To create a chocolate wrap-around band for a standard sized cake, I find that 2 slabs of chocolate (around 250g) is usually enough. Baking chocolate always works well, but doesn’t necessarily have the best flavour! I use a good quality milk chocolate combined with about one third dark chocolate. Measure the circumference and height of…

Every week now, I seem to be left with more than a few overripe bananas in the fruit basket. Either I’m not getting the message that my family no longer eat bananas or this is deliberate on their part so that I will make this much loved loaf. To be fair, the heat is killing…

This is a lovely summer salad, perfect to serve at your next braai (or barbecue). While you’re cooking outdoors, you can grill the pineapple out there too, bringing most of your cooking into the social area space where you might be entertaining. I love serving this salad with Christmas lunch as it compliments the gammon,…

When Duke turned one last week, we decided to celebrate with dog treats. I’m so grateful to bloggers who share their recipes and advice about the “do’s and don’ts” for animals. Most of us with pets know that sugar and chocolate are an absolute “no-no”, but there are more foods out there that don’t agree…

Champagne float anyone? We seem to have rolled straight into summer in Joburg this weekend, and I can’t think of a better drink to enjoy on these beautiful, sunny days. An Aperol sorbet dropped into your glass of bubbles will keep it ice cold and refreshing while giving it a lovely citrus zing. Here’s what…

This pizza recipe came about because I participated in an Instagram collaboration with Banhoek Chilli Oil this month. I’ve had great fun playing around with different pizza bases and toppings and I have to say, the chilli oil really adds something special on top of this salsiccia. If you’re thinking of firing up your oven…

If you’re looking for a light soup to warm you this winter, this minted pea and courgette soup is just the thing. It makes a great lunch on the go, or supper with a crusty bread and since it’s Monday, I thought I’d share a meat-free recipe. (As an aside, these little green guys go…

As winter sets in in SA, I cherish this recipe that one of my neighbours taught me to make when I was really just learning to cook. This is a Durban-style curry. A good old South African version that I still turn to as my quick, go-to chicken curry for a winter weeknight supper. (Admittedly,…

I ran my Easter cooking workshops this week and we had great fun with all sorts of Easter recipes, but I particularly loved teaching the baking of hot cross buns from scratch. It sounds terribly daunting but they’re actually a doddle – if you can get past the waiting time for the dough to rise….

Whenever there’s a Bobotie cooking in my kitchen, I always have good chutney on hand. My favourite is definitely Mrs. Balls! Chutney is a delightful condiment that you’ll find in many South African grocery stores or a “padstal” (or farm stall) that’s worth its salt. Find your favourite and serve it with this classic Cape…