Smoky Sriracha Barbecue Chicken with Blackened, Grilled Potatoes & a Lemon Yoghurt Dressing

November 02, 2015 in cooking, food styling, lunch

This is just the ultimate Sunday evening comfort food. This is sticky barbecue sauce taken to new heights. The spiciness of the sriracha pairs so well with the smoked paprika and the beautiful flavour of citrus from the oranges. Serve with crunchy baked potatoes, a fragrant lemon yoghurt dressing and some crunchy shaved celery for freshness. If you can, cook this outside, on the fire, it just adds that extra depth of smokey flavour and is just a happy place to be!

Chakalaka Shakshuka

October 15, 2015 in breakfast, brunch, cooking, food styling, healthy eating

Shakshuka is thought to have originated in North Africa. It’s a dish of eggs, poached in a spicy sauce of tomatoes, chilli, peppers and onion. This local version uses our very own fiery, vegetable-packed, tomato based Chakalaka. I shopped around a bit and found there are many delicious store-bought canned versions so just use your favourite.

It is, traditionally, a breakfast food, but the peppery character of the chakalaka and nourishing heartiness of the eggs served with smoky, crunchy pita breads can definitely be made into lunch, dinner or an anytime snack. The thing I love most about this recipe is its name – it sounds like a magic spell or incantation. And it pretty much is. Follow this recipe and conjure up a breakfast of supernatural magnitude.

Bar-One, Amarula & Tennis Biscuit Chocolate Torte

August 19, 2015 in baking, food styling

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?

Mieliepap Dhaltjies

August 05, 2015 in cooking, light meals, vegetarian

Dhaltjies, or chilli bites, are a Cape Malay speciality usually served at Ramadan. They are usually made with pea or lentil flour but I substituted the flour with mieliepap which gave the filling a lovely, soft, but more substantial and satisfying filling. They are delicious, spicy bites that pair perfectly with a tangy, mango dipping sauce and are lovely served as snacks around the braai or as a crunchy, light treat all by themselves.