HoutenPlank

I'm Melanie, creator and PLANK enthusiast. I'm a wife, mum, third generation 'Dutchy', dietitian, foodie, passionate woodworker and a big believer in doing what you love. HoutenPlank, Dutch for ‘wooden board’ brings together the things that I am passionate about; family, my heritage, food and desire to create beautiful homewares. Designed with function in mind, my range of Planks not only showcases the beauty of food, but provides a practical kitchen tool that ultimately brings people together.

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I take no credit for this delicious Honey, Lemon and Almond cake featured in the latest edition of @donnahay. We had a lovely long weekend filled with friends, football GF and a few opportunities to bake. I actually cooked this cake twice in two days and it was a hit both times. Doesn't it look lovely on our marmalade squarePLANK. #houtenplank #servingboard #servingplank #choppingboards #paintedplank #donnahayrecipes #christmasgift #cake #onlinestore

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Hello Spring! We are pretty excited that the Spring/Summer market season has begun. Warm, sun-filled days are perfect for soaking in the market atmosphere. Pop in and visit us this Saturday @olivetreemarket. Oh and PLANKS are not just for food. Check out our little Spring inspired collection. What could you do with a PLANK? The options are endless. #houtenplank #olivetreemarkets #spring #homewares #servingboards

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DIY Labna (or Labneh)

I found myself at the supermarket today looking at flavoured soft cheeses. I'm making a large serving of my Roasted Pumpkin and Lentil Salad for a party this weekend and just couldn't justify the $18 for Persian Feta needed to bring this salad to life. Instead, I made my way to the yoghurt isle, picked up a tub of Greek yoghurt for under $5 and decided Labna was the way to go.

It's so simple (and cheap)!

#labna #labneh #houtenplank #servingboards

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A date with my favourite Dutch Baker: Krentenbrood

Home baked Dutch treats like Krentenbrood (raisin bread), Oliebollen (a deep-fried sweet dumpling with currants and sultanas, dipped in icing sugar) and Bolussen (a sweet dough in a spiral shape covered in treacle and cinnamon) take me to a happy place. It's not just the pure deliciousness of these sweet delights, but that every time I've eaten them, they've been handmade by my Opa, Adrian. Uncover the secrets to his delicious, Dutch fruit bread.

#houtenplank #dutch #raisinbread #krentenbrood #family

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Happy Friday friends. I hope that you have your feet up relaxing. I'm oiling and waxing a stack of these planks ready for next Sundays @olivetreemarket. Hope to see you there. #houtenplank #longplank #coconut #olivetreemarkets

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Pantry Sweet Potato Soup

#houtenplank #soup #sweetpotato #pantrymeals #sprouts #choppingboard #servingboard #kitchenboard #plank

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Chocolate coated orange peel

#houtenplank #chocolatecoatedorangepeel #choppingboards #servingboards #oranges #chocolate #homemade #kitchenboard #plank

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Orange and Vanilla Dried Fruit Compote

#houtenplank #driedfruitcompote #oranges #delicious #servedwithyoghurt #onyourporridge #delicious #servingboard #kitchenboard

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Hillsdale Orange Orchard

#houtenplank #hillsdaleorangeorchard #piackyourown #familyday #oranges

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Interested in simple, delicious and wholesome (well most of the time) food ideas? I've had some pretty cool food and nutrition jobs over the past decade and I'm really looking forwards to sharing some of what I've learned and a whole heap of new stuff. Join me and start following my new blog at plankenthusiast.tumblr.com (link in my profile)

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Delicious Winter Salad

#houtenplank #wintersalad #lentils #pumpkin #servingboard #plank #handcrafted #madeinaustralia