• Butter has always been one of the most beloved ingredients in cooking. It’s the foundation of sauces, the secret to golden roast potatoes and the finishing touch that gives many dishes their unmistakable richness. But in professional kitchens around the world, chefs often take butter one step further by transforming it into something even more powerful: compound butter. Compound butter is simply butter blended with herbs, spices, citrus or other flavourful ingredients. While the concept is straightforward, the effect can be remarkable. A small spoonful melting over hot food can instantly add aroma, depth and complexity. For chefs, it’s a…

    If you love a classic bangers-and-mash moment, this is its slightly more sophisticated cousin. Golden pork sausages are paired with a velvety, buttery polenta and topped with a rich roasted tomato smoor for a dish that’s equal parts comforting and impressive. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen, proving that simple ingredients can still deliver big, cosy flavour. Did you make this dish? Tag us on Instagram @foodandhomesa Also See: Truffle and Parmesan cauliflower mash with fresh figs

    If you’ve ever hovered in the dairy aisle, eyeing a tub of quark and wondering whether it belongs with yoghurt or cream cheese, you’re definitely not alone. This quietly trending ingredient has been popping up everywhere lately – and once you get to know it, it’s easy to see why.   So, what exactly is quark?  Quark is a fresh dairy product made from cow’s milk, sitting somewhere between a soft cheese and a thick yoghurt. Think of it as the lovechild of cream cheese and yoghurt: smooth, creamy and indulgent, yet light enough to spoon straight from the tub without feeling weighed down.   It has roots in Central and Eastern Europe, where it’s a staple in both sweet and savoury cooking…

    There’s something undeniably comforting about a batch of freshly baked hot cross buns, especially when the weather turns cooler and all you want is something warm, spiced and slightly indulgent. These heavenly hot cross buns are soft, lightly sweet and packed with warming flavours like cinnamon, citrus and dried fruit, making them the perfect bake to share (or not, no judgement). Best served straight from the oven with a generous spread of butter. They’re proof that some classics are worth revisiting long after Easter has passed. Also See: Amarula-Spiked White Hot Chocolate https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/amarula-spiked-white-hot-chocolate Recipe and image: Stock Food

    Comforting, hearty and just a little bit wholesome, this Brinjal Bolognese Bake is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into something worth lingering over. Think…

    While it’s true that microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses) surround us and populate our homes every second of the day, simple cleaning and handwashing remain the best way to keep yourself and your home healthy. However, when overthinking gets the best of you, and you scour the internet (specifically cleantok) for the best routines, only to get more confused about when to clean and sanitise, versus when to clean and disinfect. Don’t even get us started on sterilising. So, to help clarify and set things straight, we’ve created a simple, easy-to-follow guide you can use at home, at the office,…

    Well-marbled pork steak, seasoned properly and seared in a sizzling hot griddle pan, topped with a slice of caramelised onion and balsamic compound butter, is irresistible. We recommend…