Latest news with #Greek-style
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Pontian coconut yoghurt gains fans
Amirah scooping out coconut yoghurt into containers in their house. TURNING a harvest surplus into a unique culinary delight, a Malaysian farming couple in Johor is now producing dairy-free, Greek-style yoghurt made entirely from coconuts. For Amirah Abdul Rahim, 35, and her husband Mohd Fauzi Md Said, 37, their journey into plant-based yoghurt began about four years ago, inspired by a glut of coconuts and a shared goal to create an alternative for those avoiding dairy. 'Since we were already growing our own green dwarf coconuts in Pontian, it just made sense to create something out of what we already have. 'We both love yoghurt and turning excess coconuts into the product could help to reduce wastage,' said Amirah, who graduated in marine biology in 2014 and went on to help set up the couple's farm, Ladang Amirah, in 2021. Mohd Fauzi and Amirah with dwarf green coconuts in their Ladang Amirah farm. — Courtesy photos Their homemade yoghurt – creamy, slightly tart and packed with probiotics – is now attracting health-conscious consumers, vegans and the lactose-intolerant. Named 'Nyogurt', their creation also clinched a gold award at the state Innovation and Technology Competition organised by the Johor Agriculture Department last year. Unlike yoghurt made from cow's milk, Amirah said Nyogurt has the benefits of coconut milk, which is rich in medium-chain triglycerides and natural probiotics. 'Getting the recipe right wasn't easy. 'We failed six times before achieving the taste and texture we wanted. 'We had to tweak international recipes to suit local humidity and set up strict hygiene standards,' she said. Due to current production limits, the couple only accepts pre-orders for their yoghurt and supplies it to selected cafes in Pontian. Still, they have received interest from as far as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. They also produce virgin coconut oil, coconut chocolate and spiced coconut floss from their green dwarf coconuts. Amirah is grateful that their journey into sustainable farming has been supported by various state agencies. These have included training and equipment aid from the Johor Agriculture Department and Yayasan Pembangunan Keluarga Darul Ta'zim. Looking ahead, the couple hope to open a farm-based cafe to showcase their products and promote agritourism. 'We want young people to see farming not just as hard labour, but as a space for creativity and innovation. 'Starting small is fine. 'It is all about planning, learning from mistakes and adapting to challenges along the way,' said Amirah.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
6 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Too many days off? Can France afford the holidays anymore?
France's public debt has reached €3.3 trillion, or 114 per cent of GDP, with annual interest payments projected to hit €100 billion by 2029. Prime Minister François Bayrou's 2026 budget proposes cutting two national holidays, freezing welfare, healthcare and civil service pay, and reducing the deficit from 5.8 per cent to 3 per cent by 2029 to avoid a Greek-style financial crisis read more French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou leaves following the weekly cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, July 16, 2025. File Image/Reuters France's long-standing tradition of public holidays is under the lens as Prime Minister François Bayrou unveiled a sweeping fiscal consolidation plan that includes the removal of two national holidays. The measure, part of a broader €43.8 billion deficit-reduction strategy, aims to address the country's deepening financial crisis and increasing investor unease over French public debt. During the presentation of the 2026 budget in Paris, Bayrou outlined a series of fiscal corrections targeting what he described as France's 'addiction to public spending.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Central to this effort is the call to scrap two public holidays — Easter Monday and May 8, Victory in Europe (VE) Day — in order to boost national productivity and reduce economic downtime during the spring period. 'This is the last stop before we hit the cliff and are crushed by debt,' Bayrou warned. 'The entire nation must work harder to produce more and ensure that the country's overall activity is greater throughout the year.' France's budget crisis France's economic indicators have become a source of concern for both domestic policymakers and international financial institutions. The national debt has escalated to €3.3 trillion, representing 114 per cent of GDP — placing France among the most indebted economies in the European Union. The budget deficit, currently at 5.8 per cent of GDP, exceeds the 3 per cent limit set by EU fiscal rules. Bayrou's administration seeks to reduce this shortfall to 4.6 per cent in 2026 and reach compliance with the EU's 3 per cent ceiling by 2029. However, without aggressive reforms, interest payments on France's debt are forecast to climb dramatically, reaching €100 billion annually by the end of the decade — outpacing even the military budget. For 2025, debt servicing alone is projected to consume €60 billion, a sum nearing the defence allocation. With public borrowing costs increasing, France has found itself paying significantly higher yields on its sovereign debt. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The spread between French and German 10-year bonds recently held near a three-week high at around 70 basis points, reflecting investor anxiety about both financial mismanagement and political instability. What Bayrou has proposed In addition to the proposed holiday reductions, Bayrou's fiscal blueprint includes a comprehensive freeze on non-defence public expenditures. Welfare payouts and pension benefits will be held at 2025 levels. Healthcare funding is slated for a €5 billion cut, while hiring in the civil service will be sharply limited — only two out of every three departing government employees will be replaced. The French prime minister also intends to restructure public sector operations by closing or downsizing what he called 'unproductive' state agencies. Government salaries, including those of public servants and staff in public institutions, will be frozen across the board. At the same time, President Emmanuel Macron has insisted that military spending continue to rise to meet growing strategic threats. Defence funding will increase by €3.5 billion in 2026, with additional increases planned for 2027 — a reflection of France's positioning in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment, particularly concerning Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Holidays at risk: Easter Monday and May 8 Bayrou has pointed to Easter Monday and Victory Day (May 8) — both deeply ingrained in the national calendar — as likely candidates for removal. These holidays, he suggested, fall within periods that already have excessive days off, especially in May, which includes Labour Day and Ascension Day. He referred to the month as resembling 'a veritable Gruyère,' comparing it to Swiss cheese full of holes. 'It's the entire country going back to work on a day it hasn't worked for a long time,' Bayrou said. The goal, he added, is to increase productive work days and generate billions of euros in additional economic output. However, Bayrou acknowledged that these holidays were merely initial suggestions and expressed openness to other options. France currently observes 11 official public holidays annually, the same as the United States. Historically, attempts to alter holiday schedules in France have met with fierce resistance. A prior attempt in 2003 to cancel Ascension Day following a devastating heatwave led to widespread protests and was ultimately abandoned. 'An attack on our history' Right-wing and left-wing leaders alike have denounced the plan as an affront to national heritage and an attack on working-class citizens. 'Cancelling two holidays is a direct attack on our history, our roots and on working France,' declared Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, the largest individual party in France's lower house. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His parliamentary group firmly rejected the idea, vowing not to support what he described as an act of provocation. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of the radical left France Unbowed (LFI), called for Bayrou's dismissal, stating, 'It's time to expel Bayrou' and 'end this destruction, these injustices.' Fabien Roussel of the French Communist Party labelled the budget 'an organised hold-up.' The Socialist Party also joined in the criticism. Senior MP Boris Vallaud condemned the government's approach as unjust and economically misguided: 'Asking always more from those who have little, and so little from those who have much, is neither serious, effective, nor just.' Marine Le Pen, speaking as head of the National Rally's parliamentary group, added, 'This government prefers to turn on the French people, working people and retirees, rather than tackle waste.' Bayrou, however, has stood firm. He believes that while these measures may be unpopular, they are essential. 'Everyone will have to contribute to the effort,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The entire nation has to work more so that the activity of the country as a whole increases, and so that France's situation improves.' Political gamble for Bayrou Bayrou's position is precarious. Appointed after his predecessor Michel Barnier was brought down in December last year by a no-confidence motion over similar fiscal plans, Bayrou now leads a minority government with no clear majority in Parliament. The snap election called by Macron last year led to a hung legislature, and the prime minister must now navigate competing demands from rival factions on both the left and right. The budget proposal presented this week is only a preliminary outline. A detailed draft is expected to be submitted to Parliament by October. Without cross-party support, however, Bayrou faces a real risk of another no-confidence vote. Mujtaba Rahman, head of Europe operations at Eurasia Group, noted, 'Bayrou has gone for broke, knowing full well these measures have little chance of passing.' Should Bayrou fail to find consensus, France may enter yet another cycle of political instability. For now, Bayrou remains adamant that without significant changes — including sacrifices like working on previously sacred holidays — France risks repeating the mistakes of other indebted nations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We should never forget what happened to Greece,' he said. With inputs from agencies
Pink Villa
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Sneak peek into Sania Mirza's Dubai Palm Jumeirah Villa: Poolside playground, cozy corners, big closet and more
Tennis legend Sania Mirza may have stepped off the global court, but her sanctuary on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah is a vibrant continuation of her story. The two-storey, Greek-inspired mansion, valued at Rs 13 crore, has become a meaningful home for Sania, her son Izhaan, and sister Anam. 'Literally, every little thing that is here—from the colours, like, every detail, even every frame that has been put here—is where I wanted it to be,' Sania explained in an home tour video, describing the villa as her safe space, where design meets emotion and solitude follows her public life. A white Greek-style villa framed by grandeur From the outside, the villa commands attention with its pristine white façade and elegant circular columns. The manicured garden and large backyard offer green serenity, while a sprawling pool adds to the property's calm. Beside the pool, Izhaan enjoys a slide and swing setup. The mansion is as much a visual landmark as it is a personal hideaway. A nameplate that once carried Shoaib Malik's name has been quietly updated, reflecting a private but firm new chapter in Sania's life. Interior elegance with a purpose Inside, the villa opens into a bright, teal-accented living space that blends sophistication with comfort. Plush grey and red sofas, an accent wall, and open-plan dining and kitchen areas create a seamless family hub—now also home to a foosball table for Izhaan. The formal dining area, accented with gold, balances grandeur with restraint. 'Because I feel like gold is something that can look very bad if you use it badly,' Sania stated, per Indian Express. 'But this very room, I've used some gold accents just to give it a little bit of a grand sort of look.' Her master bedroom pairs deep green tones with calming whites, complemented by sheer curtains, curated rugs, and a dedicated walk-in closet for her extensive shoe collection. Izhaan's adjoining room bursts with colour and playful charm, complete with a bunk bed and kid-sized furnishings. Spaces of solitude and style Sania's favourite feature is the prayer room, designed in pale tones with an ice-blue carpet and filtered light. 'This is where I go when I feel unsettled,' she shared. Her dressing room stands out as the most personal corner of the house, purpose-built to cater to her fashion needs. And for quieter moments, the entertainment room, which is equipped with a Playstation—offers downtime with Izhaan. This villa is not just a home. It's a declaration of independence, rooted in love, faith, and a life thoughtfully designed.
New York Post
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Alice in Wonderland' author's former home asks $2.17M — where he drew his whimsical inspirations from a neighboring cathedral
Take a tumble down the rabbit hole for this property's colorful history. The former home of 'Alice in Wonderland' author Lewis Carroll — the pen name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgson — is on sale for $2.17 million. The North Yorkshire residence was the seasonal home of Carroll's father, a church official at the nearby Ripon Cathedral. The sale, listed by Savills, was first reported by the BBC. The outlet reported that the Dodgson family spent three months out of the year residing at the home throughout the 1850s. A young Carroll was forced to spend his school vacations from the prestigious Oxford University there. Advertisement 10 Lewis Carroll, whose real name was Charles Dodgson, wrote the beloved classic 'Alice in Wonderland.' Bettmann Archive 10 The North Yorkshire property where Carroll once lived recently listed for $2.17 million. Savills 10 Inspirations for 'Alice in Wonderland' characters, including the rabbit and the gryphon, can be found in the neighboring cathedral. Getty Images Advertisement The Georgian-era abode, called Ripon Old Hall, was constructed in the early 1700s and updated in the mid-1800s. The whimsical interiors of its next door neighbor, Ripon Cathedral, are cited as an early inspiration for Carroll's 1865 children's story, 'Alice in Wonderland.' The house itself is filled with eye-catching details, including intricate plasterwork and hand-carved millwork. The first floor encompasses three reception rooms, a modern kitchen, a formal dining room and a study, according to the listing. Two upper floors consist of five bedrooms and three bathrooms. Period features throughout the home include raised wood paneling, marble floors and stately fireplaces. The home's original oak staircase is decorated with carved foliage garlands, and the one of the upstairs bedrooms features fluted, Greek-style columns within the wall paneling. Advertisement 10 A living room includes pine wainscoting and a marble fireplace. Savills 10 The grand starcase. Savills 10 French doors connect a reception room to the garden. Savills 10 An upstairs bedroom. Savills Advertisement 10 The view of Ripon Cathedral from the house. Savills Most strikingly, perhaps, is the upper hall ceiling, which depicts in the vivid color the Judgement of Paris, a scene from Greek mythology. While Ripon Old Hall boasts beautiful architectural details, it's the nearby cathedral where the young author likely drew his inspirations. Intricate wooden carvings throughout Ripon Cathedral bear clear resemblances to Carroll's fantastical characters, including a golden queen upon a red beam and a wide-eyed headless cat sticking out its tongue. Elsewhere, a mythical gryphon pursues a rabbit down a hole. 'The sale of The Old Hall presents an incredibly rare opportunity to own a slice of history,' said Ed Stoyle, director and at Savills in York, in a statement shared with The Post. 10 Ripon Old Hall sits in the shadow of Ripon Cathedral. Savills 10 The front garden of Ripon Old Hall. Savills Stoyle added that the 18-century home offers 'a window into the changing architecture of the last 300 years.' Advertisement The $2.17 million listing also comes with a separate studio apartment, accessed through a private entrance. The space includes its own kitchen, bedroom and a bathroom. The property boasts walled gardens, including a 'breakfast garden' position to capture the morning sun, or perhaps host a mad tea party.
7NEWS
08-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- 7NEWS
A sweet treat for the weekend, strawberry and rhubarb Victoria sponges
Tilly is a cook, photographer and stylist. Tilly has just released her latest cookbook called 'Handfuls of Sunshine'. The book is all about small cakes, muffins and cupcakes. Today she will be cooking strawberry and rhubarb jam sponges.\ Recipe below: Strawberry & Rhubarb Jam Victoria Sponges I am a total sucker for just about any version of a Victoria sponge. Plain cake, jam and cream – what more could you want? But make them little, individual Victorias and you really have my attention. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. These little cakes are made with cream, not butter, in the batter, meaning that you can mix them all in one bowl, by hand. And anything that gets me closer to a cake with less effort is a win in my book! Filling them with whipped yoghurt-cream and homemade jam really does make them sing, but any good jam you are in possession of will do the trick! CAKES Unsalted butter, to grease A little plain (all-purpose) flour, to dust 200 ml (7 fl oz) thick (double) cream 165 g (53/4 oz) caster (superfine) sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste 2 eggs 150 g (51/2 oz) self-raising flour 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt TO FILL 200 ml (7 fl oz) thickened (whipping) cream 100 g (31/2 oz) Greek-style yoghurt 1 tablespoon icing (confectioners') sugar mixture, plus extra to dust 1 teaspoon rosewater 160 g (51/2 oz) Strawberry & Rhubarb JamPreheat the oven to 160°C (325°F) fan-forced and grease a 6-hole large muffin tin (with 180 ml/53/4 fl oz capacity holes) well with softened butter. I have a tin with straight-sided cups, which looks lovely, but a regular large muffin tin works just as well. Dust the tin with a little plain flour, tapping out any excess. Make the cake batter by placing the cream, sugar and vanilla in a large mixing bowl and using a hand whisk to combine. Do not overmix or the cream will become too stiff. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition. Add the self-raising flour and salt to the bowl, and whisk briefly to form a smooth batter. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula and tapping the tins gently on the bench to remove any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the cakes have risen and are cooked through. Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for 10 minutes before carefully turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. When ready to assemble the cakes, make the filling by whipping the cream, yoghurt, sugar and rosewater to soft peaks. Split the cakes in half, and top the bottom halves with a generous scoop of the cream mixture. Use the back of a spoon to create a little nest in the cream, then place a spoonful of jam on top. Gently sandwich the tops of the cakes on and dust liberally with icing sugar. STORE & SHARE These cakes are best served soon after assembling Strawberry & Rhubarb Jam 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) strawberries, hulled and quartered 300 g (101/2 oz) rhubarb, cut into 2 cm (3/4 inch) pieces 440 g (14 oz) caster (superfine) sugar 125 ml (4 fl oz) lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons) 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste 2 teaspoons rosewater (optional) Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) fan-forced. Place the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla bean seeds and pod (or paste) in a large deep baking tray and mix well, making sure that no dry bits of sugar remain. Spread the fruit out into an even layer and place the tray in the preheated oven to cook for 20 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling around the edges of the tray. Carefully take the tray out of the oven and mash the fruit with a potato masher or fork. Return the tray to the oven and cook for a further 15–20 minutes. Watch the jam carefully at this point as it can bubble over if it is cooked for too long. When the jam has reduced slightly and is bubbling and fragrant, carefully remove the tray from the oven. Give the jam another little mash, stir in the rosewater (if using), then ladle it into a sterilised jar and seal while hot. STORE & SHAREUnopened jam will keep for up to 3 months in a cool place. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and use within a month.
