• There’s something undeniably satisfying about the aroma of slow-smoked meat wafting through the air. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday braai or a weekend get-together with friends, smoking meat is one of those culinary skills that draws you in. But if you’ve never tried it before, the process can feel a little daunting—coals, smoke, vents, temperature gauges—where do you even start?  To help demystify the world of smoking, I spoke to Justin Major, the man behind Major’s Kitchen, who has built a reputation for seriously good, slow-smoked food. His advice? “Start simple, be patient, and don’t give up if the first…

    With the cost of living rising, gardeners cannot resist gardening on a budget. Gardening on a budget is possible with the help of a few creative ways. Ways to garden on a budget Collect Rainwater Collecting rainwater not only helps reduce your water bill but also benefits your plants and the environment. Rainwater can be used in both outdoor food gardens and indoor gardening. Since rainwater is natural and organic, it greatly enhances your gardening efforts while being budget-friendly. Join a seed swap group The fastest way to build up a large stash of garden seeds when on a budget…

    Fresh, savoury, crunchy, and smooth, this broccolini recipe delivers a delicious mix of umami flavours and satisfying crunchy textures. Serve it as a standout side or a light main. The finishing touch? Nutritional yeast. Don’t be put off by the name. This vegan-friendly, gluten-free seasoning adds a rich, cheesy flavour similar to Parmesan. It’s made from a deactivated yeast grown on molasses, and while it won’t make anything rise, it will lift the flavour of your greens. Look out for it at Dis-Chem, Faithful-to-Nature, or your local health store. Did you make this recipe? Tag us on Instagram @foodandhomesa Also See:…

    Launching on 18 May 2025, SunDAZE brings relaxed elegance, shared plates, and live music to COY’s Sunday lineup. COY launches SunDAZE, a shared-style dining experience designed to bring people together over generous tables and carefully curated dishes. The menu, developed by head chefs Teenola Govender and Geoffrey Abrahams, showcases a mix of new concept dishes the COY team is currently developing, alongside a few nostalgic favourites. Available exclusively on Sundays for lunch and dinner, SunDAZE offers a no-fuss, no-substitutions set menu made to be shared. With all dishes holding some element from the fire, the current SunDAZE menu includes: Snacks: Marinated olives and…

    Tomato paste was a staple in our kitchen cupboard growing up. I used to sneak the leftovers straight from the tin (yes, like people do with cake batter!). But what happens when you’re in the middle of cooking and realise you’re out? There are plenty of easy substitutes for tomato paste, and chances are, you already have at least one of them in your kitchen. Here’s how to make them work. Tomato sauce One of the easiest substitutes for tomato paste is tomato sauce. It’s made from the same base but has a thinner consistency and is usually pre-seasoned with…