Whether you’ve been too busy to plan a festive feast or are more of a play-it-by-ear cook, a well-stocked pantry can be your secret weapon. With just a few essential items, you can turn any ordinary lunch or dinner into something warm, celebratory, and unmistakably South African. Here are 12 pantry items that will instantly festive-fy any dish. 12 Pantry items every festive host should stock Chutney: Whether you love Mrs Ball or make your own at home, chutney adds tangy sweetness and gentle spice that instantly warms up stews, marinades, and glazes. Apricot jam: A signature jam flavour that pairs well…
Unleash the rustic charm of open-fire cooking with this Harissa Pork Belly recipe. Fire roasting imparts a unique smokiness and a crispy exterior. Dry the pork belly in…
Superfoods don’t need to be exotic or hard to find – sometimes the most powerful ingredients are the ones already sitting in your pantry. Pumpkin and chia seeds are perfect examples. Each tiny seed brings its own nutritional strengths, and both can easily slip into your daily meals without fuss. So which one should you choose? The simple answer: it depends on what your body needs and how you plan to use them. Pumpkin seeds vs chia seeds Both seeds support heart, bone, and digestive health, but they shine in different ways: Pumpkin seeds bring more protein, zinc, and healthy…
With the festive season practically knocking at the door, there’s no doubt that you and your loved ones are gearing up to cook and bake festive feasts to…
Sun, breeze and warm nights can supercharge growth, colour and flowering. They can also scorch leaves, invite pests and stress roots if you rush the process. Use this clear, plant-safe plan. The quick answer Yes. Many houseplants thrive outdoors in summer if introduced gradually. Wait until all frost risk has passed and nights sit consistently above about 10 to 12°C. Harden them off for 7 to 14 days in bright shade before any direct sun. Why bother moving them Outdoor light is stronger and more even than that from a windowsill, so growth is sturdier and colour improves. Humidity outdoors…
Get ready to dial up the heat! This vibrant prawn and chorizo jambalaya brings summer colours and bold, smoky flavour to your table — creamy sour-cream and zesty…
While ‘colour drenching’ was all the rage this year, its sister, a different painting technique, is set to take centre stage in 2026 – colour capping. What sets this technique apart from colour drenching is its use of varying shades and tones in the same colour family. Easy on paper, and an awesome DIY project to add to your 2026 list, interior designers have explained that it helps to create visual interest without overwhelming a space. When done right, it can make spaces feel taller and more aligned. While it’s not technically a tricky technique to master, we’ve put together…
Ready to whip up a dessert that feels fancy but barely needs any effort? This Super-easy lemon cheesecake skips the fuss and delivers pure creamy, zesty indulgence —…
Motherdough – the artisanal bakery rooted in natural fermentation and driven by old-world Italian methods – Lance Littlefield and Willem van Schalkwyk reveal their newest panetteria. Located on Arkelshoek Farm in the Jonkershoek valley, they are bringing their cult-followed sourdough bakes and legendary grilled cheese toasties to a fresh corner of the Cape Winelands. Read more: The potential health benefits of sourdough bread “We see Jonkershoek as our agriturismo moment,” says Lance Littlefield, founder of Motherdough. “It’s where our bread philosophy meets mountain air and the simplicity of slowing down.” More than a bakery, Motherdough is a philosophy – a belief…
A South African classic with a modern twist – this granadilla fridge tart with white chocolate ganache is super-delish! Bright, creamy and irresistibly smooth, this granadilla fridge tart…