Good Food and Wine Show: Cape Town

Capetonians, the time has come to explore the finest fare in the land; to tickle your taste buds with exotic delicacies and adventurous combinations and to let your inner foodie run wild. It's time for the Good Food and Wine Show. 

 As always there will be wide range of interactive theatres for you to get invovled in, plus the chance to see your favourite local and international chefs live at the Chefs in Action Theatre. 

"Explore your inner foodie with kitchen commander, Gordon Ramsay and patisserie provocateur, Eric Lanlard of Baking Mad fame, as they inspire and delight the senses."

As an added bonus, this year's event will act as host to the first ever South African Bar Show, a showcase of liquid style. 

Click here to book your tickets to the show.

Recipe: Homemade Oreos

It's not uncommon for the slimming diets of summer to be forgotten on chilly winter evenings. 'Tis the season for indulgent roasts, delicious soups and rich, cream covered deserts, after all.

Here's a recipe that's sure to see you through those cold nights: Homemade Oreos. Now, these aren't just any homemade Oreos, these are Bakerella's Homemade Oreos. The genius behind cake pops brings you a delicious treat that is far to good to resist and they're shaped like cats - BONUS! 

Click here for the recipe.

Not your average Valentine's Dinner

Looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style, minus all the hearts, red roses and cheesy accordions? Whether you are head over heels in love or happily single or just feel like a night out, the forum company’s Valentine’s Dinner is just the thing for you!

the forum company knows that not everyone is fond of the soppy lovey-dovey approach that has become the norm on Valentine’s Day and invite you to join us for a stylish and trendy escape from all the schmaltzy hype at the iconic, urban chic turbine hall. the forum company has joined forces with Grey Goose vodka for the evening and will welcome all the guests with a fabulous cocktail on arrival. The talented forum chefs will prepare an exceptional 3-course meal for the evening for only R330 per person.

Look forward to an evening of great music and divine food amongst the turbines of Jozi’s oldest power station. If you’re a regular fan of the forum | turbine hall once-a-month Underground Dinners, then you’ll know just what a fabulous evening lies ahead – and this one is definitely not to be missed!

Dinners start at 19h00 for 19h30.

Bookings are essential, so book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Hazel Ndebele on 0873103888 or email turbinebookings@theforum.co.za.

Click here for information about Underground Dinners for the rest of 2013.

Magoebaskloof Berry Festival: 9 & 10 February

Tickle your taste buds at the famous Berry Festival on the weekend of the 9th and 10th of February 2013. An annual celebration of all things berry, this delicious event will once again be hosted by the village of Haenertsburg and the Magoebaskloof.

Indulge your senses when you pick you own berries at one of the participating farms. Eat your fill of the most delicious fresh raspberries, blueberries and cherry quavas as you wander through the working farms in the area. Punnets of these berries and some locally grown strwaberries will also be available for you to purchase and take home.

Not a berry fanatic? Then, why not take a trip to an Organic Cheese Dairy Farm for a cheese tour, or visit the Haenertsburg Harvest Market? Here you’ll find a variety of fresh farm produce, a selection of home-made berry jams, pickles and preserves, organic cheeses, home-made cakes, plants, second-hand books, arts and crafts and many other unique items.

And don’t forget to take a trip to the local pub!

When? 09 – 10 February 2013 | Participating farms will be open from 09h00 to 16h00

Where? The village of Haenertsburg and the Magoebaskloof

How much? R 30 per adult | R 20 children U15 | FREE children U5

For more info visit: berryfestival.co.za

Sugar-free Cheesecake? Yes, please!

For those who made a diet one of their New Years' resolutions...

Serves: 8

Prep time: 40 minutes, plus refrigeration time

Baking time: 10 minutes

Oven temp: 200^oC

You’ll need:

Base

• 100ml cake flour

• 2,5ml baking powder

• 40ml sugar substitute suitable for baking (such as Sugalite or xylitol)

• 50ml butter

• 1 large egg

• 30ml gelatine

• 4 large eggs, separated

• 300ml sugar substitute

• 500g fat-free smooth cottage cheese

• 5ml vanilla essence

• 15ml lemon juice

Topping

• 15ml gelatine

• 100ml reduced-sugar diabetic-friendly jam

• fresh fruit slices, to decorate

Instructions:

Base: Mix the flour, baking powder and sugar substitute together. Rub in the butter. Beat the egg and stir into the mixture. Spoon into a greased 18cm spring-form tin and spread out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.

Filling: Pour 100ml water over the gelatine. Set aside to hydrate. Heat until melted then set aside to cool. Beat the egg yolks and the sugar substitute together until light. Fold in the cottage cheese, vanilla essence and lemon juice. Add a little of this mixture to the gelatine mixture and stir. Add to the remaining cottage cheese mixture. Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold them into the mixture. Pour into the base and leave to set in the fridge overnight.

Topping: Pour 40ml water over the gelatine and leave to hydrate. Heat until melted. Warm the jam and then stir in the gelatine. Leave to cool, then spoon over the cheesecake and leave to set. Decorate with fresh fruit.

*Just another delicious recipe from Ideas! You can find more here: ideasmag.co.za

Christmas on a cupcake – what’s not to love?

This is such a great idea from Brit + Co. that we just had to share, because let’s face it, it’s not like those cupcakes are going to make it out of the kitchen uneaten anyway.

Yummy!

Click here for the full tutorial. Don’t worry about trying to hunt down Wilton’s sparkle gel – try Nicoletta’s Glitter Writing Icing instead – it’s local, lekker and can be found online or in the baking isle of your nearest supermarket. 

Truths revealed at the Spier Secret Festival

The Secret Festival is a weekend event at Spier Wine Estate exploring the latest in food and wine trends. Secrets of all kind will be revealed – from secret ingredients and family recipes to South Africa’s best-kept wine secret, Chenin Blanc. The festival includes art installations, talks, presentations, workshops, tastings, unforgettable meals, Secret Home Dinners, a Saturday food and wine market, mini cookbook fair and Sunday braai-off.*

When: 28 – 29 October

Where: Spier Wine Farm

Visit www.spiersecretfestival.co.za for more info.

*This blurb was snatched from an article on the Spier website: www.spier.co.za. 

Get more than just a good drink at Robertson Wine on the River

More than an experience. It’s a Lifestyle! That’s what they say about Robertson Wine on the River and it looks like they’re right. With a line-up that includes a Dire Straits tribute, cheese and chocolate tastings and BIG SCREEN RUGBY it’s no surprise that this open-air wine festival is one highly anticipated event in the Robertson Wine Valley.

A weekend event, the festival will take place 19 - 21 October 2012 on the banks of the Breede River at the Goudmyn Farm between Robertson and Bonnievale. 

For more info or to book your ticket, click here and visit the Robertson Wine on the River website. 

Ice: so much more than frozen H20

Spring has sprung, which means that things will be starting to heat up. To help you cope with the rising temperature with found you some ice cube fun from Brit + Co that will keep you cool and your cocktails stylish under the summer sun.

These recipes are as simple as finding your favourite flavour combination, chopping up the ingredients and dropping them and some water in an ice tray. 

Fig & Rosemary

Raspberries & Blackberries

Lemon and Honey

Mint & Lime

Cucumber & Basil

Johannesburg Good Food and Wine Show

See MasterChef Australia Judge George Calombaris at the Good Food and Wine Show!

From the 21st to the 24th of September the Coca-Cola Dome will become the sight of one of the world’s finest gourmet events. The Good Food and Wine Show finishes off a delicious 2012 in Gauteng where it welcomes the best the culinary world has to offer including MasterChef Australia Judge George Calombaris, MasterChef Australia Winner Adam Liaw, Reggae Chef Levi Roots, Celebrity Chef Anjum Ananda and MasterChef South Africa Judge Benny Masekwameng.

Find out what’s on the menu by visiting www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za and get ready to tantilize those tastebuds.

When: 21 – 24 September 2012
Where: Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg

Book your tickets now via Computicket.

Here’s looking at you kid! Edible eyes - adding character to lunchboxes

Edible Eyes from Suck UK turn lunchtime into fun time. Now you can create snacks with character with these sweet sugar and safe-to-eat eyes for your food. Add them to veggies, fruit and sandwiches and watch children both young and old gasp in delight.

You can purchase Suck UK products at Big Blue Clothing or order your edible eyes directly from the Suck UK website. 

Looking to the future – Le Creuset launches new Junior range.

If you’re lucky enough to have a little chef in the kitchen then you’ll be eager to hear all about Le Creuset’s new Junior Gift Sets. Designed especially for little chefs, the sets have everything they need to prepare, cook and serve their yummy creations, including handy recipe cards and silicone utensils.

“There is something for every little Cobalt Blue boy and Pale Rose girl aged 3 to 12.”

The gift sets range from R350 to R480 and can be purchased from Le Creuset stores or via their online shop. 

Making a cupcake bouquet

Samantha Classen's Cupcake Bouquet

You will need
• about 12 ready-baked cupcakes
• 1 batch butter icing (see recipe below)
• pink food colouring
• piping bag with a star nozzle
• vase or flower pot
• 15cm diameter polystyrene or florist’s foam ball
• toothpicks

Butter icing
Beat 245ml (225g) butter until soft. then beat in 885ml (460g) sifted icing sugar and 50-60ml milk a little at a time, until the icing is smooth and spreadable.

1 Divide the icing in half. Colour the one half dark pink with a few drops of pink food colouring. Spoon the pink icing into the piping bag. Press the piping bag flat with your hands to make sure that the icing lines the sides of the bag.

2 Open the piping bag and spoon the white icing into the centre.

3 Press the icing down in the bag so that the top of the piping bag can be folded over.

4 Hold the piping bag firmly and press to squeeze the icing out. Start in the centre of the cupcake.

5 Continue to squeeze the icing out continuously while swirling it around to create a rose-like pattern. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes.
6 Weigh the vase down with pebbles. Insert the foam ball. Stick toothpicks into the ball. Press the cupcakes onto the toothpicks. Cover the whole ball so the foam is not visible.

A Samantha Classen creation, this tutorial was taken from ideas. 

Get festive at the Hermanus Food and Wine Fair

One of South Africa’s Top 10 Wine Festivals, the Hermanus Food and Wine Fair is a celebration of everything local and lekker. 50 wineries from Elgin to Elim will offer up over 200 wines for tasting and purchasing at the event - and that’s just the beginning! Tantalize your taste buds with delicacies from the area’s various cheese and olive farms and sample what is arguably some of the best sushi in the country, courtesy of Harbour Rock.

“The Hermanus Wine and Food Festival promises to be a vino-experience where you will meet new friends, discover new wines and find out that whales are not the only reason for people visiting Hermanus.” – Cathy and Paul du Toit, Manager and Owner (respectively) of Wine Village - your gateway to South African Wines.

When: 9 – 11 August 2012 | 11h00 – 19h00

Where: Hemel en Aarde Village, Hermanus

Cost: R 95 / day or R300 for a 3 day pass

Foodie Happenings Coming Up

Glenwood Market in Bulwer Park on Sunday 24 June: Darryl Hofmann and by the Glenwood Community Forum, have put together a morning market involving good food and family activities in Bulwer Park on Sunday 24 June from 10am until 2pm.
The focus will be on fresh and fabulous food. Hofmann has carefully chosen stall holders to create a deli-vibe – allowing visitors to purchase produce from the stalls, and assemble a meal picnic style. Included in the stallholders mix is organic meats; artisan breads; fresh olives; marinated feta cheese, honey, fresh herbs; and fresh fruit and veg.
There will be fun activities for the kids, and the children’s play area is operational. There will also be gift ideas, décor items, arts and crafts on sale.

Whole Food Night Market in a new location off Stamford Hill Rd on Thursday evening 5 July: The fabulous Night Market is on the move again! This time it will take the form of a street market situated in Oldham Road, by the Lizzard Factory, off Stamford Hill Road alongside 190 Stamford Hill, on Thursday 5 July from 6pm until 10pm.
This proactive initiative continues the vision of Hofmann to offer a series of inspired gourmet-events in interesting places. Part of the mission of the Whole Food Night Market is to invite the people of Durban to explore and rediscover the unusual and unfamiliar places in their city. To this end, the market has been at Colombo Tea and Coffee, Umgeni Rd, the green hub and more recently at the Quays Development at the Point.
With the beautiful crisp winter’s evenings, the decision was to take the market outdoors for a while, to the quaint and retro cul-de-sac off Stamford Hill. The idea is to contain the market in Lizzard’s through-fare, and add atmosphere by decorating the area with fairy lights, lanterns and bunting. Fire jugglers will light the way….
Hofmann has carefully chosen stall holders which will create a deli-vibe – allowing visitors to purchase produce from the stalls, and assemble a meal, alfresco picnic style.
Again, there will be plenty to taste and drink. To add ambiance to the evening will be live festive music.
There will also be art, craft, jewellery, gift ideas and decor items – all sourced and produced locally.
There is ample parking in Stamford Hill Rd – with additional security personnel on duty employed by the Market.

Other events coming up:

Litchi Orchard Nite Market 29 June, Umhlali
The Food Market, 30 June, Durban North
Wonder Market, 1 July, Chris Saunders Park,
The Good Food and Wine Show 23 Aug - 26 Aug

Chef's Table of Food and Wine - 11 May

Proudly Present a Chef's Table of Food and Wine!

Date: Friday 11 May 2012  Time 18:30 - 19:00
Dress code: Smart Casual
Cost: R575 per person

We have incorporated fine wine with our Chef's tables to make your  experience
that much more enjoyable!

MENU

Amuse-bouche
Cheese and Tomato

Starter
Vodka Cured Scottish Salmon with Apple and Champagne Jelly,
Pickled Seaweed, Beetroot Chips, Lemon Crème Fraîche and Micro Herbs

Pallet Cleanser
Passion-Fruit and Chilli Mint

 Main course
Grilled Sirloin on Malt Soil with Pea Pesto,
Crispy Potatoes, “Mushroom-mallow” and Madeira Jus

OR

Pan Fried Chicken Breast, Chicken Lollypop with Carrot Purée,
Pomme Pont-Neuf, Aubergine and Peanut Butter Quenelle and Fennel Jus

Cheese course
Parmesan Frozen Cream
with Balsamic Crisp, Tomato Crisp, Tomato Confit and Cold Basil Gelée

Dessert
Elderflower White Chocolate Mousse with Almond Praline Truffle Meringue Flakes,
Scorched Apple Vanilla Bean Caviar, White Chocolate Smoked Oak Soil,
Liquorice and Sour Apple Sauces

With Tea and Coffee
White Couveture, Violet Candy and Dehydrated Berry Medallions
Milk Couveture , Toasted Sesame and Maldon Salt Medallions
Dark Couveture and Mint Medallions

Debi van Flyman will be representing Wine Cellar, by introducing wines paired with each course that we will offer on the evening.


Join us for an exclusive and unique evening and let us make you feel like royalty when dining with us!


Upcoming Food and Wine Dates:

Thursday, 21 June2012
Thursday, 26 July 2012

Contact
nico@sugarchoc.com
www.sugarchoc.com

Contact details: 011 462 8964
Contact Jess for bookings and further details.

Heaven Scent

Just look at this amazing Moroccan vegetable soup from the latest issue of House & Leisure - can you resist it?
(We tried it, but replaced the fish sauce with tamarind paste. Wow!)

Ingredients

800 g mixed diced seasonal vegetables (I used carrots, butternut, leeks and celery)
2 tbsp onion, finely chopped
2 tsp grated ginger
2 x bay leaves
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups water
1/4 tsp fish sauce* (my secret ingredient)
2 tsp hot English mustard powder
1 salad onion snipped, to garnish
salt
1 tbsp olive oil

* Fish sauce may sound like an odd ingredient to add, but I find it adds wonderful depth of flavour to soups and stews. In this tiny quantity it does its job, without detection. Do mind it doesn’t get onto your fingers and if so you will want to wash well, immediately! If you omit the fish sauce, the soup is purely vegetarian.

Method
Fry onions in olive oil in a (teflon coated) saucepan or pot, wide and deep enough to make a soup in.
Add bay leaves and vegetables. Add all the remaining ingredients, except the salad onions.
Cook on medium heat until softened, for approximately 40 minutes. Replenish with water as needed. Remove from heat.
Remove bay leaves and blend with a stick blender or in a processor until smooth but with a hint of nubly character. Add more water to thin if necessary and adjust seasoning.
Serve with snipped salad onions sprinkled on top and crusty bread or naan.  I added creme fraiche, chopped bacon and parsley to this one- it’s purely optional.

Note from the Designers on Display editorial team:
This soup goes really well with the flat bread in the recipe here. Delish!

Find more at House and Leisure online.

Go get your fresh food kick...

a heart for organic

If you are in the Wynberg area...when you in Cape Town...please do yourself a favour and visit 
Organic at Heart

For a Summers day

watermelon mojito pops

I absolutely adore coming across a fabulous site to add to my ever-growing list of favorite blogs!Sugar + Charm is definitely at the top now! Serving up sweet recipes + charming craft ideasthat are perfect for every occasion. My new obsession? The Watermelon Mojito Pops that author Eden whipped up! Tropical in color and the perfect amount of sweetness for a summer treat. These are right down my alley. Imagine the possibilities of changing out a few flavors for raspberry mojito pops, strawberry mojito pops…you get the idea!

Just a few sweet ingredients (fresh fruit, agave nectar, club soda, etc) will make 10 of these frozen beauties for your next outdoor dinner party. You can even find popsicle freezing trays at your local dollar store! Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and flavor for a refreshing treat. Serve these up after dinner to keep guests cool and refreshed outdoors. So head over to Sugar and Charm for the full recipe + details!

Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks to pizzazzerie.com