• South Africa’s summer season is in full swing. And for many, these warmer months usher in lazy days by the pool or trips to the beach to take full advantage of sand, surf, and sunshine. This, of course, comes with its fair share of much-needed indulgence in tasty cuisine and drinks that capture the frivolity of the holiday mood. For the Tourism Authority of Thailand, nothing captures the summer spirit better than enjoying a taste of the tropics, whether that’s from the shores of The Land of Smiles or from the comfort of your own home. Now is the perfect…

    Baked camembert & vincotto figs with walnut crackers A decadent addition to your Christmas table! PREP TIME 20 minutes | COOK TIME 20 minutes (+ standing) | SERVES 8-10 | VEGETARIAN INGREDIENTS 450 g brie or camembert WALNUT CRACKERS 250 g packet fresh store bought bread dough 1 tbsp olive oil 55 g coarsely chopped walnuts Sea salt flakes, to sprinkle VINCOTTO FIGS 150 g dried figs, trimmed ⅓ cup verjuice ¼ cup vincotto METHOD PREHEAT the oven to 240°C. Walnut crackers PLACE two large oven trays in the oven to preheat.  DIVIDE dough in half. Roll out…

    Braaied lamb with tamarind and turmeric tomatoes Tender lamb leg with a side of fried tomatoes. PREP TIME 20 minutes | COOK TIME 45 minutes | SERVES 6  INGREDIENTS  1.5 kg boned and butterflied leg of lamb, trimmed of excess fat 2 tbsp olive oil freekeh and rocket leaves, to serve Tamarind and turmeric tomatoes ¼ cup vegetable oil 2 tsp mustard seeds 2 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp chilli flakes 2 garlic cloves, sliced ⅓ cup fresh curry leaves, plus extra  2 tsp turmeric 500 g small ripe roma tomatoes, halved 500 g baby truss tomatoes 2…

    Baked ricotta tarts Delicate Baked ricotta tarts. Even consider making your own homemade ricotta, it’s so worth it! PREP TIME 1 hour 10 minutes | COOK TIME 35 minutes | Makes 18 INGREDIENTS PASTRY 55 g blanched whole almonds, roasted ¼ cup sesame seeds, roasted 1 ¼ cups (185 g) plain flour 125 g chilled butter, coarsely chopped ¼ cup caster sugar 1 egg yolk 1 tsp vanilla essence 1 tbsp chilled water RICOTTA FILLING  1 ¼ cups ricotta ¼ cup caster sugar 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest 1 egg  1 egg yolk TO SERVE ½ cup…

    The Swartland’s renowned Riebeek Valley Wine Co. has added a delicious bubbly to its award-winning portfolio. “We’re tremendously excited about expanding this range of very popular wines, named after an early explorer to our valley,” says winemaker Jacques Theron. “With the weather warming up, the timing is just perfect considering they’re both sublime and tasty refreshers.” The new Brut Rosé displays bright red berry notes, a hint of rose petals, and a touch spice, making it perfect with a variety of dishes including rich chocolate desserts. Decadent chocolate cheesecake Treat family and friends to this decadent chocolate dessert. It’s…