• In the hustle and bustle of daily life, the convenience of a microwave oven can be a game-changer. Whether you’re pressed for time or simply want a break from the traditional stovetop, microwave cooking offers a quick and efficient solution. With a few handy tips, you can transform your microwave into a versatile kitchen companion. Microwave basics Microwaves are like kitchen magicians, using short radio waves to make water, sugar, and fat molecules in your food dance and heat up. These waves penetrate only about 4-5 cm into your food. If it’s thicker, the rest cooks through heat transfer. There’s…

    I had the privilege of spending the day at Hazendal Wine Estate to try their Sensory Food and Wine Pairing Experience. It was an afternoon of pure luxury and good wine. The day began with delicious appetisers where the estate introduced its guests to the newest addition on the appetiser menu, the Spirit Aperitif. This drink has a sweet juice taste, almost resembling a fruity drink with the fun addition of an alcoholic kick. Afterwards, we had the fortunate opportunity of a tour around the breathtaking Hazendal Wine Estate, which gave an insight into the estate’s tour package. The tour…

    Food preservation methods like pickling and fermenting have been used for hundreds of years to extend the shelf life of foods. While both processes involve preserving foods, pickling and fermenting are not the same, and both processes yield different results. Let’s look at the differences between pickling and fermenting foods: What is fermenting? Fermentation is a natural metabolic process that occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast, or fungi, break down carbohydrates in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of alcohol, acids, or gases. Fermented foods transform in texture, flavour, and nutritional composition often becoming tangy, sour, or…

    There’s nothing quite like a sweet & sticky pulled pork bun! The gooseberries disintegrate during the slow-roasting of the pork, leaving behind a lovely sweetness that is deliciously complemented by the addition of smoky hickory flavouring. Made this recipe? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram ALSO SEE: Emmental, crispy bacon and rosemary baked sliders https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/emmental-crispy-bacon-rosemary-baked-sliders ALSO SEE: The ultimate cheese-stuffed burger https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/the-ultimate-cheese-stuffed-burger