Posts in baking
Christina Martin's Biscotti Recipe

I will always remember sitting in Christina’s office at the age of 16 - a whole year before I needed to be there. This was my interview to be accepted into the Christina Martin School of Food and Wine. For me, getting into this course was not an option. My heart and mind were set. I have to admit I felt intimidated but, at the same time, I was in awe of Christina’s absolute dedication to the industry. From that day I grew to understand and appreciate her constant insistence for perfection. That first intimidating interview resulted in my being accepted - and the opportunity to savour the most delicious, crisp-and-chunky whole-almond biscotti. Christina had a large glass jar filled with them. It was love at first taste! I remember thinking ‘this is what I call an office’.

Read More
Christina Martin's Quick Puff Pastry Recipe

Rich, hearty pies with homemade quick puff pastry always excite me. This recipe is so easy. There is no reason to ever buy a commercial, ready-to-make roll. The rich, buttery aromas and flavours of homemade puff, from the minute the heat of the oven hits the pastry, are incomparable.

Read More
Gluhwein Recipe

With the erratic and unpredictable climatic conditions we are currently experiencing, I always have my favourite gluhwein recipe close at hand. Remember not to boil, only simmer the wine otherwise all the alcohol will evaporate and the effect will be... let’s say disappointing.

Read More
Orange Citrus Cake Recipe

For an entertaining suggestion try peanut-butter (only the crunchy variety must be used) semi-freddo dessert. Serve with loads of your favourite hand-broken chocolate bits and candied banana slices. This can be taken to another level by adding a large ball of maple syrup ice cream. Do it - it will make your day!

Read More
Delicious Malva Pudding Recipe

The welcome from the Kosi Forest Lodge team included South Africans' favourite dessert - Malva pudding. It's a back cooking/travel show! The experience left us ravenous and ready for a feast of hearty dishes.

Read More
Peanut Butter Semi Freddo Recipe

For an entertaining suggestion try peanut-butter (only the crunchy variety must be used) semi-freddo dessert. Serve with loads of your favourite hand-broken chocolate bits and candied banana slices. This can be taken to another level by adding a large ball of maple syrup ice cream. Do it - it will make your day!

Read More
Chunky Nougat Recipe

Fresh berries may be considered a humble dessert but served in a large bowl with your favourite ice cream and broken chunky nougat bits will change perceptions. The chilled creaminess, tartness and sweet gooeyness will take you back a few years - or more. It crosses the generation divide

Read More
Christmas Trifle Recipe

African inspired, traditional recipes! I challenge one to get the traditional recipes correct before venturing off into the unknown. Nothing can be better than a chilled glazed gammon in this hot African sun.

Read More
Marshmallows and Cocoa Sorbet Recipe

Have you ever tried homemade marshmallows? They are so easy when you know how. Just follow my recipe. You must make sure you have a sugar/digital thermometer - and check that it works! Serve these light and fluffy mouthfuls with fresh granadilla pulp, and cocoa sorbet, which is the ‘surprise’ component of silver sugar balls. Here you have an interesting balance between sweet and tart.

Read More
Apricot Sorbet and Meringues Recipe

Homemade meringues, chunks of Belgian chocolate and my favourite... fresh apricot sorbet, with any available stoned fruit, add a hint of brilliance to the end of the meal.

Read More