• 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 fresh, organised space before the rush of December, this checklist helps you tackle every corner efficiently. How often should you deep-clean your kitchen A festive season deep clean is perfect for resetting your space – but it shouldn’t happen only once a year. Include these intervals to keep your kitchen hygienic and running smoothly: Daily: wipe down counters, wash dishes and clean spills immediately. Weekly: clean stovetops, sanitise the sink, wipe the exteriors of appliances,…

    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.…

    Comprehensive yet engaging, and welcoming of newcomers to the vine, the 2026 Platter’s by Diners Club Wine Guide released today is the perfect independent companion for anyone who lifts a glass of South African wine. The new edition celebrates a remarkable 46 years of the guide showcasing South Africa’s winegrowers and grape-spirit distillers, through winery profiles, wine descriptions and ratings, wine-country maps and much more. All the best-selling features of the collectible editions are present and fully updated for the 2026 guide, in which well over 900 producers, merchants and brands are featured, including more than 30 new ones, and…

    Lemons are one of those pantry staples we reach for constantly – brightening sauces, lifting bakes, and adding a fresh kick to drinks. If you’ve stocked up or have a bowl that’s fuller than usual, freezing them is an easy way to make sure nothing goes to waste. With the right steps, you can keep that vibrant citrus flavour on hand for months.  Try this: No-bake lemon meringue pie Freezing whole lemons Whole lemons freeze beautifully and are handy to have ready for cooking or baking.  Rinse and dry thoroughly.  Arrange on a tray and freeze until firm.  Move to…

    Creamy chicken pasta Our creamy chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Succulent pieces of tender chicken are simmered in a luscious, velvety sauce, perfectly paired with al dente pasta to create a rich and satisfying dish. Made this delicious creamy chicken pasta? Tag us @foodandhomesa #CookingWithFH on Instagram ALSO SEE: How to cook dry pasta perfectly https://www.foodandhome.co.za/how-to/how-to-cook-dry-pasta-perfectly Recipes & styling: Sjaan van der Ploeg