♥ a food, travel and lifestyle blog ♥
Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a chocolate based dessert heavy on the cherries. It served as inspiration for my black forest rusks which are full of chocolate and cherries. As I used a sugar free 80% dark chocolate, these are not overly sweet. Skip ahead to the recipe for Black Forest Rusks Full disclosure These rusks did … Continue reading Black Forest Rusks
Given that we had salami curing in our kitchen, I felt I really had to make the easy cheesy salami bread from Jan Braai Junior! This bread does not need kneading, making it perfect for young hands. The high hydration recipe results in a soft bread, with texture from the meat. Skip ahead to the … Continue reading Cheesy Salami Bread
These candied ginger cookies get texture from the candied ginger slices, and extra heat from ground ginger. I absolutely love the flavour ginger brings to sweet treats, and if you are the same, then these are ideal for you. Skip ahead to the recipe for Candied Ginger Cookies Let's talk about candied ginger A few … Continue reading Candied Ginger Cookies
These almond cookies have the most amazing texture, reminiscent of marzipan. The key to the flavour in my opinion is using a very good quality almond extract. Skip ahead to the recipe for Almond Cookies Giving gifts The day I posted about not having to buy gifts for Dave's family, I went gift shopping. One … Continue reading Almond Cookies
Kladdkaka is a dense cake with a soft interior. Think of a molten chocolate cake with a crispy crust.You can serve it with a red fruit coulis, red summer fruits, cream, or ice cream. I served mine with an olive leaf gelato. Skip ahead to the recipe for Kladdkaka Sweet treats The name kladdkaka derives … Continue reading Kladdkaka
I needed 300mls milk stout for a recipe so I bought a 500ml can, knowing I could use the rest to make this milk stout bread. It is a no knead recipe, and as it uses baking powder, there is no proving time either. This quick bread comes together with very little effort, making it … Continue reading Milk Stout Bread
I am all for experimenting, and so only made a small batch of these toasted flour sables when I baked them the first time. This recipe is easy to double, or triple up on and the biscuits are amazing, if I say so myself. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Toasted Flour Sables … Continue reading Toasted Flour Sables
So often I will be watching a cooking show, and I will be inspired to make something. Sometimes I let the idea sit for a long time, but in the case of this chocolate caramel mug cake it was a matter of minutes from thought to table. I used a ready made caramel I have … Continue reading Chocolate Caramel Mug Cake
Warren Mendes describes these spiced scrolls as being cloud-soft with a salty sweet taste. The buns are everything you would want for a lunch box treat, or an afternoon indulgence. Topped with a salted caramel glaze and filled with spiced almonds, I could have devoured the entire batch without sharing. Head straight on to the … Continue reading Spiced Scrolls
From reading Warren Mendes account of his time at Tswalu, I have learnt that we grow pistachios in the Northern Cape. They thrive in dry hot areas and if you have ever been to Sicily you will understand why the finest of these nuts grow there. I buy locally grown pistachios that have already been … Continue reading Pistachio And Honey Tart
Roosterkoek are fluffy bread rolls cooked over the open fire. For them to be truly authentic, this needs to be a wood fire, and not gas. But, as we only have a gas braai at home, I have made my recipe to work on a gas stove. This way, you can enjoy them too! Either … Continue reading Roosterkoek
When Warren posed the question about turning a samoosa into a pie I had to agree with his thoughts. This lamb samoosa pie uses a cheat's puff pastry recipe that is so easy. If you don't want to make your own, buy a good quality puff pastry to use. Head straight on to the Recipe … Continue reading Lamb Samoosa Pie
At the time I made this orange cake, blood oranges were not in season. I decorated it with grapefruit slices just for the pretty aspect. But, if I made it again I would do so with red fleshed oranges, as so far, they have been the best choice this season. Head straight on to the … Continue reading Orange Cake
This recipe for mezze maniche in brodo comes to me via Lago Garda and Ultime Notizie Flash. I adapted it quite a bit as we do not get veal in South Africa. As I wanted to concentrate on the pasta aspect of this recipe I used ready make beef and chicken stock. If you do … Continue reading Mezze Maniche In Brodo
Biscuits are a weekend must have to go with the countless espressos we drink. I made several batches of these chocolate pistachio biscuits to ensure I got the perfect level of crispness. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Chocolate Pistachio Biscuits ♥ Being influenced by trends The first time Dubai chocolate appeared on … Continue reading Chocolate Pistachio Biscuits
When Yotam Ottolenghi was living in Amsterdam he would stop and have apple cake at Villa Zeezicht. Using this memory, and the ones of Verena's gedeckter apfelkuchen and boterkoek, they created this Dutch apple cake recipe. It is so worth the effort and hopefully one day I will get to share this with Mark and Eva. … Continue reading Dutch Apple Cake
Making your own meatballs is a cinch if you have time. These chicken meatballs are seasoned with dill, and served in a sauce that is flavoured with miso. Double the recipe and freeze half for the next time you need a quick and easy dinner. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Chicken Meatballs … Continue reading Chicken Meatballs
These carrot cake rusks are not only delicious, they are a healthy treat as well. I am sure the combination of carrots, almonds and raisins in a snack form will be perfect for a lunch box. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Carrot Cake Rusks ♥ Keeping traditions Growing up, birthday celebrations were … Continue reading Carrot Cake Rusks
I always have blueberries in my freezer as I have a scoop of them in my morning smoothie. I used these to make my blueberry ricotta drop scones which I served with maple syrup. You can make these into a more substantial treat by adding yoghurt, extra fruit and toasted nuts. Head straight on to … Continue reading Blueberry Ricotta Drop Scones
These baked bolognese pancakes are so delicious, and so easy to make that you will most certainly add this recipe to your regular repertoire of dinner dishes. The recipe is also extremely versatile so do not be limited to a mince based sauce. Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Baked Bolognese Pancakes ♥ … Continue reading Baked Bolognese Pancakes