If the idea of deep-frying creepy crawlies or eating something that could kill you strikes you as crazy, you might want to avoid trying the local delicacies in the following countries… Indonesia: Kopi Luwak The discerning luwak (a distant cousin of the mongoose) is quite the coffee connoisseur. If you’re searching for the perfect cuppa, … Read more
Jamaica: Ackee fruit It might be the national fruit, but that doesn’t mean it won’t kill you. If improperly eaten, it can cause ‘Jamaican vomiting sickness’, which can lead to a coma or death. While it’s unripe it’s poisonous, so you have to wait until the protective pods turn red and open naturally. Even then, … Read more
We took a virtual culinary trip around the globe and brought home some of the healthiest and most tantalizing tastes to recreate your own kitchens. Asian treats This recipe is an adaptation of one of my favourite Asian dim sum called siu mai, which features strongly in Cantonese cuisine. Usually the filling is prepared and … Read more
Local is lekker Smothered fish is among South Africa’s most famous traditional dishes. It was originally prepared with fish preserved by salting and drying in sea breezes. After soaking in water to get rid of the salt, the flesh was flaked and “smothered” in spicy rice. It’s delicious with home-made brown bread and atjar, korrelkonfyt … Read more
Champagne and strawberry jelly fruit salad Severs 4 ½ cup water 1 tbsp powdered gelatin 2 cup rose champagne or sparkling wine ½ cup boiling water 80g caster sugar 125g strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin wedges; extra fruit for serving Place the water in a small bowl, add gelatin and allow to sponge. Pour … Read more
Banana hazelnut cake 130g butter, softened 260g caster sugar 3 jumbo eggs 1/2 cup buttermilk 280g cake flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda A pinch of salt 1 tsp mixed spice 3 ripe bananas, mashed 100g hazelnuts, toasted, roughly shopped Grated zest of 1 lemon For the icing 130g icing sugar, … Read more
Easter orange spice biscuits Makes 25 180g butter 160g caster sugar Finely grated rind of 1 orange 1 egg 300g flour 1 tsp mixed spice ½ tsp ground ginger A pinch of salt For decorating Ready to roll white icing 1 egg white, beaten Cake decorations of your choice Preheat oven to 1600C. Place the … Read more
The perfect combination of “Wow Factor” for delicious meals. Salt and pink peppercorn cured salmon Serves 6 ¼ cup coarse Himalayan crystal salt 3 tbsp pink peppercorns, crushed 250g granulated sugar 2 medium beetroot bulbs, peeled and finely chopped 500g salmon side, skin on; bones removed To serve Prepared horseradish mixed with crème fraiche Pumpernickel … Read more
Healthy in a hurry. 30 minutes or less Speedy Spicy Hake Curry powder The eastern seasoning delivers a healthy blend of antioxidant-rich spices and flavour to hake, while vegetables and barley provide half your daily fiber quota. Bonus: just one pan to wash! Total time 30 minutes Makes o 4 main-dish servings o 1 cup … Read more
Getting organised for the birth There are hundreds of books that will tell you all the things you need to buy for you and your newborn baby, but I haven’t found many of these necessary at all. My advice to new mums is to not feel you have to have everything. Babies need very little … Read more
Pour caramel over cooled brownie, tilting pan to spread evenly. Active time 25 minutes Total time 1 hour 10 minutes plus cooling Flourless caramel-almost brownies Makes 64 brownies o 170g good-quality dark chocolate, chopped o 60g milk chocolate, chopped o 6 tbsp butter (no substitutions) o ½ tsp salt o 1½ cups sugar o 1 … Read more
Firmly press mixture into bottom and up side of a 22cm pie plate. Black-bottom chocolate cream pie Active time 45 minutes Total time 50 minutes plus chilling Makes · 12 servings · 24 chocolate wafers · 6 tbsp butter or margarine · 1 cup plus 3 tbsp sugar · 1/3 cup cornflour · ¼ tsp … Read more
Turn half of biscuits flat-side up. Top each with 1 tablespoon marshmallow crème Chocolate-banana whoopee pies Active time 40 minutes. Total time 55 minutes plus cooling Makes 20 whoopie pies Tip Make ahead Cool the biscuits completely and freeze in an airtight container, with wax paper between layers, for up to a month. Fill with … Read more
Every sumptuous slice of this four-tiered triumph alternates fudgy frosting, crunchy peanuts and chocolate cake. The piped pattern on top is a glossy grip of ganache and peanut butter Chocolate-peanut pavé Active time 1 hour Total time 1 hour 15 minutes plus standing Makes 12 servings · 1½ cups dry-roasted unsalted peanuts · ½ cup … Read more
Serve with warm chocolate sauce Chocolate profiteroles Active time 35 minutes Total time 1 hour 5 minutes Makes About 28 profiteroles · 1 cup cold water · 7 tbsp butter or margarine, softened · 2/3 cup plus 1 tsp sugar · 1 cup cake flour · ¼ cup cocoa powder · 4 large eggs · … Read more
A classic combination, this celebratory show stopper brings together tangy cream-cheese icing flavoured with raspberries and three layers of intensely chocolatey cake Chocolate-raspberry layer cake Active time 1 hour 5 minutes Total time 1 hour 25 minutes plus cooling Makes 12 servings Tip To prevent the cake from cracking, the best way to invert and … Read more
Though these are delicious way you shape them, they look especially nice when they’re smooth and round on top. Coconut macaroon truffles Active time 30 minutes Total time 45 minutes plus standing Makes 36 truffles Tip Though these are delicious way you shape them, they look especially nice when they’re smooth and round on top. … Read more
Surround with a garland of watercress and serve with sautéed asparagus Coronation crab with spiced red rice Serves 4 Preparation 30 min plus soaking and standing Cooking 15 – 20 min 400 – 450g (14oz -1lb) large dressed crab 1 tsp nigella (kalonji) seeds, toasted Large bunch of watercress, washed Sautéed … Read more
Silky smooth and sprinkled with sea salt, this truffle-like tart gets its richness from deep dark chocolate and whipping cream. Poured warm into a crisp, buttery almond crust, it firms up fast in the fridge Ganache tart with salted-almond crust Active time 45 minutes Total time 55 minutes plus cooling and chilling Makes · 12 … Read more
1. Lime & Coconut Dip In a blender, purée 1 cup peanuts, ¼ cup coconut milk, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1tbsp lower-sodium soya sauce, 1 tbsp chopped shallot, 2 tbsp water, and 1/8 tsp each salt and pepper until smooth. Serve with crudités. Makes 1 cup. Lime & Coconut Dip 2. Saucy Succotash In … Read more