There’s something about the festive season that calls for baking. The oven’s on, the house smells warm and buttery, and there’s always a tin of something sweet within reach. That’s what makes a cookie swap such a lovely way to gather before the rush really hits. It’s relaxed, joyful and everyone leaves with more than they arrived with. If you’ve never hosted one before, don’t overthink it. A cookie swap is simply friends, good company and a table filled with homemade treats. Try this recipe: 2-min choc chip cookies Keep the guest list small Eight people is the sweet spot. It gives you a good mix of bakes without becoming overwhelming. Ask each guest to bring the…
South Africa’s festive season promptly starts on 01 December – without fail. The month is filled with little sweet treats, festive cocktails, and long lunches – not to…
What if the secret to living longer wasn’t hidden in a fancy supplement or gruelling gym routine but on the plates of people living in tiny, peaceful corners of the world? That’s the promise of the blue zone diet, a way of eating inspired by the world’s longest-living communities. And no, it doesn’t involve starving yourself or giving up carbs. According to the Blue Zones publication, the term blue zones was coined by National Geographic researcher Dan Buettner, who studied five regions—Ikaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (California)—where people regularly live past 100. Their diet is…
The magic begins with a generous rub of festive herbs and spices, infusing the pork belly with warm, aromatic flavours that evoke the holiday season! This delectable roast…
Instead of the buttery, sugary traditional mince pies we all love, try these fruity, nutty little delights that taste just like Christmas! Spiced apple, almond and cranberry mince pies not only taste amazing, they’re also vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free! The pastry is chewy and delicious – it’s an excellent recipe to have at hand and use in other bakes. Although not lower in energy or fat than the original version, this recipe is packed with goodness from the nuts, apples and dried fruit. You can get ahead by making the pastry and mince up to three days ahead, storing in…
If there’s one thing the festive season guarantees, it’s leftovers. After Christmas lunch and the New Year’s spread, the fridge is usually packed – and right at the…
Sun, summer and something chilled in your glass… few places do the festive season quite like South Africa. But if you think wine is uncork, pour, and hope for the best, think again. With a little know-how, you can elevate your wine moments from ordinary to unforgettable. Bianca Leonard, Marketing Manager at lifestyle technology specialist Solenco, says wine isn’t just about flavour — it’s about atmosphere:“It’s an experience. With the right prep, thoughtful pairing and the right tools, any table can feel like a celebration.” Sip, Taste, Explore: The Cape Winelands Edit If you’re travelling through the Western Cape this…
Ignite your taste buds with these sweet and sticky BBQ pork ribs with Asian flair and crafted over an open fire. Also See: Pork meatball sub with tomato…
Bring a touch of European tradition to your festive baking with this Toscakaka (Caramel Almond Cake) recipe! This holiday classic features a soft, buttery sponge crowned with a golden, caramelised almond topping that’s sweet, nutty, and irresistibly crunchy. One bite, and it’s sure to become a cherished holiday tradition! Also See: The perfect make-ahead breakfast for a fuss-free Christmas morning https://www.foodandhome.co.za/lifestyle/the-perfect-make-ahead-breakfast-for-a-fuss-free-christmas-morning
In the high-pressure world of professional kitchens, talent alone is never enough. Young chefs rely on mentoring; real, hands-on and shoulder-to-shoulder guidance to develop discipline, creativity and the…