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Category: Food and Travel

Food Recipes, Top Travel Destinations and Wide range of wines and drinks to choose from

White Christmas truffles recipe

You don’t get truffles much more Christmassy than these. As well as being a delicious treat to serve guests, they also make a lovely gift for any white Christmas lover. They do require 3 hours of chilling time – and the occasional stir- so do make sure you start them well in advance and are at home!

15m prep
05m cook
makes 18

6 Ingredients

– 180g white chocolate, chopped

– 80ml (1/3 cup) thickened cream

– 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (optional)

– 40g (1/4 cup) dried cranberries, chopped

– 40g (1/4 cup) pistachios, chopped

– 35g (1/3 cup) desiccated coconut

3 Method / Steps

Step 1

Place the chocolate and cream in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Use a metal spoon to stir until melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla, if using. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2

Stir in the cranberries and pistachios. Refrigerate for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally, or until firm enough to roll into balls (the mixture will still be a bit sticky).

Step 3

Place coconut in a shallow dish. Roll level tablespoons of mixture into balls and roll in coconut. Arrange in a single layer in an airtight container and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

source – tastecom

06/12/2022
Bacon and kale pasta

A tasty protein-packed, high-fibre bacon pasta dish that’s ready in no time.

Each serving provides 532 kcal, 27g protein, 49g carbohydrate (of which 4g sugars), 23g fat (of which 9g saturates), 10g fibre and 1.9g salt.

Ingredients
300g/10½oz wholewheat pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
10 smoked streaky bacon rashers, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
pinch dried chilli flakes
150g/5½oz kale, leaves shredded
1 free-range egg yolk
100g/3½oz Parmesan, finely grated
salt and freshly ground black pepper
How-to-videos

Method
Cook the pasta in a saucepan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan, add the bacon and cook over a medium heat, stirring often, until crisp.

Add the garlic and chilli and cook for 1 minute. Add the kale and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until wilted and tender.

Drain the pasta, reserving 200ml/7fl oz of the pasta cooking water.

Add 150ml/5fl oz of the reserved pasta water to the bacon and kale. Mix the egg yolk with 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan, add to the bacon and kale and stir well, until the sauce thickens.

Toss the pasta in the sauce, loosening with a little more pasta water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper and serve with the remaining Parmesan on top.

Source: News365

26/02/2022
Vegetable casserole with dumplings

This wholesome warming one-pot vegetarian casserole is perfect for cold January nights. It’s full of beans, celeriac and topped with fluffy dumplings. This wholesome one pot is perfect for cold nights – simple enough to whip up quickly, but smart enough to serve to friends.

Ingredients
For the stew
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
25g/1oz plain flour
1 tsp English mustard powder
150ml/5fl oz apple juice
900ml/1½ pint vegetable stock
2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
4 bay leaves
450g/1lb peeled celeriac, chopped into 1–2cm/½–¾in thick, small wedges
2 leeks, trimmed and cut into 2cm/¾in chunks
100g/3½oz baby spinach
400g tin cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the dumplings
150g/5½oz self-raising flour, plus extra for rolling
½ tsp baking powder
25g/1oz cold butter, diced
2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon, plus a little extra to serve if preferred
¼ tsp salt
75g/2¾ oz natural yoghurt

Method
Put the onion, olive oil and butter In an ovenproof, wide casserole dish. Fry over a low heat until the onion is soft and beginning to turn golden brown. Stir in the flour and mustard powder and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the apple juice, followed by the stock, then the wholegrain mustard and bay leaves. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Add the celeriac and leek and continue simmering for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are almost tender. Take off the heat and remove the bay leaves. Stir in the spinach, followed by the beans and tarragon. Season to taste. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.

For the dumplings, mix the flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Rub in the diced butter until you can only feel small lumps, then stir in the tarragon and salt. Mix the yogurt with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then drizzle over the flour and mix quickly to form a sticky dough. Flour your hands, then quickly roll into 12 balls.

Arrange the dumplings on top of the bean stew. Cover the casserole with the lid and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for 15–18 minutes more, or until the dumplings are puffed up and just turning golden brown on top. Spoon into shallow bowls to serve, scattered with extra tarragon if you like.

Source: News365

26/02/2022
Spiced baked rice with cauliflower and squash

This one-pot baked rice is so easy to make and full of nutritious vegetables and warming spices. Dr Rupy shows you how to make this midweek saviour for under £1 per portion.

Each serving provides 478 kcal, 12g protein, 54g carbohydrate (of which 12g sugars), 22g fat (of which 8g saturates), 8g fibre and 0.65g salt.

Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
50g/1¾oz unsalted butter
2 onions, thinly sliced
½ butternut squash (approx. 350g), deseeded and cut into 1.5cm/¾in chunks
½ cauliflower (approx. 350g), cut into small florets, plus any leaves
6 cardamom pods
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch chilli flakes
200g/7oz brown basmati rice, rinsed
1 vegetable stock cube, made up with 750ml/26fl oz boiling water
100g/3½oz frozen spinach, defrosted
25g/1oz toasted flaked almonds
Recipe tips

Method
Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.

Heat the oil and butter in an ovenproof casserole, then fry the onions gently for 8–10 minutes, until softened and caramelised. Add the butternut squash, cauliflower florets and any leaves and fry for a further 5 minutes until they begin to colour. Stir in the spices, rice and stock. Cover with a lid, then bake for 30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Stir through the spinach and serve topped with the flaked almonds.

Source: News365

26/02/2022
Bunny Chow recipe

A flavorful African curry that is served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. Perfect for dipping!

Ingredients

2 lbs beef roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp dry, ground, minced
½ inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced or (1/8 tsp dry, ground ginger)
2 bay leaves
2 green cardamom pods, split
2 small whole cloves or 1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2 tomatoes, diced (roughly 2 c)
1 Tb curry powder
1 ½ tsp chilli powder
1 ½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground coriander seeds
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp turmeric
4 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
½ c water
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
½ tsp salt
2 loaves white bread, un-sliced

Instructions

1. Heat a large sauté pan with high sides or a Dutch oven over high heat. Add the beef chunks a few at a time, as to not over-crowd the pan. Sear the beef cubes on all sides and remove them from the pan. Set aside.

2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and sauté until golden, 5-7 min.

3. Add the garlic, ginger, bay, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté until the mixture is fragrant, 1-2 min.

4. Add the diced tomatoes along with the curry powder, chilli powder, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 4-5 min, until the tomatoes start to break down.

5. Add the seared meat and diced potatoes to the pan along with ½ c of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30-40 min, until potatoes are cooked and the meat is tender. Check the curry occasionally during cooking and add a little water if it seems to be getting too dry.

7. Towards the end of cooking time, mix in the vinegar and salt.

Assembling the Bunny

* While the curry is cooking, slice the loaves of bread in half and hollow each half out, creating two cube-shaped bowls out of each loaf. (Be careful to leave enough bread around the edges to keep the structure of the ‘bowl’.)
* To serve, spoon the curry into each half loaf bowl.
* Serve the bunny with extra bread, if desired, and a side salad.

Source – cooking365coza

11/02/2022
African Bean Stew recipe

This African Bean Stew is an easy, comforting, and filling 30-minute meal! Loaded with beans, plantains, okra, and warm spices, this naturally gluten-free and vegan stew is so hearty and delicious.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 stick celery (thinly sliced)
1 carrot (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup tomatoes (chopped or diced)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
32 ounces vegetable broth
1 can kidney beans (organic)
1 cup okra (sliced)
1 plantain (sliced and quartered)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (each, cumin, coriander and chilli)
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1 pinch sea salt (and pepper, to taste)

Instructions

1. Start by heating up the oil in a soup pot or dutch oven. Add onion, garlic, carrots and celery and sauté the veggies stirring often until they have softened (about 8 minutes)

2. Add in tomatoes and tomato paste along with all seasoning and spices, and stir.

3. Add the broth, beans, okra and plantains. Stir well, cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

4. When done garnish with fresh coriander or cilantro and serve.

Source – cooking365coza

10/02/2022
MSC Cruises Durban to Cape Town

Italian in style, tradition and experience, MSC Cruises is a firm favourite among South African travellers as it operates local cruises from Cape Town and Durban in the summer season…

With 18 ships in its fleet, MSC Cruises is the fourth-largest cruise operator in the world. Although it has strong Italian influences and most of its ships operate cruise itineraries in the Mediterranean, the MSC Orchestra – travel to South Africa annually to operate a range of short- and medium-length cruise itineraries from Cape Town and Durban.

MSC also operates cruises in the Caribbean, the Middle East, Norwegian Fjords and South America, appealing to passengers outside Europe.

4 NIGHT MSC CRUISE TO MOZAMBIQUE

4 nights from only R4 625 per person sharing incl. taxes

WHAT’S INCLUDED

4 nights onboard the MSC Orchestra in an inside cabin
All meals and entertainment onboard
Mandatory cruise insurance
Port charges and taxes

CRUISE ITINERARY

DAY 1: Depart Durban
DAY 2: At Sea
DAY 3: Pomene, Mozambique
DAY 4: At Sea
DAY 5: Durban, South Africa

MSC CRUISE DURBAN TO CAPE TOWN

4 nights from only R6 631 per person sharing incl. taxes

WHAT’S INCLUDED

4 nights accommodation onboard MSC Orchestra in an interior cabin
All meals and entertainment onboard
Mandatory cruise insurance
Port charges and taxes

CRUISE ITINERARY

DAY 1: Durban, South Africa
DAY 2: Cruising at Sea
DAY 3: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
DAY 4: Cruising at Sea
DAY 5: Cape Town, South Africa

source – pentravel

10/02/2022
Easy fried rice

I have always loved fried rice. I could probably eat an entire bowl. The great thing about this recipe is that you can add whatever you would like! I have added bacon, chicken, and ham. It is the perfect fried rice base and they say the secret ingredient to get the authentic Chinese taste is sesame oil. Whatever it may be it is fantastic!

I had my entire family over for Chinese night. It was a lot of work, but I wanted them to experience my famous sweet and sour chicken. They absolutely loved it and agreed that it tasted straight from a restaurant.

I always serve this amazing fried rice with all of my Chinese dishes. It is easy and goes perfectly as a side!

Ingredients in Fried Rice

* White long grain rice- Day old and cold rice help to keep it from being mushy.
* Small white onion
* Vegetables- Peas and Carrots. You can also add in other veggies such as bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, snow peas and cabbage.
* Eggs
* Sesame Oil
* Soy Sauce
* Green Onions- Garnish with adding in sliced green onions right at the end!

How to make Fried Rice

– Preheat Skillet. Turn your skillet to medium high heat and pour sesame oil into the bottom of your skillet and add the onion, peas and carrots. Fry this until they are tender.

– Slide the veggies to the side. Pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Use a spatula to scramble the eggs. Mix them together with the veggies.

– Add the rice. Combine it with the veggie and egg mixture. Pour the soy sauce on top and stir until it is heated throughout. Garnish with green onions.

Source – TheRecipeCritic

06/02/2022
Holidays at Mountain Creek Lodge in Hazyview

Mountain Creek Lodge in Hazyview provides a place to enjoy the vast open spaces of the Mpumalanga countryside near the world-famous Kruger National Park as a family, corporate or group of friends.

If you are looking for social distancing-inspired vacations in the African bushveld, this should be on your list.

Besides excellent facilities, your hosts have also put in place various COVID-19 protocols to ensure your safety during your stay. Many of their previous guests had wonderful things to say about their stay at the lodge.

Accommodation at Mountain Creek Lodge

In terms of accommodation, there are two Main Lodges, four Chalets as well as a Cottage.

The first Main House is designed for families and groups and has four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms in each one. It also comes with a full kitchen, two dining rooms, and a lounge with a fireplace as well as a TV area. In total, it can comfortably accommodate up to 12 people.

In the second Main House, you will find three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It also comes with a full kitchen, lounge/tv room, dining room and a private boma/braai area and a patio with a built-in braai/fireplace. This unit can accommodate up to six people.

The Chalets can accommodate between two and four people with the option of two and one-bedroom units. Inside, you will find fully-equipped kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms. All the Chalets come with their own private verandas with built-in braai’s.

Designed for up to four people, the Cottage comes with two bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms, a lounge and dining room area, a kitchen and a private veranda with braai facilities.

Standard amenities in all the units include air conditioning, clean linen, towels, basic toiletries – soap and shampoo as well as select DStv. All beds are single beds, but they can make available King-size beds on request due to limited availability.

Facilities at Mountain Creek Lodge

Guest facilities include ample, secure parking for vehicles; an entertainment area where you can play darts, table tennis games or pool; a bar area; as well as a swimming pool and dam for those hot summer days.

Activities nearby

Mountain Creek Lodge is ideally located to place you within reach of most of what Hazyview and the greater Mpumalanga have to offer the holiday-maker. Attractions include beautiful waterfalls, zip lines, quad-biking, abseiling and rafting adventures.

For thrill and adventure seekers, the lodge is a short distance from the world-renowned Kruger National Park as well as other popular sports and activities.

06/02/2022