There’s something magical about holiday baking. The house smells of cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate, and everyone eagerly awaits a slice of your freshly baked masterpiece…. But then, disaster strikes. You open the oven to find your cake has sunk in the middle. Sound familiar? Trust me, I’ve been there. Last year, I envisioned a towering chocolate cake for a family holiday dinner. Instead, I ended up with a cake that had badly sunk in the middle – totally embarrassing and I had no backup plan! I learned a lot from that baking fail—and I’m here to share my hard-earned tips…
From alcoholic beverages to sweet treats, tasting experiences are an excellent way to sample a selection of delectable delights in one sitting. Johannesburg has many establishments that provide bite-sized wonders to test and try. Need help determining which tasting experience in Johannesburg will tickle your fancy? Take a look at a few spots that are sure to create an unforgettable culinary adventure. Gin & Chocolate Pairing (Time Anchor Distillery) A small but dynamic distillery near the edge of the Maboneng area, Time Anchor Distillery is a must-visit location for all gin lovers. Known for providing innovative infusions and fun packaging, a Mirari gin-tasting…
As the festive season draws closer, it’s time to start planning your Christmas menu and think about how you want to adorn your table with dishes that reflect a beautiful blend of culture, tradition, and celebration. Christmas may be a day for roast turkey and trimmings in one part of the world with views of snow falling as you look through the window, while in another, it’s a feast of tamales or seafood under sunny skies. If you’ve ever wanted to try something different and experience Christmas in a different way by choosing a tradition from a different…
This Christmas, @Sandton Hotel offers a celebration rooted in modern flair and festive cheer. With every detail thoughtfully prepared, this is a space where guests can embrace the season’s warmth and joy without the stress of planning. A Christmas feast The festivities begin with a seafood spread, including fresh oysters, sashimi, and mini avocado Ritz, setting the stage for a meal filled with deliciousness. Classic dishes take centre stage, with honey-glazed gammon, roast turkey stuffed with apple and walnut, and a slow-cooked oxtail casserole offering rich and hearty flavours. Seafood options such as braised fish and prawn curry with tamarind…
When the summer heat hits, nothing satisfies quite like a refreshing scoop of ice cream. Sandton, with its lively vibe and chic corners, is home to some of the finest spots to indulge in frozen delights. From creamy gelato to inventive sundaes, there’s something for every taste bud. Here’s your guide to the best ice cream spots in Sandton—perfect for a sunny day treat or a sweet evening dessert. Shazmin’s Luxe Patisserie Shazmin’s Luxe Patisserie is a must-visit and you will find yourself surrounded by dreamy pink décor that feels like a scene from Paris. Known for their elegant presentation,…
“What’s on the menu today?” you ask – A whole new world of flavour, that’s what! Col’Cacchio is serving up much more than pizza with a fresh new menu designed for every craving. From brunch delights to bold small plates and indulgent desserts, this menu is an invitation to explore Italian-inspired dishes, blended with a truly South African touch. A menu overhaul to savour Guided by Col’Cacchio’s culinary dream team: newly appointed CEO, Etienne Pieterse, celebrated chef Isla Rechner, and visionary co-founder Kinga Baranowska – this new menu offers a taste adventure that goes far beyond pizza. From hearty pastas,…
Get ready to celebrate the juiciest time of the year with Cherry Time™! This eagerly awaited season is back, offering the freshest, juiciest cherries carefully harvested by our dedicated growers. Starting in November, these nutrient-packed gems will be available online and in selected retailers nationwide. Approximately 200 kilometres north of Cape Town, the rugged Cederberg Mountain range surrounds a fertile plateau in the Western Cape Province. Further north, in the Koue Bokkeveld region, Gysbertus du Toit (I) established the foundation for what would become Dutoit Agri, one of South Africa’s largest agricultural businesses, over 130 years ago. Today, we continue…
The festive season is a chaotic time in any household. Gift lists, gift shopping, menu planning, making sure to get the pantry stocked with all the ingredients you need before the stores close for your Christmas feast – it just doesn’t stop! Any tips to make the festive season a little more seamless is a godsend and we’re here to help with a few simple kitchen hacks to ensure Christmas success. Take a look at our 9 kitchen hacks for Christmas success: 1. If you don’t have the string to truss your turkey, don’t stress about it. Simply use dental…
Stellenbosch unveils a summer of fun: Stay and Play in South Africa’s culinary and wine capital and discover cool eateries, wine safaris and family-friendly adventures over the festive season. Summer is here, and Stellenbosch is ready to stay and play! From November 2024 to March 2025, this picturesque town in the heart of the Cape Winelands offers an exciting blend of summer experiences for families, foodies, wine enthusiasts and culture vultures. “We’re inviting everyone to discover the magic, freedom and ‘coolness’ of a Stellenbosch summer,” says Elmarie Rabe, Marketing Manager of Visit Stellenbosch. “Think blue skies, vibey cafés, endless vineyard-scapes…
Making almond milk might sound like a tedious task, it can also prove to be rewarding. Although buying it may be more convenient, you’re more in control with making it yourself. You can adjust your almond milk according to it’s sweetness, infusing it with flavours like chocolate or cinnamon and making it as thick or as thin as you prefer. Making almond milk could also be a fun family activity. All you need is 10 minutes, 2 ingredients, and a blender. Why almond milk? Almond milk is a great option for those who are lactose-intolerant or deciding to cut out…
With Summer nearly here, we’re spending more and more time in the blossoming outdoors. Whether you prefer to enjoy your time with tea in the garden, lazy picnics in the park or soaking up the sun on the beach, use this easy guide to host the perfect picnic. Let’s start with Blanquetescaping not a picnic, turn it into a blanquet! Designing a unique picnic experience can be challenging ,but it’s all about attention to detail. A great place to start would be the colour scheme or theme you want to go for when hosting your picnic. Remember there is no…
When it comes to innovative and healthy additions to your kitchen, MacaPaste™ is set to become your new go to kitchen staple. Born from a passion for creating premium natural products, MacaPaste™ is not just another nut butter; it’s a revolutionary product designed to make your culinary experiences smoother and healthier. The Inspiration Behind MacaPaste™ The journey of MacaPaste™ began with a simple yet persistent problem: natural oil separation. Anyone who has indulged in traditional nut butters knows the routine of vigorously stirring the product to re-incorporate the nutrient rich oil back into the product, often leading to mess and…
Warm, melty and decadently chocolatey, these molten self-saucing choc puddings are other-worldly enjoyed straight from the oven, either all on their own or with a dollop of cream or ice cream. Pure lush indulgence! ALSO SEE: Chocolate Tarts with Salted Caramel & Meringue https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/chocolate-tart-with-a-duo-of-salted-caramel-and-italian-meringue-quenelles
Feel the Boo! with these one-of-a-kind Halloween dirt pudding cups. Layered with biscuit crumbs and topped with decadent chocolate mousse, we’re truly creeping it real! ALSO SEE: Pumpkin-shaped Nutella pastry for Halloween https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/pumpkin-shaped-nutella-pastry-for-halloween
A boo-tiful cake, perfect for Halloween. This black velvet brushstroke cake is as spooky as it is delicious! The rich black cocoa layers give it a deep, chocolatey flavour and an eerie elegance, while the burnt vanilla icing adds a smoky, caramelised twist. Dramatic chocolate brushstrokes crown the cake, creating a hauntingly beautiful look reminiscent of dark feathers or eerie wings. This cake isn’t just a treat—it’s a statement piece that will leave guests in awe at your Halloween get together! ALSO SEE: Batman cupcakes for Halloween Recipe, styling, and photography by Katelyn Williams Assisted by Cassandra Upton