November 2021 could not have ended on a worse note than it did. The month was spent sorting out our trip to Austria. And then making alternate plans if we went to Turkey. South Africa has amazing scientists and discovered a new variant of the Covid virus. By sharing this information (correctly) with the world, the world slammed their doors on us. Flights were cancelled and people rushed to leave South Africa to get home. All of this has put a damper on our December plans, and I am starting the month having no clue where we will be going or staying.
Only 3 savoury recipes for November 2021
We had friends over for lunch and I made whipped feta to go on top of bagels which were toasted and served with smoked trout. A caper mint sauce was made to accompany lamb and cheese muffins were baked for mid morning snacks.
Something sweet
I made the most of my curd tart recipe by sharing the mandarin curd in one post, and the tart pastry in another. Weekends are always about baking and this month I made orange blossom brownies; and cocoa and almond meringues with a chocolate fudge dipping sauce.
One new thing in my kitchen
In my quest to support local industry, I am now selling Khoisan Gourmet products. I bought some vanilla powder for myself. The vanilla is sourced from Madagascar and Uganda, from small batch harvests. Traditional labour-intensive methods are the norm and these pods were grown and matured on small, tropical plantations around the rainforests of the areas.
This is my December submission to the #IMK series hosted by Sherry. Each month bloggers around the world gather to share what is new in their kitchens.
Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime December 1:
- 2019: Killer Instinct
- 2017: Brandy Butter
- 2014: Dulce De Leche
- 2013: December 2013 Showcasing In My Kitchen
- 2011: December 2011 Showcasing In My Kitchen
- 2010: Truffle And Mushroom Sauce
Oh that’s so sad. I’ve been to Austria and you must go. This is getting so frustrating. We’ve had international plans that we’ve missed out on for two years now, as everybody has, and I’m sure we won’t be able to follow through in 2022 either.
I doubt we will go to Austria. If we don’t get there this December then our next European trip will be to Italy. It is so sad you have also missed out on trips. Maybe 2022 will be better, but who knows?
sorry to hear about the changes to your travel plans. this covid thing will just not go away…
I am so over it!
This Omicron seems to be spreading very quickly so getting on flights probably isn’t a good idea anyway. I guess we’ll all be staying local this year again.
I was not bothered by the flight coming home as I knew everyone had been tested. I just wish they would make that standard for all flights.
What a shame to miss out on your planned travels, Tandy. Although our longer trips are behind us (now ancient!) we enjoyed Vienna years ago but found the people rather dour in the main. Can’t say that about their gorgeous pastries tho,’ and I’m sure you’ll love Italy, whichever part you explore. Lake Garda is recommended and Florence/Venice, and how! Let’s hope these pesky viruses are soon behind us. Take care. Best wishes and continue with your great cooking/eating. xx..
We have travelled extensively through Italy and we tend to go back as often as we can. I speak Italian so it helps when travelling 🙂
These are difficult times to be planning trips as we never really can count on our plans, especially now from South Africa. I’m still hesitant to travel outside of the coutnry. So sorry. Your appetizers and desserts look delicious. Hope you will be able to travel soon.
South Africa seems to be a target for prevention of travel for a reason I still cannot fathom.
sorry to hear about your plans being scuttled tandy. what a year this has been … hope all works out well and you have a great christmas. take care
sherry x
We will have a great Christmas, no matter where we are 🙂