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Taste

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Today I’m sharing another recipe from the Disney COOKABOUT show. It is a quick recipe that is sure to have your kids and husband ask for more!

I prepared the Mousse with Basil Berry Salad as well as the Biltong and Avo Tacos with Chunky Salsa on the night. Both these Disney Cookabout Recipes were quick and easy – and very delicious

Ingredients

  • 2 wheat flower tortillas (you can probably fill 4 to 6 tortillas with the ingredients)
  • 15ml olive oil
  • 60ml low fat yogurt, plain
  • 30ml low fat/organic mayonnaise
  • 10ml lime juice
  • Zest of ½ small lime
  • 200ml thinly sliced red and green cabbage
  • 100g thinly sliced biltong (make this a lot more if your family loves it)
  • 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and cut into cubes

Salsa Ingredients

  • 30ml chopped spring onion
  • 80g small tomatoes, quartered
  • 80g corn kernels
  • 30ml chopped red pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 30ml pickled coriander leaves
  • 10ml red wine vinegar
  • 5ml olive oil

Method

  • Mix the 15ml olive oil, yogurt, mayo, lime juice and zest together.
  • In another bowl combine the salsa ingredients and mix well.
  • Grill the tortillas until it is slightly charred and hot – or just warm it up in the microwave.
  • Assemble the tacos by adding cabbage, avo and biltong.
  • Serve with chunky salsa.

Notes

  • When you add the lemon juice, taste… don’t just add the lemon as it could become a bit overpowering.
  • You can also swop out the biltong for fried meat or chicken strips.

This is probably one of the most delicious desserts I have ever tasted. I definitely want to make this again and again and lick every last drop from the mixing bowls and ramekins.

I prepared the Mousse with Basil Berry Salad as well as the Biltong and Avo Tacos with Chunky Salsa on the night. Both these Disney Cookabout Recipes were quick and easy – and very delicious!

Mousse Ingredients

  • 120g ripe strawberries, washed, hulled and halved
  • 120g low fat plain yogurt
  • 100g mascarpone cheese
  • Vanilla seeds of ¼ vanilla pod
  • 30ml honey

Basil Berry Ingredients

  • 100g mixed berries
  • 30ml passion fruit pulp
  • 4 basil leaves torn
  • Extra basil for serving

Method

  • Puree the strawberries in a blender and keep aside.
  • Beat the yogurt, mascarpone, vanilla seeds and honey until it is thick and fluffy. Place in fridge for 15 minutes to set.
  • Make the Basil berry salad by cutting the berries into halves and quarters. Add the passion fruit pulp and the basil mix gently. Keep aside.
  • Spoon the mousse into 2 serving glasses or ramekins and layer with strawberry puree.
  • Spoon the basil berry salad on top of the mousse.
  • Pour the left-over strawberry puree into a small jug and serve on the side.
  • Garnish with extra basil just before serving.

That birthday photo… I had a few requests to share from where I got the dress to “popcorn cake – how?”…

The dress – that dress is from Milady’s and is currently on sale for just over R200. I have it in olive green and red.

The lipstick – I can thank Stila for this amazing colour on my lips. It is a liquid matte lipstick in Portofino. It is probably the most gorgeous colour on me (other than red).

The cake – I saw a video about a popcorn cake and then I knew I wanted one. I didn’t use that much chocolate because I’m not the sweetest tooth around.

The Popcorn Cake Recipe

  • 400g of popcorn
  • 250g butter
  • 800g marshmallows
  • Food colouring
  • 400g of chocolate
  • 250ml whipping cream
  • 100s & 1000s
  • 4 x Spray & Cooked cake pans
  1. Split the popcorn, butter and marshmallows in half.
  2. Get your popcorn popped before starting on your marshmallows.
  3. Melt half your marshmallows and half the butter in a pot or in the microwave.
  4. As soon as it is melted stir in half the popcorn – but work quickly!Pour it into 2 cake pans and put in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
  5. Do the second batch of marshmallows with butter and add a drop of food colouring to add a pop of colour and mix in your popcorn. Pour into pans and pop it into the fridge.
  6. You can do this about an hour before you want to eat the cake. Melt the chocolate and cream in the microwave 20 seconds at a time, stir. Use the ganache to spread between the layers and on top. Add some sprinkles for more fun.

If you have any questions for Enterprise Foods this is your chance to get them answered. It can be anything from what they changed; why and how listeria (listeriosis) got into their products; if the processed meats are safe to eat…

I also have one hamper to give away – this prize can only be delivered to Gauteng residents. I need your questions by midday 25 March 2019. If you just want to ask questions and not interested in the hamper you can also let me know.

T&Cs

  • Prize is sponsored and will be delivered by Enterprise foods.
  • You need to send me at least 1 question for Enterprise Foods. This can be via a comment on the blog post or Facebook post and even as a DM via Facebook/Instagram or an email.
  • You need to be based in Gauteng to be entered into the draw for the hamper.
  • All names who submitted a question, that are based in Gauteng, will be put into a hat for a random draw.

I’m being honest and letting you know I haven’t consumed any processed meats since the outbreak. I miss my vienna hotdogs, but I can’t get to the stage where I’m ready to eat it again.

Do you wonder about how the stuff looks before they hit the shelves and you enjoy them? Since doing the spice tour on Zanzibar Island and the Vanilla tour on Reunion Island it fascinates me even more than before.

From pod with fleshy white interior to cocoa beans… and then pure chocolate cocoa to what I’ll be eating.

Lindt Dark Fondant Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

100g 70% Excellence Lindt Chocolate
100g butter
50g egg yolk (of 2 large eggs)
100g eggs (white and yolk)
50g flour
20g castor sugar
4 white Lindor Truffles

Method

Place the butter and chocolate into a bowl and melt. Set aside when all is melted.
Whisk the eggs until it is pale/light.
Add the chocolate to the mixture and stir in the flour and sugar mix.
Cook and Spray your fondant ramekins.
Pipe the mixture into the ramekins – leaving about 1cm at the top.
Bake 7 to 9 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.
Make a small incision into the fondant and insert the Lindor Truffle.
Unmold into a place.
Serve hot and with a scoop of ice cream.

Notes

  • You can double up the recipe, but take into consideration if you pour all your hot chocolate into the whisked eggs you will have scrambled chocolate eggs. Nobody will be eating that.
  • Add castor sugar in the bottom of the fondant ramekin for an extra crunch.
  • Don’t leave your fondant in the ramekin to cool down, it will continue cooking.
  • Don’t substitute chocolates… This recipe is 100% perfect and the fondant is sweet as honey.
  • Do book the class with the Lindt studio in Jozi or Cape Town… it is really amazing.

South Africa is a nation of outdoorsy, braai-loving people. Nothing makes us happier than sitting next to some form of water (fishing, pool, the sea) and basking in the sun – add to that a something sizzling on the coals – and we are good. However, what we add onto our food is what can make it even better…

I discovered Kalahari Salt on a trip to the Kalahari a few years ago. Driving along you could see white pyramids edged against a blue-blue sky. There was no signage, no tourist invites – but I looked into it anyway, because natural equals a better product.

“What can I say? We’re movers and shakers by nature!”
Samantha Skyring, CEO of Oryx Desert Salt

Here are a few fun facts about Oryx Desert Salt:

  1. This Kalahari mined salt is sustainable, renewable and sourced from an ancient pristine source.
  2. It is 100% pure crystal-white salt.
  3. Oryx Desert Salt is sundried, unrefined with no additives.
  4. It contains essential minerals and trace minerals.
  5. You can get your Oryx Desert Salt in cotton bags, refill boxes to fill your grinder again, gift packs and salt pots.
  6. The newest addition to the family is the mini travel shakers. These are 10 gram shakers are perfect to pop into your picnic basket, lunch boxes or even in your handbag. Currently they are available from selected Cape Union Mart stores, delis, Spar stores and Big Blue stores nationwide.

Oryx Desert Salt

I know that there are people that cut out salt, but I’m not one of them as I know that it helps to regulate my (low) blood pressure. I believe that with all things in life that if you use it in moderation…

The woman behind the salt

Samantha Skyring, the CEO of Oryx Desert Salt, trekked 120km over the Namib Desert in July 2000. She saw the beauty in a barren desert, Oryx gazelle etched against the skyline and discovered something amazing…

Her brand creation journey included learning about the Oryx who could go for lengthy periods without water, but cannot survive without a lick of salt. Hence, her Kalahari salt brand rose from the Kalahari as Oryx Desert Salt.

If you are dreaming of being in Paris this festive season, but won’t be getting on a plane… I have some good news for you!
Nespresso has just launched the new Limited Edition Variations inspired by Parisian Gourmandise. The Variations coffees centre on the sweet treats synonymous with the festive season, and are inspired by the traditional flavours of Parisian patisseries including Macaron and Praline. These quintessentially French flavours will instantly transport you to a Parisian cafe from the first sip. These Variations boast two unique flavour creations and, in true French fashion, include a Paris Black espresso coffee that caters to those preferring coffee in its pure taste.
 
The decadence and delight of each of these three Nespresso Variations coffees are captured by their packaging, uniquely designed by a renowned international interior designer, India Mahdavi. Based in Paris, Mahdavi has created some of the world’s most iconic modern spaces including The Gallery at Sketch in London, Jean François Piège in Paris and APT in New York. Treating each creation as though it is a couture piece, Mahdavi’s influence on the Nespresso Variations is evident in the range’s pastel hues and playful designs. She has created a collection fit for the most discerning of coffee and design aficionados.
Mahdavi on the collaboration: “I sought to bring a oneiric dimension to Nespresso ’s world in which these new capsules appear as imaginary delights, floating like sweet clouds in the sky. In distancing itself from various graphic codes, Nespresso speaks to the senses – celebrating taste under all its aspects, ranging from sight to touch via smell, with subtly sweet aromas. I wanted to add a hint of reverie, offering delightful capsules for the eyes to relish and to then fly away in each and everyone’s imagination.”
 
Each of the Variations have been based on the Nespresso Livanto coffee blend which consists of pure Arabica from Southern and Central America. It is well-balanced with roasted caramelised note providing roundness and balance in the finished coffees
Nespresso Variations Macaron 
A harmonious combination of cereal notes and a subtle and sweet almond flavour, emblematic of the macaron pastry.
Intensity: 6
Serving size: Espresso (40ml)
 
Nespresso Variations Praline 
This flavoured espresso pairs the roundness of Livanto’s base with a delicate roasted hazelnut flavour, enhanced by a touch of caramel sweetness. A harmonious blend reminiscent of a praliné dessert.
Intensity: 6
Serving size: Espresso (40ml)
Nespresso Paris Black 
A very aromatic blend of Arabicas, emboldened by Robusta. It displays notes of cereal and nuts in a syrupy texture, combined with spicy and woody tones.
Intensity: 9 Serving size:
Espresso (40ml)

I can hear a little magic in the air. Everything seems a little more brighter, colourful and festive… and we all plan to indulge just a little more than usual. I can’t wait to see my family and spend Christmas eve around the table!

Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling. Edna Ferber

Treat Your Friends & Family to Parisian-Inspired Coffee and Petit Fours

There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about the festive season that tantalises our senses and heightens our expectation, so why not up the ante and treat your loved ones to Parisian-inspired coffee and petit fours? ​Nespresso has launched their annual Limited Edition ​Variations coffees, made with Parisian treats in mind. These coffees, inspired by the traditional French flavours of Parisian patisseries, including Macaron and Praliné, are the crème de la crème of decadent delight. These treats are perfect for any summer soiree and sharing special moments with loved ones throughout the festive season.

To bring these flavours to life, Nespresso has modernised the traditional praline choux. Together with the ​Variations ​Paris Praliné espresso, the hazelnut, chocolate, cream and dark chocolate all come together to remind you of this timeless Parisian dessert.

Give this recipe a try; it’s sheer Parisian chic in a cup.

Variations Paris Praliné ​​ ​Indulgence

1 capsule ​Variations Paris Praline​​, brewed as an espresso 100 ml milk 1 teaspoon Hazelnut Crumbs 1 teaspoon Dark Chocolate Shavings 2 teaspoons Chocolate Spread

Here’s how to make it: Pour 2 teaspoons of chocolate spread into a cup. Extract the coffee over it. Froth your milk and pour on top of the coffee​. Sprinkle some crumbs and dark chocolate shavings on top and enjoy!

Plan a Picnic

The days are long and the weather is fine; it would be a waste not to take advantage of this age-old cliché by spending these glorious moments inside. Grab some pillows and blankets, savoury snacks, sweet summer fruits and a flask of iced coffee, and head on over to your favourite picnic spot or lakeside vista for the kind of déjà vu you’ll want to have again and again.

Pro tip: a great way to kick your iced coffee up a notch is to infuse ice cubes with interesting flavoured syrups. As the day gets warmer and the ice melts, your drink will slowly but surely change flavour.

Head Out on a Road Trip

We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and the lush landscape in December is just begging to be explored. The open road with a great playlist and even better company is a great way to spend quality time while discovering all of the wonders that South Africa has to offer. Charge a couple of ​Nespresso travel mugs with your favourite brew, fill your picnic baskets and let your wanderlust lead the way.

Indulge in Coffee Cocktails – Poolside

Wonderful, warm summer days make sipping on an iced glass of your favourite ​Nespresso coffee next to the pool the place where paradise is found. Beat the heat and enjoy your caffeine kick in a new and exciting way – try it with a few blocks of flavoured ice, or simply add your favourite flavoured syrup or ice cream; why not smear the sides of your glass with a chocolate spread or add a tot of rosewater or even tonic for a refreshing twist? Grab your towel, lounge on your pool lounger, and enjoy the sun whilst sipping on a refreshingly iced coffee cocktail par excellence.

Recipe to Try:

​ Variations Paris Macaron ​​ With Almond Milk

1 capsule ​Variations Paris Macaron​​, brewed as Espresso 30 ml Almond Milk 10 ml Almond Syrup 4 Ice cubes

Here’s how to make it: Pour the almond syrup into a cup. Place 4 big ice cubes in the glass.

Pour in the almond milk. Extract the coffee over it. Add the remaining two ice cubes and mix. Et voila!

To celebrate the launch of the Limited Edition ​Variations range, ​Nespresso is offering you two free Touch Lungo Cups for every 15​ Variations sleeves from 26 November to 4 January. If you buy 25 sleeves, ​Nespresso​​ will sweeten the deal with four free Touch Lungo Cups.

What’s more, from 14 December to 4 January, if you purchase 15 ​Variations sleeves, you can get your hands on two boxes of ​Nespresso’s bespoke milk and dark chocolate. If you buy 25 sleeves, four chocolate boxes will be yours. Nespresso ​Limited Edition Variations are available now from ​Nespresso ​​Boutiques and Booths worldwide, as well as through orders from the ​Nespresso Club ​​on 0800 637773 or online at ​www.buynespresso.com​.

Every cup of coffee is an occasion for a celebration. No matter how you like it, a single sip of your favourite brew is contentment in a cup. Your coffee moment is centred around making the most of something you love. It is this spirit of celebration and passion for perfect coffee that has inspired Nespresso to create a range of the world’s finest coffee crafts, inspired by the hardworking and innovative craftsmen who have pushed the boundaries to create exceptional coffee. And who better to create crafty recipes centred around these coffees than master craftsman himself, J’Something?

Thanks to Nespresso I can share these DELICIOUS recipes for you to try at home.

Warm Indian Macchiato

Serves 1

This spicy latte, inspired by Nespresso Master Origin India, is all about comfort. J’Something was primarily inspired by the idea of a chai latte but making it that much better by adding coffee, of course.

What you Need

  • 1 capsule Nespresso Master Origin India, brewed as an espresso
  • 1 cardamom pod, crushed
  • 1⁄2 clove, crushed
  • 1⁄2 cinnamon stick, crushed
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 150 ml frothed milk
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Cinnamon, to garnish

What to Do

  1. Brew the coffee and add to a shaker.
  2. Add the cardamom, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg, and shake.
  3. Pour honey into a glass, then top with the frothed milk.
  4. Pour a shot of the spiced coffee down the side of the glass to create a layered effect.
  5. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon and serve.

Sangria de Fonseca

Serves 2

This Nespresso Master Origin Colombia coffee is J’Somethings’ favourite from the range. Get ready to have an incredible festive experience as you make this in big jugs around a table and enjoy the sunshine. It’s refreshing and extremely unique, so it’s bound to be a crowd pleaser.

What you Need

  • 2 capsules Nespresso Master Origin Colombia, brewed as lungos
  • 3-4 ice cubes
  • 200 ml water
  • 1⁄4 cup mixed berry juice
  • 1⁄4 cup strawberries, chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup blueberries
  • 1⁄4 cup raspberries
  • 50 ml sugar
  • Drop or two of Aroma Strawberry

What to Do

  1. Brew coffee and add to a shaker with 3 ice cubes, add mixed berry juice and berries
  2. and shake.
  3. Top up with 200ml of cold water.
  4. Put sugar and water into a pot and bring to a boil, add 1-2 drops of Aroma Strawberry and reduce heat. Simmer until reduced and thickened, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
  5. Add 10-15 ml of strawberry sugar syrup to the berry juice and coffee and stir.
  6. Serve berry and coffee mixture in a glass over some more ice, with or without fruit.

Coffee G&T

Serves 1

This Nespresso Master Origin Nicaragua coffee is by far the easiest-drinking espresso in the range. It’s beautifully sweet due to a very interesting “black honey” process they do in Nicaragua. The unique experience here is taking the time to prepare, ahead of time, your coffee ice blocks that infuse the perfectly balanced and unique coffee gin and tonic.

What you Need

  • 2 capsules Nespresso Master Origin Nicaragua, brewed as lungos
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 35 ml local Gin
  • Ice cubes
  • 250 ml tonic water
  • Lemon peel, sliced, to garnish

What to Do

  1. Brew the coffee.
  2. Add honey to coffee and stir; allow to cool.
  3. Pour most of the coffee into ice cube trays, reserving 10ml.
  4. Put ice tray in the freezer and allow to freeze. Keep frozen until ready to serve.
  5. Place 2-3 coffee ice cubes in a glass.
  6. Pour gin over ice cubes.
  7. Add 10ml of chilled coffee and then top up with tonic water.
  8. Add a piece of lemon peel to garnish and serve.

The J Martini

Serves 1

Nothing makes you feel more like a million bucks than sipping on a sophisticated martini. It is the perfect welcome drink for the next party you decide to host.

What you Need

  • 1 capsule Nespresso Master Origin Indonesia, brewed as a ristretto
  • 1 capsule Nespresso Master Origin Indonesia, brewed as a lungo
  • 10 ml Nutella
  • 3-4 ice cubes
  • Chocolate balls, to garnish
  • Large toothpicks

What to Do

  1. Add the ristretto shot to the Nutella and mix together.
  2. Add the lungo coffee to a shaker with the ice cubes and shake until chilled.
  3. Add 2-3 ice cubes to a glass and pour the coffee mixture over the ice cubes.
  4. Top up with the chilled coffee from the shaker.
  5. Serve with a chocolate ball (or two) on a toothpick to garnish.

Citrus Egg Coffee

Serves 1

Inspired by a coffee drink J’Something used to have as a family that used condensed milk, he wanted to expand on that taste. It’s a unique dual experience of an almost cold orange custard that floats on top of the cup, mixed with the beautiful espresso shot and a simple orange syrup.

What you Need

  • 1 capsule, Nespresso Master Origin Ethiopia brewed as a lungo
  • 20ml freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 50ml sugar
  • 50ml water
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons condensed milk

What to Do

  1. Put sugar, water and orange juice into a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes until a syrup forms. Remove from heat.
  3. Brew the coffee.
  4. Put the egg yolk and 2 teaspoons of the condensed milk into a small deep bowl and whisk together until frothy.
  5. Add a tablespoon of the brewed coffee and whisk it into the mixture.
  6. Pour the remaining brewed coffee into a lungo coffee mug, add a teaspoon of orange syrup and stir.
  7. Add the frothy egg mixture on top and serve.

Sunday is our day where the nanny comes in and we leave the kid so we can gallivant and spend quality time together. It’s a day for hubby and I to buy pot plants, go for breakfast or play tennis.

Last year we got the Entertainer App and we used it to go (three times) to our favourite restaurant, Angelo’s on Sloane in Johannesburg – as well as a number of new places. This year we have the Jozi/Pretoria, with Durban and Cheers Apps.

Our first use of the Entertainer App this year was at Toula’s in Fourways Mall. It was a nice enough Mediterranean restaurant and the food was good.

Next hubby went to The Raj with a work colleague – and well, they loved their Indian food. Right after that we had a miss, for us, at Philly Cheesesteak Co – I think we are just not into that type of food anymore…

…and then I had candyfloss for breakfast!

Tucked away into a Pick n Pay at Coachman’s Crossing in Johannesburg we found Vibe restaurant. It doesn’t have a huge menu, but its adequate for a quick bite before you do your grocery shopping or go to the hospital and clinic up the road.

I am not joking, I ordered a Candy Bomb Waffle – and it was a dream breakfast. A fresh waffle, crunchy and piping hot with two scoops of ice cream, speckled eggs, candyfloss and syrup drizzled on top. I could see my husband looking longingly at my colourful plate while he ate a toasted chicken mayonnaise.

I let my hubby have a quarter of my candyfloss breakfast – I’m a good wife like that. 🙂

We love using the Entertainer App for our Sunday breakfasts as now we go to a new restaurant every week and we only pay for 1 main. We have already saved more than the app cost and there are a lot of Sundays left in 2018.