• Every kitchen has suffered from a fruit fly epidemic (and my kitchen is currently in the thick of one). One overly ripe piece of fruit, or an off smell from the drain and bam! The tiny frequent flyers spontaneously arrive – and feel near impossible to get rid of. The good news? It actually is possible to get rid of them with just a few routine habits and DIY remedies. What are fruit flies? Fruit flies are small (2mm), red-eyed insects part of the Drosophilidae or greater fly family. These tiny insects are attracted to rotting or fermenting fruit…

    There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic roast, and this mustard & horseradish roast beef delivers all the richness with a sharp, flavourful twist. Tender beef fillet is coated in wholegrain mustard, roasted to perfection, and served with golden seasonal vegetables and a creamy horseradish sauce. It’s a timeless dish that feels both hearty and effortlessly refined. Did you make this recipe? Tag us on Instagram @foodandhomesa! Also See: Thai beef salad with lime dressing https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/thai-beef-salad-lime-dressing

    There’s something quietly luxurious about a perfectly ripe pear. Not rock-hard, not mushy – just that sweet spot where the flesh gives ever so slightly and the juice practically does the talking. But pears can be a little… temperamental. Treat them right, though, and they’ll reward you handsomely.  Here’s how to store them like a pro (and avoid that all-too-familiar “why are they all overripe at once?” moment).  The ripening rule you didn’t know you needed  Unlike many fruits, pears are picked before they’re fully ripe. Translation: what you do once they’re in your kitchen matters. A lot.  Different varieties play by slightly different rules:  Bartlett pears soften quickly and shift from green to a sunny yellow.   Anjou…

    Sink your spoon into pure comfort with this classic sticky toffee date pudding – the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. A soft, sponge-like pudding is enriched with sweet, caramel-toned dates, giving it that signature depth and gentle stickiness, before being drenched in a glossy, buttery toffee sauce that seeps into every crumb. It’s the contrast that makes it unforgettable: light yet indulgent, rich yet impossibly moreish. Served warm (always warm) with a generous pour of extra sauce and a cloud of fresh cream, this is the dessert you bring out when you want…

    If you’re after something bold, fast, and actually satisfying, this stir-fried pork with peanut and chilli delivers on all fronts. Tender strips of pork are tossed with crunchy veg, smoky chilli, and a savoury soy glaze, then finished with salty peanuts for that perfect bite. Also See: Pork chilli oil dumplings https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/pork-chilli-oil-dumplings Recipe and image: SA Pork