• You might have the perfect flooring and furniture, but your living room still feels unwelcoming and cold.  Ever experienced a living room that’s beautifully put together, stylish and polished, but somehow it still feels uninviting and cold? Very often, it’s not the size of the room or even the amount spent on decorating, but the absence of small choices that add warmth, personality and a bit of softness. Here are 6 decorating mistakes you may be inadvertently making, and how to fix them. 1. Relying on one overhead light Nothing makes your living room feel more like a waiting room…

    From vineyard location to harvest timing, South African winemakers are taking a closer look at what makes great Merlot. Merlot has something of an image problem. Often thought of as an easy-drinking, fruit-forward red wine, the variety doesn’t always get the same attention as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinotage. But look a little closer and there is far more to Merlot than its approachable reputation suggests. In South Africa, Merlot accounts for around 6% of total wine grape plantings and 13% of red grape varieties, with approximately 6.5 million litres sold annually, according to South African Wine Industry Information & Systems.…

    Earthy beetroot, warmly spiced lentils and creamy dill yoghurt come together in this vibrant vegetarian salad. Tossed with cumin, coriander, lemon, spinach and fresh herbs, then finished with tangy goat’s cheese, it’s hearty enough for a light lunch but makes an equally delicious side dish. Fresh, colourful and packed with contrasting textures, this is a salad that proves vegetables can be the star of the table. Made this beetroot and lentil salad? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram Also See: Baby Marrow Loaf Cake  https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/baby-marrow-loaf-cake-with-cinnamon-sugar-swirl

    As we celebrate Heritage Month, the home-grown South African avocado deserves a place at the heart of the celebrations, especially on Heritage Day, or Braai Day, when friends and family come together around the fire to enjoy good food and each other’s company. From bunny chow and bobotie to chakalaka, potjiekos and shisa nyama, food plays an important role in celebrating our diverse heritage. But when Heritage Day rolls around, the braai takes centre stage. It’s a uniquely South African tradition that brings people together around the coals, with a table filled with much-loved favourites, and adding an avo is…

    Take the humble hot dog to the braai with these smoky, saucy pork hot dogs. Juicy pork sausages are braaied until charred, tucked into toasted rolls and topped with a crisp cabbage, carrot and spring onion slaw, all finished with a tangy mustard-mayo. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re an easy crowd-pleaser for laid-back braais, weekend lunches and casual entertaining. Also See: Veggie burgers with Sriracha mayo slaw Feature image: Aremedia

    A South African classic gets the baked treatment in this irresistibly creamy milk tart. A crisp shortcrust pastry shell is filled with silky vanilla-and-almond custard, lightened with a…