A generous charcuterie board has a way of bringing people together. One look at a table filled with cheeses, cured meats and colourful sides, and suddenly everyone’s nibbling, chatting and settling in. The secret lies in balance – plenty of choice, a relaxed layout and a touch of festive flair without overdoing it. Here’s how to build a board that feels abundant, inviting and beautifully put together. Read more: Impress at your next party with these 14 unique charcuterie board ideas Start with a good base Choose a surface that suits your style and space. A long wooden board, stone…
Amura by Ángel León opens at Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, in Cape Town. Where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, at the foot of Table Mountain, a…
‘Season to taste’ – it sounds simple, but to many, it can feel vague and ambiguous. How much salt is enough? Is your pinch and Nigella Lawson’s pinch the same? When should you season? When should you taste? And how do you know when you’ve reached the point where flavours are truly balanced? Seasoning to taste is less about guessing and more about using salt (and sometimes pepper) to naturally enhance the flavours of the dish (and satisfy your palate). With a little guidance, you can train your palate to recognise when a dish is flat, when it needs brightness,…
The kitchen is filled with all sorts of equipment, ranging from everyday essentials like a chef’s knife and a colander, to specialised tools like a cleaver and a…
What if the best gift you could give yourself this festive season was time? Simplify the way you eat We all know how the story goes, planning, shopping, cooking, cleaning… and then repeating it all again the next day. But what if you could skip the stress and mental load, and still serve meals that taste like they came from your favourite restaurant? That’s exactly what UCOOK’s Meal Kits were created to do. No more planning or last-minute grocery runs. No more worrying about what’s for dinner. Just beautiful, fresh ingredients, easy-to-follow recipes, and perfectly portioned ingredients delivered to your…
If you like golden cake and rich creaminess (and really, who doesn’t?), you need to try these Tiramisu cupcakes immediately. These tiramisu cupcakes bring all the indulgence of the…
Reaching for a warm drink on a blazing day sounds odd, yet it’s something many of us grew up seeing – a fresh pot of rooibos on the stoep, even when the sun is unforgiving. But is there any real cooling magic behind that steaming cup, or is it simply habit? Surprisingly, the answer sits somewhere in the middle. Read more: 6 Ways chamomile tea supports natural ageing and wellness Why a warm drink can help A hot drink sends a signal to your body that your temperature has gone up. In response, you begin to sweat a little more…
Give your kitchen a thorough clean just in time for the festive season with this step-by-step guide. Whether you’re hosting, cooking up a storm, or simply wanting a…
With all the slicing and dicing your knives help you do in the kitchen (especially for celebratory and festive meals), they really deserve some TLC. A sharp and well-maintained knife isn’t just a pleasure to use – it’s safer, faster, and more precise (which is exactly what we want when cooking). Here’s how to check if your knives are still in tip-top shape and what to do when they aren’t. How to tell whether your knife is sharp Before even deciding on an action plan, first take a few minutes to identify which knives are sharp and which are dull.…
Whether you’ve been too busy to plan a festive feast or are more of a play-it-by-ear cook, a well-stocked pantry can be your secret weapon. With just a…




