Innholdsfortegnelse for Winter 2024 i Food & Home Entertaining

FROM THE EDITOR The Food&Home team always has something in mind when putting our heads together to decide what goes into an issue. Usually, seasons take the lead - we are a quarterly magazine, so this makes perfect sense. But this time, we wanted to focus our content on something we all look for every once in a while when cooking, especially when it's chilly and all we want to do is curl up under a cosy blanket: convenience. Sure, we love a good ol’ challenge in the kitchen, but nothing beats a recipe that requires minimal effort, and does not take ages to prepare and skimp on deliciousness (something too many easy recipes lack). Keeping this in mind, we've got all sorts of yummy recipes in store for you.…

THILIVHALI MUGWENA Winter cooking is all about warmth, comfort and nourishment. Think hearty soups, slow-cooked stews, roasted veggies and cosy casseroles. Experiment with seasonal ingredients and warming spices to create comforting dishes that ward off the chill. And don't forget to indulge in decadent treats like hot chocolate or spiced apple pie to round off your winter feasts. Embrace slow cooking Winter is the perfect time for slow-cooked meals like stews, soups and braises, which fill your home with comforting aromas and develop rich flavours over time. Use seasonal produce Take good advantage of winter produce like root veggies, squash and hearty greens. They are fresher, more flavourful and cost effective now. Experiment with warming spices Incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger into your dishes and baked goods…

1 tsp mustard seeds ½ tsp fenugreek seeds 1 large onion 2 sliced chillies 2 sprigs curry leaves 85 grams garlic cloves 5 tbsp Kashmiri masala 1 tsp coriander cumin powder ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp sugar 5 tomatoes, grated 50 grams tomato paste 200 grams baby brinjals 1 tbsp tamarind (dissolved in 1 cup hot water) 1.2 kg white fish (5-6 slices) Fresh coriander HEAT a large pot with oil and add mustard and fenugreek seeds. Allow to fry for 1-2 minutes as the oil heats up. ADD onion, chillies and curry leaves. Cook until the onions start to lightly brown. Now, add garlic cloves. INTRODUCE the ground spices, letting their aromas infuse the curry. MIX in grated tomatoes and tomato paste, allowing them to cook. Cover and stir occasionally. Once the oil surfaces, add the baby brinjals, coating them in the tomato…

THE SCOOP | FARM TO FORK In 1999, while gracing the world's great fairways, South African golf legend Ernie Els wanted to make wine. He approached lean Engelbrecht, the proprietor at Rust en Vrede Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, and together with Winemaker Louis Strydom, produced the inaugural vintage of Ernie Els Signature in 2000, a Cape Bordeaux-style blend. Twenty-four vintages later, Louis Strydom is still at the helm of Ernie Els Wines, with his latest release, Ernie Els Signature 2017, having been awarded a five-star rating from the venerable Platter's Guide for a remarkable sixth time. Not resting on his laurels and wanting to expand his burgeoning wine business, Ernie purchased the current 70-ha Helderberg property in 2004. Ernie Els Winery is in a prime position within the Golden Triangle…

WEEKEND SPLENDOUR | SWEET SPOT White chocolate mousse with honeycomb HANDS-ON TIME 20 min TOTAL TIME 30 min + refrigeration SERVES 4-6 SALTED HONEYCOMB 1 cup sugar 2 tsp salt 4 tbsp honey ½ tbsp bicarbonate of soda WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE 200 grams white chocolate 300 ml cream 2 tsp powdered gelatine 2 large egg whites 40 grams caster sugar TO SERVE 50 grams white chocolate, grated SALTED HONEYCOMB LINE a baking tray with baking paper. COMBINE the sugar, salt and honey in a pot. Dissolve the sugar over low heat and once dissolved, turn the heat up to medium-high and cook for 2 minutes. ADD the bicarb and mix for 10 seconds and then immediately pour into the prepared dish until cold. WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE MELT the chocolate and 50 ml of cream over a double boiler. WHIP…

WEEKEND SPLENDOUR | KIDS’ CORNER As the winter school holidays approach, families prepare for a well-deserved break filled with unforgettable memories. With so many options, choosing the perfect destination that caters to parents and children alike can be overwhelming. Fortunately, our country boasts various kid-friendly destinations that promise fun and excitement for the whole family, from thrilling wildlife encounters to escapades on sandy beaches. This article lists top kid-friendly getaways to ensure your winter school holiday is adventurous and relaxing. So, pack your bags, grab your little ones, and go on an unforgettable family trip! Go Explore Embrace the winter chill by heading to the epic Drakensberg Mountains. Families can indulge in various outdoor activities, such as hiking, horse riding and trout fishing. The crisp mountain ah and stunning vistas…

WINE TALK | WEEKEND SPLENDOUR The picturesque Robertson Valley is home to Van Loveren Family Vineyards, a testament to the family legacy and pioneering spirit in South Africa's wine industry. We had the privilege of sitting down with Marili McElhinney, Van Loveren's brand manager, who shared insights into the rich history, winemaking philosophy and sustainable practices that define this renowned estate. A legacy of passion ‘Van Loveren's story traces back to 1937 when Hennie Retief acquired the land and christened it after his wife's ancestor, Christina van Loveren,’ Marili begins. ‘What started as a modest vineyard has flourished over the decades under the stewardship of successive generations of the Retief family.’ Van Loveren's journey reached a significant milestone when Nico and Wynand Retief, Hennie's sons, bottled the first Van Loveren…

Aquafaba is the starchy water left over from cooking chickpeas and other white beans. When these beans are cooked for a long time, the water turns into gel - also known as aquafaba that has special uses. It's easy to make yourself — simply cook dried chickpeas for a long time. People use aquafaba as a replacement for eggs in baking. It works well in foods like meringues, macarons, mousses and nougat. It's also used in cocktails that typically contain raw eggs. AQUAFABA MERINGUES HANDS-ON TIME 10 min TOTAL TIME 1 hr 30 min MAKES 4-6 6 tbsp aquafaba (brine from tinned beans) ¼ tsp cream of tartar ½ cup caster sugar ½ tsp vanilla essence PREHEAT oven to 120°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. BEAT the aquafaba and cream of tartar on…

The idyllic green lawn is a homeowner's dream, but unfortunately, it's not always easy to achieve. Whether you're battling brown patches or pets that won't stop digging, a picture-perfect grass patch can seem impossibly out of reach. Find answers to all your lawn questions here to help turn your dreams into a reality. How can I stop my grass turning brown? Grass turns brown for several reasons, like under-watering, overwatering, disease or nutrient deficiency. To prevent this, ensure your lawn receives the right amount of water. It should drain relatively quickly to stop waterlogging but hold onto enough moisture to stop the soil from drying and compacting. Aerate your lawn to improve water and nutrient absorption if needed. Use slow-release fertilisers to feed the grass over time, preventing nutrient deficiencies.…

YES, CHEF For those with a love for cooking up a strom. “Some of these items can double as Father's Day gifts, too! HOME-MAKER Love pretty decor and frills? This is for you!…

THE INNER CIRCLE | CREATOR FOCUS Tradition meets travel Priyanka grew up in Durban, and her cultural background played a pivotal role in shaping her approach to food. ‘Living with my grandparents for 12 years exposed me to Durban's rich culinary culture, especially its vibrant Indian community,’ she shares. From mastering the art of curry-making to accompanying her grandfather to local markets, Priyanka learned a deep appreciation for the intricate flavours of traditional dishes. But her food journey goes beyond the confines of her home town. Travel has been a significant source of inspiration, allowing her to explore diverse cuisines and flavours. ‘A memorable food experience from my travels was trying a frog dish in Singapore,’ she recalls. For Priyanka, travel is a conduit for expanding her food knowledge and…

THE SCOOP | WHAT'S FRESH? SWAP IT You can also use sliced pork fillets or pork chops. Pork steak with sautéed lentils HANDS-ON TIME 20 min TOTAL TIME 35 min SERVES 4 2 tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 6 slices bacon, finely chopped 1 tbsp finely chopped, fresh rosemary 4 sprigs fresh thyme 800 grams tinned brown lentils, drained and rinsed ½ cup water 1 tbsp lemon juice 4 150 grams uncrumbed pork schnitzels 1 lemon, halved crossways 175 grams asparagus, trimmed and thinly sliced lengthways HEAT half the oil in a frying pan over high heat; cook onion, garlic and bacon, stirring until onion softens. Add rosemary and 3 sprigs of the thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add lentils and the water;…

WEEKDAY HEROES | AIR FRYER FEAST Born from a deep-seated love for food that was nurtured by her family's moments in the kitchen, Louisa Holst's journey into cuisine began long before she set foot in a professional kitchen. ‘My parents loved to cook, and we spent lots of time in the kitchen together,’ she says. ‘Those early experiences ignited my curiosity and laid the foundation for my career.’ After completing her studies, Louisa wasted no time diving headfirst into a career in food. ‘I was incredibly fortunate to land a job as a food assistant at a magazine,’ she shares. ‘It was there I discovered my passion for food editing and recipe development.’ Today, as the esteemed Food Editor at Ideas magazine, Louisa continues to pour her creativity into every…

WEEKEND SPLENDOUR | MEAT-FREE Veggie noodle broth HANDS-ON TIME 20 min TOTAL TIME 1 hr 20 min SERVES 4-6 BROTH 2 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, roughly chopped 2 garlic cloves, bruised 1 tsp fresh or ground turmeric 2 cm ginger, chopped 1 chilli, roughly chopped 4 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped 2½ litre vegetable stock Juice of 1 lime VEGETABLES 20 broccoli stems, trimmed and halved 2 carrots, ribboned 1 cup sugar snap peas 1 tbsp olive oil 2 cups button mushrooms TO ASSEMBLE 4 cups medium egg noodles, cooked according to packet instructions 1 chilli, thinly sliced 2 spring onions, sliced 4 radishes, thinly sliced BROTH HEAT the olive oil over medium heat and cook the onions and garlic for 5 minutes, until translucent and fragrant. ADD the turmeric, ginger and chilli and cook for another 5 minutes. ADD the…

KIDS’ CORNER SPAGHETTI NESTS & BIRDIE MEATBALLS HANDS-ON TIME 30 min TOTAL TIME 1 hr 15 min SERVES 4 MEATBALLS 3 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 400 grams beef mince 1 egg 3 tbsp breadcrumbs 2 sprigs parsley, finely chopped, plus extra leaves to garnish 1 sprig thyme, finely chopped 1 tbsp grated lemon zest Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 pinch chilli powder 400 grams tinned, chopped tomatoes 250 ml vegetable stock TO SERVE 400 grams spaghetti 1 egg, hard-boiled Black peppercorns Blanched almonds, halved 1 handful parsley 40 grams Parmesan, grated HEAT 1 tbsp oil in a pan and cook the onion and garlic until lightly browned. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly. PLACE the mince in a bowl and add the egg, breadcrumbs, herbs and onion mixture. Season with lemon zest, salt, pepper…

FOOD TOURS I feel a twinge of worry. A predicted cyclone means the prospect of my long-awaited trip isn't good. My weather app shows the eye of a storm burning red in a sea of tranquil blues and greens. I'm heading by cruise ship toward hot, muggy climes where volcanic mountains, their peaks concealed by clouds, rise from fringes of green palms and slivers of beaches. I keep telling myself that if the captain is willing to risk it, doggone it, I will, too, especially with the promise of Mauritius - and rum. Travellers usually visit this country for its resorts, palm trees, drinks with umbrellas and snorkelling, but I've been hunting down distilleries in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean for years. I'm following part of a route first journeyed…

DECOR & DESIGN | IN THE HOME As home decor trends don't change as fast as fashion, we have explored some of these styles before, but this time, we include new contenders and how to incorporate each trend in your home to keep it fresh yet timeless. From lighting as art to French countryside inspiration, current styles are all about clean, serene and calming. CALL IT ‘WARM MINIMALISM’ Scandinavian minimalism has adorned pages of interior design magazines for years with its simple lines, stark white and light wood combo and minimal ornate elements. Minimalistic rooms are still timeless but less white and bright and warmer and more textured. How to style it Let light flow in naturally through large windows without curtains or using only sheer drapes. Everything must have…

PICKLED BRINE BREAD WITH OLIVES HANDS-ON TIME 2 hrs TOTAL TIME 2 hrs 30 min MAKES 1 loaf 3 tsp instant yeast 1 tsp +1 tbsp sugar 1 cup dill gherkin brine, warmed 1 tbsp vegetable oil 3 cups bread flour ¼ tsp salt ½ cup black olives, pitted and halved ½ cup green olives, pitted and halved Butter, to serve MIX the yeast and 1 tsp sugar with ½ cup of the warm gherkin brine. Allow to rest for 10 minutes until foamy on top. TRANSFER the mixture to a large bowl and add 1 tbsp sugar, oil, flour, salt and the remaining gherkin brine. BRING together with your hands and then work in the olives. Knead for 6-10 minutes until the dough is smooth. PLACE in a greased bowl and cover loosely with cling film. Allow to…

SAVE THE DATES The weather may be chilly, but that doesn't mean you have to remain indoors. Come rain or sunshine, the culinary scene in South Africa never sleeps, and these activities are sure to excite your taste buds and warm you up. From hearty comfort foods to exciting foodie workshops and soul-warming beverages, there is no shortage of foodie events to enjoy this winter. THE VAAL WINE ROUTE 2024 Enjoy a leisurely journey along the Vaal Wine Route, an ideal way to savour South Africa's finest wines. Unwind on a tranquil winter weekend by enjoying a relaxed itinerary that invites you to indulge in tastings of eight distinct wines. Each venue along the route features a unique wine estate, offering you the opportunity to explore a diverse range of…

The face behind Inspired by Pri's Food Raised in a household where food wasn't just sustenance but a language of love and tradition, Priyanka Govender's journey into the cooking world was inevitable. ‘My love for cooking began when I was very young,’ sne reminisces. ‘I found myself cooking two-minute noodles, inspired by my taste for Asian cuisine. After mastering that using the instructions on the back of the packaging, I started making stir-fries. I vividly remember my mom purchasing a marinated chicken stir-fry mix, which I combined with noodles to create my own chow mein.’…

THE INNER CIRCLE | AT HOME WITH The mastermind behind one of South Mica's favourite accounts, @cooking_with_nthabi, Nthabi Seemela's love affair with food began in the warmth of her family kitchen, under the guiding hands of her late mother. ‘My parents used to host their family members, and I would help my mom prepare food, and that's how I learned how to cook and how my passion for cooking grew,’ she reminisces. Those early experiences helping her mother in the kitchen later ignited a culinary flair that captured the hearts and attention of foodies and homemakers countrywide. Reflecting on those early years with her mother, Nthabi recalls standout dishes that still hold a special place in her heart. ‘One of those was ox liver,’ she says. ‘My uncles would always…

WEEKEND SPLENDOUR | GUILT-FREE BASIL IS YOUR BEST FRIEND Besides keeping bugs at bay in your garden, crushing basil leaves and rubbing them on your skin can chase away insects in your home (perfect for mozzie season!) and help to relieve a sinus headache. The bulbs are widely used for getting rid of coughs and colds. Wild garlic pesto HANDS-ON TIME 10 min TOTAL TIME 25 min MAKES 1 × 375 ml jar 100 grams rocket 50 grams basil 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 bulb wild garlic 50 grams Parmesan ¼ cup +1 tbsp olive oil 50 grams walnuts, toasted ADD the rocket, basil and lemon juice to a food processor. Pulse for 1 minute. ADD the garlic, Parmesan and ¼ cup olive oil. Blend until emulsified. ADD the nuts and pulse until the desired consistency. Add more…

Candied jalapeño chillies HANDS-ON TIME 10 min TOTAL TIME 20 min MAKES 3 cups 3 cups sugar 1½ cups apple cider vinegar 6 tsp mustard seeds 30 jalapeño peppers, sliced 3 garlic cloves, sliced TO SERVE Cashews and coriander COMBINE the sugar, vinegar and mustard seeds together in a pot over medium heat. BOIL for 5 minutes, then add the jalapenos and garlic. BOIL for a further 5 minutes, then remove the jalapeños and garlic with a slotted spoon and divide evenly between sterilised jars. CONTINUE boiling the syrup for another 5-7 minutes then pour over the jalapeños and seal the jars. BEAT THE BURN Wash your hands with hot, soapy water immediately after chopping the chillies. Here's a trick To tell if your jam has reached the setting point, spoon a bit on a small…

IN THE HOME | KITCHEN CHRONICLES Why do we dread applying ourselves to our appliances? Because it usually involves hours, if not days, of scrubbing and scraping away at burnt roast potato adhered to your oven's innards with no guarantee it'll budge, let alone that your appliance will look anything like it did when it was new. It's time to consult the experts with this guide to deep cleaning your kitchen, courtesy of the Office Manager at SweepSouth, Luke India Ramos. FRIDGE Frequency Every three to six months to prevent the build-up of bacteria, mould and food residue that can lead to unpleasant odours, contamination of food and even inefficient cooling. You'll need: • Dish soap • Water • Bucket • Dishcloth • Small brush Unplug the fridge and allow…