• Add a touch of fun to your festive feast by making these Christmas tree-themed treats. They’re ideal for the warm South African summer and make for a fun activity for the kids. If you give any of these festive treats a try, tag us @foodandhomesa using #CookingWithFH – we’d love to see! Christmas tree cakes These Christmas tree cakes look impressive but are actually super easy to make. Follow our step-by-step method – pics included! – and enjoy these festive treats. https://www.foodandhome.co.za/on-shelf/christmas-tree-cakes Ice-cream Christmas trees A must-make for the warmer Christmas days. It not only cools down the palette but…

    Bright, tropical and delightfully vegan, this Vegan Piña Colada Pavlova combines airy aquafaba (chickpea brine) meringue with creamy coconut pastry cream and juicy pineapple. Finished with granadilla pulp…

    This meringue and gingerbread wreath is a festive centrepiece with a playful twist. Crisp, cloud-light meringue and spiced gingerbread come together in a celebratory ring, filled with scoops of fig and raspberry ice cream for a cool, fruity contrast. It’s a dessert that looks special yet feels wonderfully relaxed – perfect for holiday tables where sharing, lingering and a little indulgence are all part of the plan. ALSO SEE: Milk chocolate, hazelnut and rosemary brioche wreath

    Whether you’re a pro or novice, it’s good to keep calm and grounded with highlights from the collective hosting bible. Hosting over the festive season is typically equal parts exciting and exhausting. Whether you adore blooms and foliage, lean towards the creative and sentimental or simply can’t delve deep enough into the world of gastronomy; moments (or whole days) of overwhelm are pretty much a standard part of the experience. It doesn’t help that we tend to over-promise, overthink and get lost in the haze of wanting to be the perfect host. For some the pressure piles at the mere thought of a nit-picking loved one,…

    The holidays are meant for laughter, good food, and quality time with family and friends. However, anyone who has hosted a festive gathering before knows that the small details, such as lighting adjustments, music, and managing the atmosphere, can quickly turn into a source of stress. Which is where home automation steps in. By automating lighting, audio, and other household systems, you can focus on creating memories instead of juggling tasks. As Adriana Woolridge from Homemation, exclusive distributors of Control4 in South Africa, explains, a smart home doesn’t have to mean complexity; it implies control, convenience, and calm. Automation transforms how people experience…

    Because finding PCOS-friendly snacks on the go is harder than it should be… When you’re living with PCOS, food choices can make a world of difference – from balancing blood sugar and energy levels to reducing inflammation and curbing cravings. But here’s the reality, finding PCOS-friendly snacks while you’re out and about, especially in summer, can feel nearly impossible. Most convenience foods are packed with sugar, refined carbs, or ingredients that spike insulin, leaving you tired, bloated, and hungrier than before. That’s why carrying your own snacks isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. Summer days are busier, hotter, and often…