Cupboard Love: May 10

Brussel sprouts are back in season - but before you screw your face up with the memory of boiled-to-death mush, try blanching them, then tossing in a pan with some sliced bacon and hazelnuts. You'll never boil them again!

Fancy an apron with the phwooar factor? This foxy number from the Raumati Beach-based Stitch Studio will certainly turn up the heat in your kitchen. This 'Scarlett' apron, made from vintage floral and polka dot cotton, is $40 from stitchstudio.felt.co.nz. Other colours and sizes also available.

It might be a stretch to say that eating these olives will make you feel like you're an extra from A Year In Provence, but they do have a certain je ne sais quoi about them. These giant green olives, scented with wild fennel seeds (RRP $11.99 for 420g), are made to an old Provencal recipe and are highly addictive.

Here's something for the diary - tickets for the second New Zealand Chocolate Festival are now on sale. Chocoholics take note - August 24-26 will be devoted to all things chocolate, with chocolatiers from across New Zealand gathering to show their wares. The 2011 festival was a sell-out - get in quick if you want to ensure a ticket this year. Visit chocolatefestival.co.nz for more information.

Boost the flavour of your cheese and ham sandwiches by adding a dollop of Barker's new Spiced Eggplant Chutney (RRP$4.65). It's got just the right amount of spicy bite, with fiery chilli, mustard and cumin.