• World Chocolate Day is upon us, and Cape Town is the perfect city to celebrate every sweet, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth moment of it. From handcrafted truffles to velvety hot chocolates, the Mother City is dripping in decadent options to treat yourself this 7 July. Here are seven local spots that will make your chocoholic heart skip a beat: Honest Chocolate Café Cape Town’s chocolate culture starts here. Honest Chocolate is famous for its ethically sourced, bean-to-bar creations made with organic ingredients. Think raw dark chocolate tarts, plant-based bonbons, and rich hot chocolate served in an old-school courtyard café. Don’t miss the…

    When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of something hearty—and this rustic Italian bean stew is exactly that. Fagioli in Umido alla Paesana is a soul-warming dish made with tender Italian sausages, creamy cannellini and kidney beans, chunky vegetables, and fragrant herbs, all simmered slowly in a rich tomato base. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and invites everyone to gather around the table. Served with slices of crusty ciabatta to mop up every last spoonful, this stew is the perfect way to cosy up and stay full…

    I’ve always believed that the kitchen is the heart of the home—but lately, I’ve realised it doesn’t have to look so… safe. While whites and greys will always have their place, more of us are leaning into colour to add warmth, personality, and a little everyday joy to the space we cook and gather in most.  Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just itching to give your kitchen a bit of a refresh, here are some colour pairings I’ve come across that are stylish, spirited, and surprisingly livable.  The best colour combinations for your kitchen right now Terracotta and…

    Chicken feet may be unconventional to some, but in many Asian and African kitchens, they’re a much-loved delicacy packed with flavour and unique texture. This dish turns a…

    This isn’t your gran’s cottage pie – it’s a modern twist on a timeless comfort food. Our 21st-century cottage pie keeps the soul of the classic but adds a flavourful edge with rich red wine gravy, a medley of colourful veg, and a golden sweet potato topping. It’s hearty, wholesome, and updated for today’s table – perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday family lunches. Think nostalgic, but elevated. Serves: 4 Prep Time: 30 mins Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 mins ALSO SEE: Little cottage pies with cheesy mash https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/little-cottage-pies-with-cheesy-mash Written by Caxton Magazine Staff. Feature image: Getty

    After ending 2024 on a high, South Africa’s wine industry has entered the new year with a bit of a hangover. The first quarter of 2025 has been marked by flat sales, cautious consumers, and a market feeling the pinch. “It’s the impact of low consumer confidence, unfolding right before our eyes,” says Oelof Weideman, Head of Insights & Business Advisory. And the data backs him up. South Africa’s Consumer Confidence Index dropped from -6 at the end of 2024 to a worrying -20 in the first few months of 2025 – the lowest it’s been in years. “That number’s…