baking
Photo by Andrea Van Der Spuy
I must confess that I am more of a savoury person. I would rather eat a sandwich after a meal than dessert – when will this become acceptable? But life is just too sad without a little sweet indulgence so here is a cake that is delicately sweetened by honey, livened up by some zesty lime, full of fresh, tangy apples and crowned with a creamy natural yoghurt.
Read MorePhoto by Andrea Van Der Spuy
Mieliebrood is one of those good old South African staples usually served as a side at the braai. Personally, I like it plain, hot out of the oven slathered in good quality butter. I like to cook mine in a cast-iron skillet, but the recipe also works perfectly well in a traditional loaf tin.
There’s nothing fancy about this recipe and that is why I love it so much. It’s the kind of thing that you can decide last minute that you’re craving and, provided you have the few basic ingredients in your cupboard, can whip up and pop into the oven in 10 minutes. Then all you have to do is get your butter ready and wait for this perfect, fluffy, sweet loaf to come out of the oven!
Read MorePhoto by Andrea Van Der Spuy
I have a love for all things Italian. This may be because I have a Nonna or am lucky enough to have an Italian passport, but I think it has to do with the humility of their food – the emphasis on simplicity and a few, really good ingredients.
This cake is no different. It is a local reinvention of a fool-proof dark chocolate torte I found in an old Italian recipe book. It combines all the local flavours we love – Bar-One, Amarula and good old-fashioned Tennis Biscuits. It’s gooey, crunchy and covered in chocolate sauce – what’s not to love?
Read MoreSo, I am getting married in December (TOO much excitement!) and with that comes the usual bride-to-be stress of fitting into a wedding dress. That’s all good and well for some one happy to eat steamed greens for the next 3 months, but if you know me (and my all consuming passion for EVERYTHING food) then you know that I am not (and will never be, thank goodness!) that person! So what appeals to me about these cookies, considering my current challenges, is that they are completely delicious and on the healthier side of the cookie scale (well, in moderation, which is always challenging!). In a few words these cookies are quick, sweet, crunchy, chewy and just completely addictive!
Read MoreThis the PERFECT summer picnic or lunch-outside-on-the-stoep (veranda) tart. Sweet red onion marmalade and roasted peppers, salty goat's cheese, soft filling, crunchy pastry - all complemented perfectly by a sunny day under the trees with a cold glass of wine and a fresh side salad.
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