• Some Joburg weekends ask for a big plan. Others just need a good one. That is really the sweet spot for families right now. Not every household wants a packed itinerary, a long drive, and a wallet-emptying day out. Sometimes the best weekends happen closer to home, in the suburbs we already know, where the rhythm feels lighter, and the logistics are not a mission. Johannesburg and its surrounding areas have just enough going on to make a family weekend feel special without turning it into hard work. This weekend planner is for parents who want options. Maybe your kids…

    Golden, crunchy on the outside and delicately flaky within, hake goujons are the kind of crowd-pleaser that never lingers long on the platter. This easy, feel-good dish takes humble hake and gives it a light, crisp coating that’s made for dipping, sharing and second helpings. Paired with a creamy sriracha mayonnaise, there’s just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering the fresh, clean flavour of the fish. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and kick – the sort of meal that works just as well for a relaxed weeknight dinner as it does for a casual weekend spread with…

    There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic roast, and this mustard & horseradish roast beef delivers all the richness with a sharp, flavourful twist. Tender beef fillet is coated in wholegrain mustard, roasted to perfection, and served with golden seasonal vegetables and a creamy horseradish sauce. It’s a timeless dish that feels both hearty and effortlessly refined. Did you make this recipe? Tag us on Instagram @foodandhomesa! Also See: Thai beef salad with lime dressing https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/thai-beef-salad-lime-dressing

    There’s something quietly luxurious about a perfectly ripe pear. Not rock-hard, not mushy – just that sweet spot where the flesh gives ever so slightly and the juice practically does the talking. But pears can be a little… temperamental. Treat them right, though, and they’ll reward you handsomely.  Here’s how to store them like a pro (and avoid that all-too-familiar “why are they all overripe at once?” moment).  The ripening rule you didn’t know you needed  Unlike many fruits, pears are picked before they’re fully ripe. Translation: what you do once they’re in your kitchen matters. A lot.  Different varieties play by slightly different rules:  Bartlett pears soften quickly and shift from green to a sunny yellow.   Anjou…

    Sink your spoon into pure comfort with this classic sticky toffee date pudding – the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. A soft, sponge-like pudding is enriched with sweet, caramel-toned dates, giving it that signature depth and gentle stickiness, before being drenched in a glossy, buttery toffee sauce that seeps into every crumb. It’s the contrast that makes it unforgettable: light yet indulgent, rich yet impossibly moreish. Served warm (always warm) with a generous pour of extra sauce and a cloud of fresh cream, this is the dessert you bring out when you want…