Size 20 fresh or frozen chicken 1⁄2 cup dried figs 1⁄2 cup dried apricots 1⁄2 cup dried dates 1 tablespoon grated orange rind 1 cup ginger ale 2 onions 2 lemons 2 cups chicken stock 11⁄2 cups couscous 1 teaspoon smoky hot paprika 1⁄2 cup chopped parsley Thaw chicken if frozen. Place figs, apricots, dates, orange rind and ginger ale in a bowl. Marinate for 30 minutes. Wash chicken and pat dry. Fill body cavity with drained fruit mixture. Secure legs. Peel onions and cut into quarters. Wash and cut lemons into quarters. Place lemons and stock over the base of a large heavy-based saucepan. Bring to the boil, turn down to a simmer, add chicken and simmer over a low heat for 11⁄2 hours, turning once. Remove chicken to a heatproof platter and cover with foil. Using paper towels soak up any fat from the saucepan. Bring stock mixture to the boil and add couscous, paprika and parsley. Cover saucepan and stand for five minutes. Carve chicken. Fluff up couscous with a fork. Serve chicken with couscous and fruit stuffing. Serves 4 to 6
The young Christchurch promotions model determined to walk again after tragically losing her legs in the February earthquake is still coping with the ongoing complications ... More
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Over the Teacups
My four-year-old grandson was at the supermarket with his mother when he exclaimed, “You’re buying something, Mummy, auntie is buying something – I want to buy something!” Mum replied, “You have to be big, have a wife, have a job, then you can buy things.” He replied, “I have a wife – Maia,” meaning his four-year-old friend. Mum said, “What about a job?” Master Four replied, “My job is having a wife!”
Robyn, Whangarei
Water you want?
I was in the car and asking Master Three what he wanted for Christmas. He said he was going to ask Santa for a water pistol. “And Nanny,” he added, “I’m going to ask for some water for our paddling pool.” Now that could be interesting!
Julie, by email
Bee gone
Master Three had his first bee sting recently. The incident broke his heart, but after many cuddles he came right. Later he said, “I never want to see another bee again. I don’t like bees any more, I only like flies.”
Gaileen, by email
Fraud with worry
My daughter warned me that “old people are being taken for a ride,” and that I shouldn’t engage in conversation with phone sales people. To this, Master Five piped up, “Nana can’t go on that ride, she’s old.”
Joseph’s Nana, Hamilton
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