Annabel Langbein’s vegetable garden is growing slowly in Wanaka. The author’s peonies are in full bloom and the roses are out and proud, but the veges are taking their own sweet time.
“We’ve got the first flush of beautiful spring flowers but in the vegetable garden it is really just snow peas, rocket and lettuce. It isn’t until late January here that you get the summer harvest, which in Auckland you’ll be getting about now.”
The Free Range Cook is fine with that – she’s taking some long, deep breaths after completing her recently released memoir Bella: My Life in Food, and excitedly gearing up for her 26-year-old daughter Rose to return home after years abroad.
When the Weekly speaks to Annabel in early December, Rose has just arrived from New York and is in mandatory two-week quarantine with her partner. Annabel can’t get to Rose yet, but true to form she’s made sure some delicious food has.
“I asked a nice friend to collect some goodies for a care package for Rose with yummy ciabatta, crackers, avocados, cheese, smoked salmon and wine. There’s a wonderful sense of relief to know she’s safely back – I’m counting the sleeps until I get to give her a hug!”
Despite Rose having lived away from home since she was 17, the pair are a tight team and Rose was the first to lay eyes on Annabel’s book.
This story is from the December 28, 2020 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 28, 2020 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The butt OF JOKES
Kevin wasn't so keen on wife Linda’s reaction to his medical emergency!
A space to CALL HOME
Michele reflects on finding your safe place
Gut REACTION
Want to live a healthier, happier life? Experts think the bacteria in your belly could be the secret to living well
Right as ROTI
This delicate Malaysian-style flatbread can be quickly prepared in a frying pan. Enjoy on its own or paired with a curry or soup
LAURA'S BACKYARD DRAMA
The theatre star’s taking The Bard's work to a familiar venue
PAULA & BREE'S SPECIAL BOND
The director admits her leading lady does a bett er job of being her than she does!
KEEPING UP WITH DUSKIE
With a special limb to fast-track her progress, there’s no stopping her now!
MKR SISTERS' KITCHEN CRED
Their taste buds are stronger than most, thanks to wacky childhood creations
'I COULDN'T TELL A SOUL'
In a top-secret mission, the TV star’s uncovered how Pippa took on the Nazis
HOW THEY PLAN TO WIN BACK FANS
The couple’s polo date is just the start of more fun and games