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Recipe for Simply Delicious Minestrone Soup

Food
Recipes

Loren

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16/05/2018

What is better than a bowl of hearty, wholesome homemade soup in winter? Yip, nothing! Some of my favourite soups include butternut soup, creamy tomato soup, chicken soup and of course minestrone soup. I have shared my famous chicken soup recipe on the blog before (recipe here) so today I’ll be sharing my famous minestrone soup recipe.

This is my version of minestrone soup because it is simple and so easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients you’ll have a huge pot of deliciousness ready to be eaten! Minestrone soup is full of vegetables (which I love). It is healthy, flavourful and wholesome. It also makes for a yummy simple Sunday night dinner. I like to serve minestrone soup with a freshly baked garlic bread and some grated cheese to sprinkle over. What I also love is that there will be more than enough soup for the next day for lunch. For me, the best part is always the leftovers!

INGREDIENTS:

• Freshly cut minestrone soup mix from Woolworths (I like this one because it has everything you need including
• Italian crushed tomatoes
• Alphabet pasta (these are from Woolworths)
• Carrot – chopped
• Onion – chopped
• Celery – chopped
• Green beans
• Vegetable stock cube (not pictured)

WHAT TO DO:

In a large pot, heat about 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the onions until translucent, then sauté the celery and the carrots. Keep stirring frequently until until just tender. Then add the beans and the minestrone soup mix. Sauté all the vegetables for about 10 minutes. I always do this just because it releases their flavours. Then pour the italian crushed tomatoes over and mix it around sautéing a bit more. Then pour enough water over all the vegetables as well as add the vegetable stock cube. If you want your soup more flavourful, you can add another stock cube. I normally add two. Put the lid on and let it simmer on medium heat for about an hour. Then add the pasta (about half a cup) to the soup, turn up the heat and let it boil until the pasta is al dente. Turn down the soup to low until ready to serve. You can add salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve with grated cheese and a slice or two of garlic bread. Deeeeelicious! 🙂

♥

The many wonderful uses of Bio-Oil

Loren

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14/05/2018

1

We all know Bio-Oil is a magical potion that reduces the appearance of stretch marks. But did you know it has many more wonderful uses than just that?

Bio-Oil is one of those products I simply cannot live without because I use it for so many things. Just to name a few I use it as a cuticle oil, I put a few drops in my bath at night and I rub it in my hands every so often when they need a moisture surge. I shared these uses on my Instagram stories the other day and received an overwhelming response from so many people saying they actually didn’t know Bio-Oil could be used in so many ways. So I thought I should put a blog post together on all the many wonderful uses of Bio-Oil and share it with you.

But before we get started …

What is Bio-Oil?

Bio-Oil is an oil derived from calendula, lavender, rosemary and chamomile oil. It has a lighter texture than most oils, thanks to the patented formulation, which gives it a ‘dry’ feel. The formula also contains an ingredient called PurCellin Oil, which is a replica of the oil that ducks produce to keep their feathers waterproof.

Now for the important part …

What can you use Bio-Oil for?

We all know this one, but Bio-Oil is known for reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Add a few drops to your bath water to condition and nourish your skin.
Massage onto the very dry parts, like your elbows and heels, for instant moisture.
If you suffer from a very dry and itchy scalp, add a few drops to your shampoo and the itching and flaking will be reduced.
Rub onto sunburns to soothe the burnt skin and prevent peeling.
It fades scars and uneven skin tone.
Use as a cuticle oil and to treat dry cracked hands.
Finger-comb through hair to tame pesky fly-aways.
Apply to the ends of your hair for moisture and hydration.
Can be used to wash make-up brushes.
Apply to under your eyes to help reduce dark circles.
Use on lips to sooth and prevent chapping.
Use as an anti-aging facial oil thanks to the potent mix of skin boosting vitamins and natural oils.

I can definitely vouch for all of these uses because I have put them all to the test!

♥

Wine Menu’s Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Festival 2018

Loren

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07/05/2018

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The Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Festival is taking place at the Killarney Country Club’s Crystal Room this Thursday, May 10, from 18h00.The festival includes in an impressive line-up of many high-end, award-winning Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that are not shown at other festivals because they are often too expensive and with too small a production.

Just announced as showcasing his wine is Hannes Storm, former winemaker at Hamilton Russell, who started making his own super premium small production Hemel en Aarde focussed wines. He will present his Vrede Pinot Noir 2016 (Hemel en Aarde Valley), Ignis Pinot Noir 2016 (Upper Hemel en Aarde); Ridge Pinot Noir 2016 (Hemel en Aarde Ridge) and Vrede Chardonnay 2017 (Valley).

Also attending Gauteng’s only showcase of these noble varieties is winemaker Koen Roose of Spioenkop, the acclaimed and award-winning wine estate in Elgin, who will be presenting the Spioenkop Pinot Noir 2015. Richard Kershaw will be showing his Kershaw Clonal Selection Chardonnay and Kershaw Clonal Selection Pinot Noir.

Other highlights include Chardonnay Du Monde Silver Award winner the Rietvallei JMB Chardonnay 2017; the Creation Art of Pinot Noir 2016 which was awarded 5 stars by Platter and the Eikendal Chardonnay 2016 and Hartenberg The Eleanor Chardonnay 2015, both named in the Winemag Chardonnay Report Top 10. Other premium wines to be tasted at the festival include The Drift There are Still Mysteries Pinot Noir 2016; Oak Valley Groenlandberg Chardonnay 2016; the Lismore Chardonnay 2015 and the Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2015.

There are a host of new South African wines on show this year including the Domaine Des Dieux Josephine Pinot Noir 2013; Elemental Bob Cosmic Hand Pinot Noir 2015; Lismore Pinot Noir 2017; MVH Signature Pinot Noir 2016; Paul Wallace Reflection Chardonnay 2017 and Raised By Wolves Limestone Pinot Noir 2015.Participation in the festival is by invitation only with organiser, Corlien Morris of Wine Menu, choosing what wines will be available for tasting to ensure that only the best is shown at the festival which has been sold-out since it first started in Gauteng seven years ago.

Says Morris: “This is a targeted wine experience that focuses on the flavours and nuances of these two famous Burgundian varietals.”

Info

Date: 10 May 2018

Where: Killarney Country Club’s Crystal Room

Tickets: R250 per person. This includes a tasting glass and an array of light snacks chosen to complement the styles of wine being sampled. Only 300 tickets are available so booking is essential. Tickets can be purchased via www.webtickets.co.za or from Wine Menu in the BluBird Shopping Centre, Illovo.

♥

5 Basic Ingredients for a Delicious Green Smoothie

Loren

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02/05/2018

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My favourite way to start the day is by having a green smoothie in the morning. I just love how green smoothies are an easy way to make sure you are getting in all your nutritious fruits and vegetables as well as other healthy goodies you add to the mix. They’re also delicious and tasty. Because they so tasty you forget you’re having a green smoothie. The only thing though is if you don’t make the smoothie correctly, it will taste really bad as well as lack those important nutrients.

If you have been following me on Instagram, you will see I have been sharing my daily smoothie on instastories. I have received a lot of DM’s asking how do I know what ingredients to use and for more smoothie recipe ideas. In this post though I will be chatting about the 5 basic ingredients I always use which I have learnt to use from trial and error. Smoothie making is all about trial and error because in the beginning I didn’t know whaaaat I was doing. Now I always just grab the basics and my smoothie is almost always delicious.

The 5 basic ingredients for a delicious green smoothie are …

1. LEAFY GREENS

Leafy greens are the foundation of every green smoothie and where they get their green colour.
A smoothie should have at least 1 – 2 cups of leafy greens.
I like to switch between using spinach, swiss chard and kale.
Health benefits: leafy greens contain high levels of fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium.

2. FRUIT

My favourite part of a smoothie is fruit because not only does it provide more healthy nutrients but also adds the flavour.
A smoothie should have 1/2 – 1 serving of fruit.
I like to use bananas, green apples or even fresh/frozen berries.
Health benefits: bananas are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, folate, niacin and riboflavin. Green apples are low in fat content, full of minerals and anti-oxidants and also contain a lot of fiber which helps clean the system and increases the metabolism. Berries, especially blueberries are packed with antioxidants, and are also full of fiber.

3. PROTEIN

Adding a protein to your green smoothie will make it complete and balanced and will also keep you satisfied for longer.
I like to use Greek yoghurt or even add a handful of nuts like almonds.

4. FAT

Fat is the most forgotten ingredient when it comes to making a smoothie and it is actually the most important. Fat needs to be present in order to absorb the fat soluble vitamins, like Vitamin A, D, E and K. So if your smoothie is fat free, you’re letting a lot of important nutrients slip by.
Fat is found in coconut oil, avocado, chia seeds and nut butter.
I like to swop between using coconut oil, peanut butter and even avocado.

5. LIQUID

The amount and type of liquid you use is based on how thick you want your smoothie to be and how you want it to taste.
I like to use either water, or maybe almond or coconut milk.
I don’t use fruit juices as this adds a lot of unnecessary extra sugar, which we don’t really need 🙂

THE EXTRAS …

CHIA SEEDS – high in fiber, as well as protein and omega-3s.

FLAX SEEDS – super-rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, and abundant in lignans that offer powerful antioxidant effects, flaxseeds can be considered one of the most nutritious foods on the planet.

CINNAMON – contains cinnamic acid, an antioxidant that helps to keep essential omega-3 fatty acids from oxidizing.

COCONUT OIL – helps to balance blood sugar and may aid thyroid function. It’s also anti-fungal, anti-viral, and full of antioxidants.

GOJI BERRIES – rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, goji berries contain carotenoids, color pigments that may be effective in fighting cancer.

♥

Book Club: What we’re reading this long weekend

Loren

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26/04/2018

1

I am sure you can agree with me here when I say this long weekend cannot come sooner! We have literally been counting down the days. All we want to do is relax, rest, read and basically do nothing for five whole days straight (yip, Monday included!). Our plans include drinking all the tea while reading all the books. Luckily, this is what le bf, Claude, plans on doing too, so we’re going to be doing just that.

These are the books we are going to be reading …

WINGING IT BY JOANNE JOWELL

Claude is an avid sports fan (me, not so much) so he loves rugby and cannot wait to read this book. He also loves biographies, so this book has his name all over it.

Winging It is a biography about Jonathan Kaplan, a celebrated international rugby referee and former world record-holder for most Test caps. The story is about Jonathan’s decision to have a baby by surrogate and the two-year fertility process that followed as well as the birth of his son Kaleb.

Available from Exclusive Books for R285.

CAPTIVE BY TONY PARK

Another book on Claude’s list is Captive. Simply because he (and me) absolutely loves this African bush and this book looks brilliant!

The story is about a soldier turned wildlife veterinarian, Dr Graham Baird, who is no stranger to the dangers of the African bush. While on a trip to track down a baby elephant, he’s caught up in a deadly shootout with poachers. Caught up in his campaign of terror is Australian lawyer, Kerry Maxwell. She is in Africa to volunteer alongside Dr Baird at a wildlife rehabilitation centre, and soon finds herself in the middle of a bloody feud when she’s kidnapped by Costa, a corrupt politician and Mozambique’s poaching kingpin. Finding themselves on the frontline of the war on poaching, both Baird and Maxwell must fight for their lives if they are to escape a terrifying enemy . . .

Available from Exclusive Books for R292.

ONLY CHILD BY RHIANNON NAVIN

This is the first book I will be diving into this weekend. I cannot wait because I have read so many wonderful reviews on this very timely book. It is a book that is so relevant today because of the continuous school shootings that plague America.

“We went to school that Tuesday like normal.Not all of us came home . . .Huddled in a cloakroom with his classmates and teacher, six-year-old Zach can hear shots ringing through the corridors of his school. A gunman has entered the building and, in a matter of minutes, will have taken nineteen lives.In the aftermath of the shooting, the close knit community and its families are devastated. Everyone deals with the tragedy differently. Zach’s father absents himself; his mother pursues a quest for justice — while Zach retreats into his super-secret hideout and loses himself in a world of books and drawing. Ultimately though, it is Zach who will show the adults in his life the way forward — as, sometimes, only a child can.”

Available from Exclusive Books for R295.

THE FAVOURITE SISTER BY JESSICA KNOLL

From the author of one of my favourite books I have read (review here), Luckiest Girl Alive, this is a new thriller by Jessica Knoll. The story is about a pair of competitive and uber-successful sisters whose secrets and lies result in murder.

“Brett and Kelly Courtney are the shining jewels in a New York-based reality TV show called Goal Diggers. One of the most popular shows on American national television, its fiercely competitive cast of five self-made women are defined by their success, beauty and ruthless drive to reach the top by whatever means necessary. The Courtney sisters’ rivalry goes skin deep despite the blossoming business they have built together that helps disadvantaged women in Morocco. Harbouring bitter jealousies and dark secrets about their manufactured screen lives they’re joined by three other hyper-competitive women who all have their own agendas. And the latest season promises sparks to fly in the quest for even higher ratings. Vicious backstabbing, scathing social media attacks and finely-tuned scripting draw in the viewing public every week, all orchestrated by the show’s omnipotent producers. But even they don’t know that season 4 will end in murder . . .”

Not yet available.

I will be doing full reviews on these books, so stay tuned …

♥

Things to do on a Sunday: Visit the Cheese Farm in Magaliesberg

Loren

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25/04/2018

1

Did you know there is a cheese farm in Magaliesburg? We didn’t know either until we took a drive out on Sunday and came across Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij. It’s not just a cheese farm though, there’s a very interesting shop, a restaurant as well as some hiking trails.

The cheese farm is situated in Skeerpoort, which is a village at the foot of the majestic Magaliesberg mountains, so it isn’t a very far drive from Johannesburg. The owner of the farm left the Netherlands in 1990 and moved to Skeerpoort. She started making cheese as a hobby, but as the demand for Boerenkaas grew, it became a successful venture, and now over 30 different cheeses are being produced following traditional Dutch recipes. Just to name a few, you will find Gouda (in different stages of maturity), cumin cheese, stinging nettle cheese, garlic and onion cheese, and Italian herb cheese.

Unfortunately we didn’t do this as we visited the farm on a Sunday, but every Wednesday and Saturday, you can do a tour around the cheese farm. It combines a demonstration of the cheese making process with a special Dutch cheese tasting. The tour also includes a cup of coffee or juice and a slice of Dutch Apple Cake.

What we did do though, is enjoy a cheese platter at the restaurant. The cheese platter was huge and we got to taste some of the best cheese on offer. With a glass of wine, it was delicious! After this we donned our hiking gear, and did the 5 km river view hiking trail. It was so nice to get out, enjoy the fresh air and soak up the beautiful scenery.

So if you live in Jozi and you love yourself some cheese, head to Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij. You’ll indulge in some delicious cheese, buy some fascinating goodies from Netherlands, like a pair of clogs, and enjoy the fresh air and being outdoors. Picnic hampers are also available but must be booked a day in advance!

Website: www.vangaalen.co.za

♥

Drive out to The Kitchen for a farm to table lunch

Loren

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20/04/2018

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One of my favourite things to do on a Sunday is drive out of the city towards the countryside. Not only does this clear your mind, but it is relaxing and exciting. It is also a nice way to spend some quality time with your better half/family just before a new week starts. A few Sundays ago, we did just this. After a Sunday morning lie-in and some breakfast, we got into the car and drove towards Lanseria. Although it was a quick 25 minute drive, we arrived at The Kitchen, which felt like we were in the heart of the countryside.

The Kitchen

The Kitchen at Forum’s L’Antico Giardino is absolutely beautiful. The restaurant has an outdoor area where the tables are laid out in the most lush garden and if you’re lucky, you’ll get the table under the lemon tree, like we did. We enjoyed our lunch to the sound of birds and the calming splashes of the water fountains. To say it was utter bliss is an understatement.

Halfway through our lunch though it started to pour with rain, so we moved indoors. The indoor area is just as beautiful as the the outside area. I loved the fireplace and know I will be back come winter time!

The Food

The Kitchen prides itself with most delicious farm to table food. This means that fresh ingredients are sourced from the area. The menu changes all the time obviously depending on what ingredients are sourced. But the options are endless.

Breakfast is served from 8am until 11am and thereafter lunch is served until 3pm. The one item on the breakfast menu that caught my eye which I will be returning for before the menu changes is an ancient seed dark chocolate granola with season berries, passion fruit buttermilk and honeycomb. Yip, totally droolworthy!

What we ate:

The lunch menu has something for everyone and we were spoilt for choice. For starters we shared the most delicious crisp flat bread I have ever had and I am being serious here! It was topped with sundried tomatoes, hummus, fresh mozzarella and roasted raw almonds. For mains, Claude had conchile pasta with basil poached chicken breast and sundried tomatoes. I had the potato gnocchi with a mushroom consommé, cauliflower and parmesan crisps.

The food was absolutely delicious but I will let the photos do the talking …

Dessert

The dessert options are real treats and we settled on the passion fruit crème brûlée. I always love a good crème brûlée and this had a passion fruit flavour to it which made it unique and delicious.

The Kitchen is only open on weekends for breakfast and lunch, and after our delicious lunch in this beautiful setting, I highly recommend adding this really special place to your weekend plans.

Online bookings: www.theforum.co.za/lantico-kitchen-booking/

Bookings: +27 (0)11 575 3888 (office hours only) / Cell: 063 691 8912

♥

For more food pics, follow Minkys on Instagram – the handle is @minkys.co.za

Everything you need to know about GIN

Loren

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18/04/2018

1

From what is gin, to how to make the perfect G&T and some favourite local gins, I have put together all the finer details.

So grab that G&T and get reading …

What is gin:

Gin is a clear alcoholic spirit made from grain or malt which is then redistilled with botanicals.

What are botanicals:

Botanicals are the natural ingredients used to flavour gin. It can be fruits, seeds, spices, berries, nuts or even herbs.

How is gin made:

There are two steps to making gin:

You make/buy a neutral base spirit (like vodka).
Then you flavour it with juniper berries and other botanicals.

What types of gin are there:

Gin is classified in three ways:

Production – how the gin is distilled.
Region – the area where it is distilled.
Flavour – the different botanicals added in the distillery process.

How to do a gin tasting:

Just like doing a wine tasting, you can do a gin tasting. You first start off by appreciating the aroma – take a slow, gentle sniff and allow your nose to acclimatise to the alcohol. Then you taste the gin at room temperature by swilling it around in your mouth to explore the different flavour elements. To release the flavours of the different botanicals within the gin, you can add a splash of cold water or a block ice before sipping and swishing it around in your mouth.

Local gins you have to try:

Taking inspiration from our natural South African resources, our local gin industry has exploded with craft distillers bringing a new world of interesting and delicious gins. There are over 93 different local craft gins on the market but in this post I will be sharing six favourites with you:

♥ WILDERER

Wilderer is an international renowned company that makes a range of spirits from grappa to schnapps and now also gin! This unique South African gin is carefully crafted from a special selection of fynbos botanicals, roots and spices. Available from www.wilderer.co.za for R295 (500ml bottle).

♥ MUSGRAVE PINK GIN

Musgrave makes two kinds of gin, but without any reason, my favourite is their pink gin. Not only is it absolutely beautiful (you know how much I love the colour pink) but it is truly delicious. The gin is infused with roseship and rosewater. Available from www.cybercellar.com for R475 (750ml bottle).

♥ CAPE TOWN ROOIBOS RED GIN

The Cape Town Gin Company make three different types of gin including a rooibos red gin. This gin is so unique and delicious because it is infused with organic, handpicked Rooibos. If there is ever a truly South African gin, this is it. You will taste juniper, orange peel and cinnamon flavours together with the slightly sweet and nutty flavour of Rooibos. Available from www.cybercellar.com for R379 (750ml bottle)

♥ SIX DOGS DISTILLERY BLUE GIN

This Karoo-based distillery has created magic with this gin! It goes from blue to pink when you add tonic to it! If that isn’t magic then I don’t know! There’s nothing harmful inside, its just a secret ingredient of blue pea flower, clitoria ternatea, which is responsible for the alkalinity and the blue colour of this gin! As soon as you add the tonic, which is more acidic, the magic happens! Available from www.cybercellar.com for R469 (750ml bottle).

♥ CLEMENGOLD GIN

This gin is beautiful flavoured with sweet and sun-ripened ClemenGold. You’ll pick up flavours of ClemenGold, orange eel, cinnamon, honey, ground almond, juniper berries, angelica and orris root. Available from www.citrusgin.co.za for R360 (500ml bottle).

♥ INVERROCHE GIN AMBER

This is an exquisite, handcrafted spirit that is double-distilled to reveal the intense characters of fynbos. It is truly delicious and one of my favourites! Available from www.cybercellar.com for R410 (750ml bottle).

In order to serve the perfect gin you need the following:

good ice that doesn’t melt quickly
tonic that isn’t highly flavoured,
the right garnishes
lemon zest because lemon zest enhances any gin.

The Gin Box

The Gin Box is South Africa’s very first craft gin club which delivers craft gin, local tonics, gourmet snacks to your door. For more information visit their website:www.theginbox.co.za.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhQ-5hCF8dO/?taken-by=theginboxsa

♥

What to do in Dullstroom

Loren

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16/04/2018

1

Dullstroom is a quaint little town halfway between Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park. It is also, arguably, South Africa’s fly-fishing capital. We always use Dullstroom as our halfway stop on our annual family trip to the Kruger National Park but never have we stayed longer than one night. We recently explored the in’s and out’s of this cozy little town when spent a weekend over at Walkersons Hotel and Spa (read more about our stay here).

After thoroughly exploring the very best this town has to offer, it is safe to say there is so much to do, other than just fly-fishing!

So the next time you find yourself in Dullstroom, this is what you must do:

A (free) beer tasting at Anvil Ale Brewery

One of the very fun things we did in Dullstroom was beer tasting at Anvil Ale Brewery, which is Dullstrooms very own craft brewery. The best part about the whole beer tasting is that it is actually free – can you believe it! It’s not very often you get to experience free things in life! You are given five different beers all served in taster glasses and each is explained in greater detail. I must say though that my favourite was definitely the cherry cider.

Also, while you’re at Anvil Ale Brewery, you must try a slice of their very famous boozy cake, which is a caramel and chocolate cake drowned/drenched in brandy and it is absolutely to die for.

W: www.anvilbrewery.com

Have coffee at Beans About Coffee Roastery

Driving through Dullstroom and the last thing you would expect is a coffee roastery with some of the best coffee you will have ever taste. Beans About Coffee Roastery has its very own roaster and make their own blends from various African and South American blends. When you walk into the roastery, the smell alone is beyond delicious and you will want to try every kind of coffee on offer! If you love your coffee with rusks, I recommend buying their famous rusks to take home. You won’t be disappointed!

The Roastery is just next door the Brewery, so when you finished your beer tasting, pop over next door for your caffeine fix.

W: www.beansaboutcoffee.co.za

Do a Whisky and Chocolate Pairing at Wild About Whisky

The very small town of Dullstroom is home to Wild About Whisky which has the largest collection of whiskies in the southern hemisphere. They offer tutored whisky tastings with around 30 set tastings of 6 whiskies. The bar has over 1 100 whiskies on offer from 20 countries, included Scotland, Ireland, USA, Japan, Taiwan and South Africa.

Whisky isn’t really my thing but chocolate is which made me all the more excited to do a whisky and chocolate pairing because C just loves whisky. If whisky or chocolate aren’t your thing, then you can also do a gin tasting, which also looks like a lot of fun (the table next to us was very much into it!). The prices on the experiences range from R200 all the way to R600 for premium whiskies. If you’re a newbie like me and not so much of a whisky drinker, then opt for the whisky and chocolate pairing, so you can eat all the chocolate and pass the whisky onto your better half. Or do a gin tasting! Ha!

W: www.wildaboutwhisky.com

Have Lunch or Dinner at Mrs Simpsons

There are close to 40 restaurants in this seemingly little town so you will never go hungry. One of our favourites though is Mrs Simpsons. This restaurant has so much charm, such a great vibe and the food is absolutely delicious. The menu offers such a variety and some of the options include trout (just what Dullstroom is famous for), bobotje, steak and even pasta dishes – so there’s something for everyone.

W: www.mrssimpsons.co.za

Grab a Milkshake at Udderlicious

Udderlicious – what a hilarious name! Dullstroom has their very own milkshake bar and if you love milkshakes as much as me, you will be in milkshake heaven. The friendly, colourful and fun decor lures you in, grabs you and engulfs you in a magical milkshake wonderland! There are over 40 flavours to choose from so if you’re indecisive you’re going to spend a lot of time here. My favourite though was Ferrero Rocher!

A: Tedding van Berkhout Street, Millys Centre, Dullstroom

Be a Kid in the Old Transvaal Inn’s Candy Store

I am not going to say much about this Candy Store because you need to see it for yourself but I will tell you that the moment you walk in you feel like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory. There is every kind of candy you can dream of – chocolate, liquorice, nougat, honeycomb, suckers, etc etc etc.

W: www.oldtransvaalinn.co.za

So the question now is: when are you visiting Dullstroom?

♥

Lindt’s new Fruit Sensation range is delicious

Loren

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12/04/2018

1

Lindt’s new Fruit Sensation range is delicious

Lindt is delighted to introduce a new Fruit Sensation range to South Africa. I was one of the lucky few invited to an exclusive tasting of this new range. After taste testing each flavour, I can happily report back that they’re delicious!

What is it?

The Fruit Sensation range is a selection of dark chocolate nibbles with soft, fruity centres. These bite-sized indulgences mark the first foray into dark chocolate snacking for the Swiss Lindt Master Chocolatiers.

“The Swiss Lindt Master Chocolatiers saw an opportunity to combine fruitiness with the finest, dark Lindt chocolate to create this softly filled chocolate range. We are really excited about this launch and we think the South African consumer is going to love Fruit Sensation as it is the ideal nibbling product for daily on-the go or at home indulgent moments,” says Mathias Schenker, Marketing Director of Lindt & Sprüngli South Africa.

Flavours?

The Lindt Fruit Sensation range comprises dark chocolate with a heart of three fruity fillings:

♥ Raspberry & Cranberry: Beneath its dark chocolate outer layer lies a soft heart of intense notes of raspberry, married with the subtly acidic notes of cranberry.
♥ Blueberry & Acai: The sweetness of blueberry and the exoticism of acai combined to create an irresistibly tasty centre, enrobed by the finest Lindt dark chocolate.
♥ Orange & Grapefruit: Bitter and sweet pair up to create an irresistibly complex and intense fruity centre. The sweetness of orange is enhanced by the hint of acidity found in pink grapefruit, and expertly completed by a Lindt dark chocolate casing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhbo4nrlQzP/?taken-by=minkys.co.za

Where can we buy them?

The Lindt Fruit Sensation range is available exclusively at Woolworths and Lindt Chocolate Boutiques from 23 April 2018. A 150g resealable bag will retail for a recommended selling price of R64.95.

My favourite?

Definitely, without a doubt, the raspberry and cranberry!

♥

Wishlist: My Favourite Jerseys for this Winter

Loren

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11/04/2018

3

Wishlist: My Favourite Jerseys for this Winter

Can you believe winter is just around the corner?

My favourite thing about winter is getting cozy. From snuggling up in a cozy blanket on the couch to wrapping myself up in cozy jerseys. There is just nothing better than a soft, fluffy jersey that feels as comfortable as your favourite blanket. I like to wear my jerseys with jeans and even with leggings if the length is long enough to cover my butt 😉 I like my jerseys oversized. Not only because it is more comfortable, but so I can wear a vest underneath if its really cold.

I have put together some of my favourite jerseys that I’ve spotted in the shops lately for you to also add to your wishlist.

♥ Dirty Pink Jumper – Woolworths (R402)
♥ Blush Slouchy Jumper – Forever New (R799)
♥ Off-the-shoulder Knit – Country Road (R1 008)
♥ Charcoal Pullover – Ackermans (R200)
♥ Pink Zip Trim Jumper – Woolworths (R503)
♥ Curved Hem Jumper – Forever New (R899)

What is your favourite for winter?

♥

The Best Food Apps Every Foodie Needs

Loren

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09/04/2018

1

In this day and age, because we are always pressured for time, we are always searching for ways to do things more quickly and more efficiently, aren’t we? The digital world continues to evolve every day and even caters for the hottest social currency today, which is food. Stephen Billingham, the President of the South African Chefs Association, has put together 10 mobile apps that every foodie needs in their life and on their mobile devices. The apps will help make eating, cooking and even enjoying food a lot easier than ever before. Whether you’re a master chef in the making, a mom on the go, or someone who lives to eat, like myself, these apps will definitely maximise your efficiency in the kitchen.

1. THE SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD RECIPE APP

Gone are the days of writing a list of ingredients before hitting the grocery store. Thanks to the South African Food Recipe App, you can do away with cookbooks and access the ingredients and recipes while doing your shop, basing your menu on what is in season or on special. The app boasts hundreds of recipes and provides users with easy ways to cook.

Click here to download the app for Android.

2. THE KITCHEN CALCULATOR CONVERTER

No matter how experienced you are in the kitchen, everybody needs this app. The recipe converter helps you to convert between the most common measuring units used in cooking and baking. It allows you to scale recipes up (or down) to change the number of servings the recipe yields.

Click here to download the app for Android.

3. THE BRAAI NATION APP

This is a must-have for every South African! This innovative app effectively transforms your Apple or Android into the much anticipated BraaiPhone. You can now master the art of braaiing anything from delicious lamb chops to crispy braai bread simply by following the tips and recipes on your phone. Even better, you no longer need to keep a constant eye on your meat – the nifty Braaiphone timer allows you to fetch a beer and socialise without compromising on the taste of your meal.

Click here to download. Available for Android and iOS.

4. RSHOPPING LIST

This grocery list app notifies you every time you are near a store registered on your shopping list that you’ve noted contains items you need. The location search is powered by Google Maps, so you don’t even need to manually key in the address. The labels on the app allow you to categorise your products while specifying quantity and assigns priority level for hassle free shopping.

Click here to download the app for Android.

5. MEALBOARD

Planning has never been easier. MealBoard helps you streamline planning and shopping by helping you to plan meals, create your shopping list and track items in your pantry. You can simply import recipes and add them to your weekly calendar, making your life that much easier.

Click here to download the app for iOS.

6. CLEAN AND GREEN

Eating clean is easy when you have a plan. This app provides you with clean recipes that emphasise green food. For added convenience, each recipe comes with nutritional information.

Click here to download the app for iOS.

7. ALLTHECOOKS

With over 230 000 recipes and a vibrant community of cooking enthusiasts, Allthecooks is perfect for those who love cooking and sharing ideas. Categories include children’s recipes, healthy eating, mains, desserts, baking, drinks, sides, soups, stews, pasta dishes and so much more. Simply scan through recipes according to the ingredients you have on hand and get cooking.

Click here to download the app for Android.

8. THYME

This app is perfect for the cook that has lots on the go. What sets it apart from your phone timer is that it lets you keep and manage time separately for every burner on your stove and oven. No need to worry about overcooking, undercooking or burning your food.

Click here to download the app for iOS.

9. SIDECHEF

Need to brush up your culinary skills? SideChef makes learning to cook fun and simple for any skill level by giving you step-by-step instructions, photos and voice commands. This app gives any beginner the confidence to step into the kitchen while allowing the intermediate and advanced cook to hone in on their existing cooking skills.

Click here to download the app for Android.

10. FOODKEEPER

An easy way to keep your food safe. The app provides users with valuable advice on storing foods and beverages to maximise freshness and minimise food waste. It empowers consumers to select methods to extend shelf life and keep items fresher for longer.

Click here to download. Available for Android and iOS.

♥

MINKYS

Minkys

Minkys

INGREDIENTS:

WHAT TO DO:

What is Bio-Oil?

What can you use Bio-Oil for?

Info

The 5 basic ingredients for a delicious green smoothie are …

1. LEAFY GREENS

2. FRUIT

3. PROTEIN

4. FAT

5. LIQUID

THE EXTRAS …

These are the books we are going to be reading …

WINGING IT BY JOANNE JOWELL

CAPTIVE BY TONY PARK

ONLY CHILD BY RHIANNON NAVIN

THE FAVOURITE SISTER BY JESSICA KNOLL

The Kitchen

The Food

What we ate:

Dessert

For more food pics, follow Minkys on Instagram – the handle is @minkys.co.za

From what is gin, to how to make the perfect G&T and some favourite local gins, I have put together all the finer details.

So grab that G&T and get reading …

What is gin:

What are botanicals:

How is gin made:

What types of gin are there:

How to do a gin tasting:

Local gins you have to try:

♥ SIX DOGS DISTILLERY BLUE GIN

♥ CLEMENGOLD GIN

♥ INVERROCHE GIN AMBER

In order to serve the perfect gin you need the following:

The Gin Box

A (free) beer tasting at Anvil Ale Brewery

Have coffee at Beans About Coffee Roastery

Do a Whisky and Chocolate Pairing at Wild About Whisky

Have Lunch or Dinner at Mrs Simpsons

Grab a Milkshake at Udderlicious

Be a Kid in the Old Transvaal Inn’s Candy Store

So the question now is: when are you visiting Dullstroom?

What is it?

Flavours?

Where can we buy them?

My favourite?

Can you believe winter is just around the corner?

1. THE SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD RECIPE APP

2. THE KITCHEN CALCULATOR CONVERTER

3. THE BRAAI NATION APP

4. RSHOPPING LIST

5. MEALBOARD

6. CLEAN AND GREEN

7. ALLTHECOOKS

8. THYME

9. SIDECHEF

10. FOODKEEPER

MINKYS