rock the kitchen*
Real men wear
APRONS
S
FOR THE SPECIAL ONE IN YOUR LIFE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY, THIS IS MORE THAN ABOUT SCORING BROWNIE POINTS (OR GETTING LUCKY). AND THE WORLD’S GREATEST CHEFS AGREE – THE SECRET INGREDIENT REALLY IS LOVE, WRITES ANT ELLIS
omething that really makes me happy is seeing dudes like me getting their hands dirty in the kitchen. Yeah, yeah – they can all braai. But sadly, many of us can’t do much better than the occasional slice of avo toast or air-fried fish fingers. So here’s the deal, boys: It’s time to step up. This Valentine’s Day you’ll be grabbing a frilly apron, letting what’s left of your hair down and fixing a kick-ass three-course meal for your one and only. Ladies, give these recipes immediately to your husband or boyfriend (or the nearest available kitchen-phobic chucklehead) and kick up your feet with a glass of ice-cold prosecco. It’s payback time. Guys, relax. We’re not going from zero to masterchef here. I’ve created and tested each of these dishes for three things – simplicity of ingredients and cooking method, speed, and of course, maximum flavour. You should have no problem finding any of the ingredients, or the equipment you need, in your own kitchen. Each of these recipes feeds four.
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The Simplest Summer Salad SWEET, PEPPERY AND CREAMY WITH A ZESTY VINAIGRETTE. YOU’VE GOT THIS. Salad: 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into slices • 1 large ripe avocado, halved, sliced and deshelled • 1 cup rocket leaves Citrus Dressing: 1/4 cup lime, lemon or orange juice, freshly squeezed • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp sugar • pinch of chilli flakes • pinch of salt • freshly ground black pepper This couldn’t be easier. Peel the mango, then carefully slice around the pit, opening the angle of your knife when you feel resistance – then cut the cheeks into slices. To get your avo flesh out perfectly, half the avo lengthways, remove the seed and then gently cup each avo half in your hand, run the tip of your knife through the flesh at 5mm intervals across the longest length. Using a tablespoon along the inside of the skin, scoop out the slices. Arrange the mango, avo and fresh rocket leaves in a bowl and dress with vinaigrette before serving. Level it up: Add a sprinkling of pomegranate rubies or paper-thin slices of red onion.
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