DECEMBER 2023 - FEBRUARY 2024 • R45.90 • Other countries R39.90
Volume 2 . Issue 4
essentialflavours.co.za @essentialflavours
RECYCLING
CHRISTMAS
FOOD WASTE
at home
CHARCUTERIE
BOARD
CHUTNEY ROASTED LAMB RACK WITH BABY ONIONS & POTATOES
FESTIVE APPLE CHERRY & BRANDY GAMMON
Q&A
CHEF TALK: CHEF NICOLENE
ELEVATE YOUR SUMMER SALAD
FROM ORANGERIE 24006
STRAWBERRY TRIFLE
+
9 772789 937006
CHOCOLATE CARAMEL PANCAKES
GLUTEN-FREE
Chocolate Brownies
Cape Point Vineyards is a unique little farm in Noordhoek where vines are lazily nestled between mountains and ocean. +27 (0)21 789 0900 l info@cape-point.com l www.cpv.co.za Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek
@essentialflavours
Editor's letter
Embracing festive flavours As we welcome the cheerfulness of the holiday season, it's with great delight that we present this special edition of ESSENTIAL FLAVOURS. This time of year, filled with social gatherings and joyous celebrations, calls for an exploration of flavours that evoke nostalgia, comfort, and sheer culinary delight. The heart of the festive season lies in the joy of shared meals and the clinking of glasses filled with exceptional wines. As we embrace the spirit of togetherness, we also recognise the craftsmanship behind every dish prepared with love and care. From sumptuous roasts to decadent desserts, from the sparkle of celebratory wines to the comfort of seasonal favourites, this edition is a celebration of the culinary traditions that make this time of year so special. May this edition serve as a guide to elevate your festive feasts and bring an extra touch of magic to your tables. As you embark on your culinary journey, we encourage you to savour each moment, creating memories that linger long after the last bite. From all of us at ESSENTIAL FLAVOURS, we wish you a season filled with laughter, love, and, of course, extraordinary food and wine. Cheers to a festive season brimming with delectable flavours and cherished moments shared with those closest to your heart. Happy holidays!
Elroy van Heerden-Mays editor@essentialflavours.co.za
2 | Summer 2023/24 • essentialflavours.co.za
PARIS PARIS PARIS
Contents Summer 2024
10
Fun Facts
12
Chef Talk: Chef Nicolene from Orangerie
18
Mastering festive cooking:
22
47
Smothered pork chops
48
Roast beef, creamy hasselback potatoes & green beans served with red wine gravy
50
top tips for home cooks
Chutney roasted lamb rack with
19
Facts - eggplant
baby onions
20
The history of Chardonnay
& potatoes
from the vine to the world 22
Sustainable eating: nourishing the planet and ourselves
31
Facts – mint
32
Recycling food waste at home: a sustainable guide
82
COVER IMAGE: Orangerie, Le Lude
kitchen: a recipe for safety 101
Facts – watermelon
102 Elevate your ideal summer salad 116
Baking with kids: creating sweet memories this festive season
130 Beat the babelas
ESSENTIAL BREAKFASTS 26
Cocoa sorghum pudding
ESSENTIAL MAINS 38
Buttermilk fried chicken sliders
39
White fish on colourful zoodles
40
Butter chicken
41
Umleqwa (Cornish hen)
42
Braaied mustard sirloin steak
44
Sifo’s oxtail stew
45
Haddock fish burger
46
The perfect mash
with coconut milk, blueberries & cocoa nibs 27
50
First aid essentials for the
Big batch sausage & egg
45
52
Surf & turf braai
53
Pap braaitart
54
Polenta with blue cheese & pan-fried mushrooms
56
Beef burger with coleslaw
57
Slow roasted leg of lamb
58
Lamb chops & crispy gnocchi
59
Marinated mushroom, boerewors & apricot sticks
60
Seafood savoury rice
61
Creamy mushroom stuffed chicken
64
English muffins
Spicy cauliflower tacos with guacamole, tomato & coriander
28
Stacked pancakes
65
Curried potatoes
29
Baked croissant
66
Ultimate classic beef burgers
30
breakfast sandwich
with balsamic caramelised
Lemon yoghurt waffles
onions
4 | Summer 2023/24 • essentialflavours.co.za
2024
THE OCEAN COOKBOOK
THE WHITE FISH COLLECTION
FEEL GOOD FISH RECIPES
GET YOUR
COPY NOW!
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6 | Summer 2023/24 • essentialflavours.co.za