directions. Add the chopped shallot and toss to combine. Drain the curled shallot. Divide the rice mixture among serving bowls and spoon over the teriyaki beef. Top with the shallot curls to serve. 10m

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What is Shredded Rubber Mulch?

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The Benefts of Rubber Mulch

1. Long-lasting Durability

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6. Easy to Transport

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The Downsides of Rubber Mulch

1. No Beneft to Soil Health

One of the biggest drawbacks of rubber mulch is that it does not enhance soil health. While organic mulches decompose over time, adding valuable nutrients and organic matter to the soil, rubber mulch is completely inert. It doesn’t break down, meaning your soil doesn’t get the same nutrient boost that organic mulches provide.

2. Heat Retention

Rubber mulch is known to absorb and retain heat, which can become to combust, releasing harmful toxins into the atmosphere and the surrounding soil.

3. Diffcult to Remove

Once you’ve decided to use rubber mulch, it can be diffcult to get rid of if you ever change your mind. Unlike organic mulch that breaks down and becomes part of the soil, rubber mulch remains intact.

Removing every last piece can be a tedious task, and disposing of it in bulk requires fnding a proper recycling or disposal facility.

The Verdict

Rubber mulch has its place in certain landscapes, particularly in areas where little to no or areas where soil health and plant growth are priorities, rubber mulch may not be the best option.

While it may seem convenient, the longterm consequences of using rubber mulch in a garden should not be overlooked. Its inability to improve soil quality, potential to overheat, and diffculty in removal are signifcant drawbacks that need careful consideration. Before deciding to incorporate shredded rubber mulch into your garden, weigh the pros and cons thoroughly to ensure it’s the right choice for your space.