Diesel Rogers Dining with Diesel www.sunlive.co.nz

Here's a few words in support of the good folk who keep our beaches safe in summer.
I have been in serious training after recovering from my surgery a few long months ago, before which I am sure my back leg was pointing the wrong way.

I have been working frantically to get my body back into correct shape, so when I slip into my speedos, all the proper bits are in order and not popping out the side with my love handles drooping over them (not a good look).
It's a matter of trying my best to look like David Hasselhoff, with four legs.
Anyway, I will always support a good cause, no matter what you think about twoleggers running around on the sand in skimpy 'man-kinis”( like Borat, one of the reasons I keep my tin knickers handy), and funny-coloured hats.
To be truthful I have always wanted one of those hats, but the boss has told me I have to go fetch my own as no way is he going to go down to the beach to mix and mingle and dress (or undress, depending on how you look at it) in a pair of Speedos. I know he has some somewhere, but try as I might, there is no changing his mind.
The main reason I mention the good people who try to keep us all safe in the water, is that most of them are volunteers.
They have a very difficult job to do and their efforts are not always appreciated. That's especially the case with the hoons who hit the tide after a day drinking in the sun, which only results in more people having to be rescued.
What I am saying is that these hard-working, selfless volunteers need to be given respect. ‘Godszone' is surrounded by sea, but some of our habits in the water are a little perplexing, bordering on the stupid. So make sure you know how to swim, check out the sea conditions, and take it easy. I can tell you there's no way you want to be rescued by a Labrador wearing a funny and Speedos.
If you are hitting the sand this summer, treat your lifeguards with respect. Slip them a dollar or two if you can spare it, as it costs money to keep beach-goers safe every summer.
On the subject of summer, it's barbecue time, and what better place to get your meaty supplies than from my mate Johnny, the Aussie butcher in Gate Pa.
I bet he won't be heading to the beach, as if anyone saw him in Speedos, the beach would empty rapidly. It would be like a scene from the X Files.
See him to order Christmas hams, because as I always say, you cannot beat Johnny's meat.

Minced Beef Croquettes

Ingredients
500g steak mince
60g butter
60g plain flour
450g beef stock
2 medium onions, chopped
3 medium eggs
Salt and pepper
1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Toasted breadcrumbs
Cornflake crumbs
Method
This recipe is great if you want something you can prepare ahead. You don't have to refrigerate overnight each day – four hours or so in the refrigerator should be enough to create the same effect.
Day 1:
Melt butter in saucepan. Add the flour and mix into a smooth paste. Pour in the broth and stir, cook for 10 minutes.
Sauté onions until soft and meat until browned, then add to saucepan. Season with salt, pepper and parsley and cook for one minute. Pour into a dish and allow to cool in the refrigerator overnight.
Day 2:
Beat eggs and set aside. Divide mixture into equal amounts, and roll into small croquette shapes. Roll in breadcrumbs and then in the beaten eggs. Finally roll in the cornflake crumbs. Refrigerate overnight.
Day 3:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan, and deep fry croquettes until golden brown.

OK my good people, take care out there and always remember to do it to them before they do it to you.