Chocolate Malva

An even more indulgent take on the old favourite. 250 ml cake flour 125 ml cocoa powder 100 ml sugar 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda pinch of salt 1/2 cup milk, heated 60 ml Rhodes Smooth Apricot Jam 30 ml  butter, melted 1 egg 20 ml white vinegar Heat oven to 180 degrees. Sift all…

Apple Crumble

Preheat oven to 180 degrees. about 10 apples, cut into small pieces (I don't peel the apples but you are welcome to) zest and juice of one lemon 1 tsp cinnamon quarter tsp each ginger and nutmeg quarter cup sugar quarter cup rum 2 tblsp raisins or sultanas Mix all of the above and spread…

Thai Style Corn Cakes

  These corn fritters are inspired by something I had recently at a Thai restaurant and make a great starter or side dish. corn from 4 mielies 2 spring onions, sliced 1 tsp salt black pepper pinch cayenne pepper 1 egg 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 flour 1/4 cup milk Mix all of the above…

Dark Chocolate Cake

I found this recipe for dark chocolate cake on a recipe blog called Modern Honey (check out the chocolate chip cookies - to die for!) and fell in love immediately. I lowered the sugar and added some coffee for a slightly richer recipe. You can bake it as a single cake, or two separate cakes…

Brazilian Cheese Bread (Cheese Bombs)

Affectionately called Nina's Cheese Bombs, I first tried Pao do Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Breads) after a friend brought them to a braai. My original inspiration for the recipe is found here. I've tweaked it a little for added flavour. They make a great starter or snack! Some notes: The salt sounds like a lot but…

Naan

2 tsp honey 1 sachet yeast 3/4 cup warm water Mix in a mug and leave for a minute or two until foamy. 3 cups flour - half cake, half bread 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup yogurt Throw everything in the bread machine. Keep an eye on it as it kneads and add extra flour…

Pesto & Green Curry Pasta (Simply Asia inspired)

Makes enough for 2 - 3 servings about 2 table spoons coconut oil (add more if needed) 1 onion 2 cloves garlic 2 large or 3 small chicken breasts 1 tblsp green curry paste 2 tblsp pesto (either basil or coriander) 1 head of broccoli (stems finely sliced, florets cut into bite sized chunks) about…

My Favourite Shortbread

I've struggled to find the perfect shortbread recipe for a long time. Most recipes are purely butter, flour and white sugar, which I've always found a bit uninspiring. The below recipe has two small additions, and the result is very moreish! For extra indulgence, add 100grs or dark chocolate chips. Ingredients: 250gr butter (not marge!!!)…

Aunty Heidi’s Amazing Fillet

This recipe is an old Christmas favourite, orginally given to me by my godmother. It works just as well for pork fillet, though the cooking time should be extended to ensure that the meat is not rare. Ideally, the fillet should be marinated the day before, though as long as you marinate or an hour…

Toffee Malva Pudding

I've struggled for a long time to get a foolproof Malva Pudding, and generally find fault with most recipes I have tried. Either the cake is rubbery, or the sauce is too sweet, or the whole thing is just boring. This is my current work in progress version, inspired by the Maggie Pepler recipe found…