• From the misty slopes of the Drakensberg to the picturesque Alpine pastures of Gruyères, the journey of cheese around the world is as rich in story as it is in flavour. Whether crafted by hand on a South African farm or refined in a centuries‑old Swiss chalet, these cheeses reflect local terroirs and time‑honoured traditions. Join us on a delicious odyssey that celebrates the global appeal of artisanal cheese, from handcrafted cheddar in Haenertsburg to the iconic Gruyère in Switzerland. Spain: La Mancha La Mancha is best known for Manchego, a firm, nutty sheep’s milk cheese made from the region’s…

    Packed with delicious flavour, this nutritious no-grain banana bread is a revelation! It’s amazingly flavourful and satiating. Make a loaf, slice it thinly, and freeze for breakfasts and snacks on the go – simply defrost or toast and spread, no, slather with your favourite nut butter. If you decide not to freeze it, store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. ALSO SEE: Choc-banana and peanut butter crunch wraps https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/choc-banana-and-peanut-butter-crunch-wraps Recipe and styling by Claire Ferrandi  Photograph by Dylan Swart

    This hearty Osso Buco with Gremolata is the kind of slow-cooked comfort food that fills your kitchen with rich aromas and warms you from the inside out. Beef shins are gently braised with wine, stock, bacon, and herbs until meltingly tender, then finished with a zesty homemade gremolata for a burst of freshness. Served atop creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta, this classic Italian dish is perfect for a cosy weekend dinner or special occasion at home. ALSO SEE: OSSO BUCO MILANESE

    Mini in size but big on flavour! These little cottage pies are the ultimate winter warmers—packed with rich, savoury mince and topped with a golden, cheesy mash. Baked in individual portions, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, lunchboxes, or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. Think traditional comfort food, but made irresistibly cute. These also make for a perfect cook-and-freeze meal, for those days when you just don’t feel like cooking! TOTAL TIME 50 min |SERVES 6  Made these Little cottage pies with cheesy mash recipe? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram! ALSO SEE: MINI CREAMY PEPPERED STEAK AND MUSHROOM PIES

    An innocent, hard-working kitchen cleaning tool can’t be all that bad. Can it? My kitchen sponge harbours how many bacteria now? Kitchen sponges keep our dishes spotless, but actually, they’re one of the dirtiest tools you could be using. One study has shown that kitchen sponges can harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat. Yoh! But why? Warm environment: Especially just after doing the dishes, the warmth is perfect to kickstart bacterial growth Constant moisture: We’ve all been guilty of leaving a sponge without wringing it out properly, and those pesky bacteria love to see it Food particles: They might rid your…