There’s a very specific kind of joy reserved for spotting hot cross buns back on the shelves. It’s warm, a little nostalgic, and smells faintly of cinnamon. Suddenly, Easter feels close enough to taste. But beyond their soft centres and glossy tops, hot cross buns carry a story that’s far richer than their spice blend. So why have these sticky, cross-marked buns become so tied to Easter? It’s a tale of seasons, symbolism and a little bit of rule-breaking. A bun with a past life Long before Easter baskets and chocolate eggs, early spring was already a time worth celebrating. In pagan traditions, people marked the…
Easter is a time for gathering, sharing and celebrating around a beautifully set table. Whether you’re planning a relaxed family lunch or a more elaborate feast, our curated…
A pristine kitchen countertop is a beautiful thing — and a completely unrealistic daily expectation. Between morning coffee, evening meal prep and everything in between, most surfaces collect crumbs, water spots and smudges faster than we’d care to admit. The good news is that the right countertop choice can make those inevitable messes nearly invisible. Interior designers are well acquainted with this challenge, and their preferred solutions balance good looks with genuine practicality. Here are five countertop materials and colours they consistently recommend for low-maintenance, high-style kitchens. Veined quartz in grey or taupe Engineered quartz has become one of the…
As we prepare for Good Friday tomorrow the appeal of the same old seafood dishes might not be as exciting as once before. Whether you observe the tradition…
Families and friends are invited to celebrate Easter Sunday in elegant surroundings at The Conservatory restaurant at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa, where a specially curated three-course lunch will be served on the 5th of April 2026 (R895 per person). Set against the lush backdrop of the hotel gardens…
Easter arrives with a certain sweetness. It’s in the air, in the long weekend lunches… and very definitely in the chocolate aisle. But beyond the foil-wrapped bunnies and pastel eggs lies a story that’s older, richer and a little more unexpected than you’d think. Let’s unwrap it: It all started with an egg (long before chocolate) Before chocolate stole the spotlight, eggs were the original Easter treat. Across ancient cultures – from the Persians to the Romans – eggs symbolised new life, fertility and fresh beginnings. Think of them as nature’s way of saying: spring has sprung. When Christianity came along, Easter became a celebration of resurrection and renewal. The egg slipped easily…
There’s a reason a golden roast leg of pork never goes out of style. Crisp crackling, juicy meat and that irresistible, slow-roasted aroma make it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.…
Miso is a Japanese fermented paste that is rich with earthy, salty, umami and slightly funky flavour. It’s one of the most versatile fermented pastes (and there are quite a few pastes out there), used in both savoury and sweet cooking! Find out everything you need to know about miso, from exactly what it is and different types, to how to cook with it and a few dos and don’ts. What exactly is miso Miso is a fermented soybean paste. It is made by combining three ingredients – soybeans, salt and koji (a friendly and gut-healthy fungus that grows on…
Golden, crunchy and deeply satisfying, this macadamia-crusted chicken is a celebration of bold flavour and texture. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a nutty, parmesan-spiked crust, then roasted…
When it comes to baking, this chocolate Easter sheet cake is the kind of low-effort, high-reward situation we all pretend we have under control. Baked in a single tray and finished with a rich, chocolatey icing, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, school holidays or that one friend who “doesn’t like sweet things” but somehow eats three slices. Even better, decorating it is half the fun — pile on mini eggs, chocolate bunnies and anything pastel you can find, and suddenly you’ve got a festive centrepiece that looks far more impressive than the effort required. Also See:…
Easter is almost upon us and adding a bunny-shaped napkin to your Easter table is a simple yet festive touch that will delight your guests. With just a…