It’s HAMBURGER DAY! “Man who invented the hamburger was smart; Man who invented the cheeseburger was a genius.” – Matthew McConaughey Personally, I love a Greek-inspired Hamburger, however the 100% lamb patties are extremely rich. I prefer to combine lamb mince with lean beef mince to even out the richness. Here’s how to make restaurant-quality…
Roasted Tomato Soup
This is a short-cut soup, with the flavours of plump and ripe tomatoes, off set with the fresh herbs. Always serve this soup with the swirl of cream for added richness. This soup is a crowd-pleaser, even when the crowd is opposed to soup. Chunks of warm Ciabatta will give you a warm and hearty…
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a dish which originated in Italy in the 1970s. The word “primavera” means springtime in Italian. In an era before seasonal cooking was commonplace, pasta primavera was the recipe to order for the best and brightest of spring vegetables. Today the recipe can be adapted to “pasta and vegetables” (regardless of the season)….
World Baking Day
Chocolate Beer Bread from a box World Baking Day, it’s time to dig out that rolling pin and prepare something delicious! Have a beer to spare? I am baking bread, I promise. A chocolate flavoured beer bread. Today we are testing out the Barrett’s Ridge Beer Bread Kit – Chocolate flavour from Yuppiechef.com. Homemade bread is…
Homemade Berry Jam
The long-lost bag of frozen berries, which aspired to be wholesome Berry Smoothies have now succumbed to the stewing pot with sugar and a dash of lemon juice. The homemade jam you didn’t know you needed, until you rummage through the freezer and start to think of ways of how to get rid of them….
Citrus & Thyme Gin
It would probably surprise you that it took me a few years to truly appreciate a proper Gin & Tonic. I started my gin journey with KWV Cruxland Gin and Dry Lemon; yes quite a combination. today i enjoy a good quality gin with the appropriate tonic, not to mention the garnish which enhances the…
Cinnamon & Raisin Rolls from a box
At times my own creativity runs out and then we make use of instant mixes. Not for the creativity but for the baking. Today I am testing the Gourmet Cravings Original Cinnamon Rolls Baking Kit; which I purchased from Yuppiechef.com. This baking kit makes for quick, easy baking with real ingredients and no preservatives, artificial colours…
Slider Buns
You asked for it; and here’s the bread recipe for the delicious sliders. Now you can enjoy the Meat-Free Monday: Sliders recipe with your own burger buns. Let me know how your rolls turned out!
Meat Free Monday: Sliders
Yeah, the days have jumbled into one and it’s really difficult to distinguish between the start and the end of the week now. And because we all need a bit of a treat “on a school night”, here’s our Meat-Free Monday Sliders recipe. And let’s be honest, I could eat burgers every day of the…
No Wine? No Problem! Three Marvellous Mocktails to make at Home
With more and more households running out wine, beer and other alcoholics, and the ban on the sale of them still in place, we asked some of the lecturers from Capsicum Culinary Studio to come up with a couple of cocktails that were not only non-alcoholic, but equally delicious and perhaps just a little healthier…
Pink Bubblies for Mother’s Day
Sunday 10th May will be Mom’s special day and she deserves a show of appreciation. So why not add an enchanting pink sparkle to her day. Here’s a selection of awesome pink bubblies to choose from, depending on your preference and budget: from Champagne to Cap Classique and Sparkling Wine. Champagne Bollinger Brut Rosé Champagne…
Chocolate Pretzel Sticks
Looking for a sweet and salty snack? Dip some pretzel sticks in chocolate and decorate with sprinkles or cocoa powder. these sticks are perfect for a home-office snack, or while relaxing with a movie. Pretzel sticks are available in a variety of flavours, select a “neutral” flavour (not cheese & onion) when making these treats….
Meat-Free Monday Tempura Vegetables
Somehow we always manage to use the “left-over” vegetables and create meat-free dishes after the weekend – and this one is no different. Coating vegetables in a batter and then frying until crispy; there are less appealing ways to start the week, hey? Meat-free does not mean “taste free” (or even fat free). However we…
Ultimate Chocolate Tart
Before you can make the ganache filling for this ultra lux chocolate tart, you have to master the pastry. I am sharing a simple and reliable pastry recipe with you, the filling is just a bonus! You can use this pastry case recipe for small or large tarts, and is best suited for any sweet…
Baked Waffles
Oven-baked Waffles are soft and airy like pillows; topped with delicious additions like ice cream, fresh berries or sweetened whipped cream. Waffles are great for breakfast, brunch or anytime. The batter can be altered for a savoury version, or an addition of frozen berries / chocolate chips will change the batter for an interesting waffle…
De Krans unveils new release Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine
De Krans unveils new release Muscat Nectar Alcohol-Free Sparkling De Krans Wines has expanded its Moscato range with the release of the Muscat Nectar Alcohol-Free Sparkling. This refreshing alcohol-free Muscat Nectar consists of 100% muscat grapes with a slight fizz added when bottled. The Muscat Nectar has lovely tropical fruit flavours with muscat tones and…
Spicy Beef Empanadas
Crumbly pastry filled with spicy beef; in a little handheld parcel ready for a picnic-dinner or midday lunch snacks. This is a project; make the dough and let it rest. Make the filling and let it rest. Once both components are ready, assemble the pastries and bake until golden in colour and crispy. These savoury…
Middelvlei Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
There is a slight chill in the air these days, and the days seem to be getting shorter as winter approaches. This time of the year we tend to opt for a robust red wine to keep the seasonal chills at bay, and Middelvlei’s Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is guaranteed to be a winter winner. Sourced…
Cupcakes from a box
Yeah, the novelty of baking and cooking from scratch is losing its appeal by now. I’ve resorted to box-baking. I am a huge fan of the classical “peppermint crisp tart” (cliche, I know). But I was looking for a way to incorporate this into some “lock-down baking”. I have a box of choc-mint cake mix,…
Home-made Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a loose oil-based condiment used to accompany barbecued meats or churrasco (the Portuguese and Hispanic name for beef or grilled meat). Finely chop your parsley before you start. I usually get a large handful, wash and finely chop, then measure. If you don’t have enough, grab a bit more, and chop again until…
