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Spaghetti aglio e olio with roasted tomatoes and olives

If there’s one pasta dish that is the easiest to make with the most flavour, it is spaghetti aglio e olio. Spaghetti aglio e olio is a traditional Italian pasta dish from Naples. It is made by sauteeing fresh garlic and chilli in olive oil and topping with parmesan cheese. If you’re a regular reader of Minkys, you will know that every pasta dish is my favourite dish, but this is definitely one of my firm favourites.

What is nice with this pasta dish is that you can add anything extra and it will still be tasty and flavoursome. So in this blog post I am going to share the recipe for spaghetti aglio e olio with roasted tomatoes and olives. I made it the other day, for the umpteenth time, and my gosh, it was delicious! I think a pasta dish like this gets better each time you make it. The reason for this is because every time you add more delicious ingredients to make it tastier than the last.

This pasta dish takes a maximum of 15 minutes to make. It is quick, easy and like I said, flavoursome.

Here’s the recipe:

What you need:

250 grams spaghetti
olive oil for cooking
3 garlic cloves – crushed
A dash of chilli flakes
250 grams baby tomatoes
50 grams calamata olives – depitted and chopped
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil
Parmesan cheese

What to do:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Cook the pasta according to the pack instructions until al dente. Once cooked drain and set aside. I like to sprinkle olive oil over the pasta so it doesn’t dry out.
  2. Cut the baby tomatoes in half. Place them on a roasting tray, drizzle olive oil over and sprinkle the crushed garlic on top of the tomatoes.
  3. Roast the baby tomatoes in the oven for maximum 10 minutes.
  4. Once the baby tomatoes are ready, toss them together with the garlic from the roasting pan into the spaghetti that is ready, over a medium heat. Add some chilli flakes, chopped up olives and salt and pepper.
  5. Toss all the ingredients thoroughly through the spaghetti. If it starts drying out, add more olive oil or a little bit of water.
  6. Once everything is warmed through, serve up on a plate, with the parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
  7. Enjoy with a glass of wine, obviously.

Another recipe worth trying: Recipe for my famous chicken noodle soup

♥

Imbali Safari Lodge: A Game Changer in the Kruger National Park

A luxury safari experience within the private Mluwati concession takes a safari experience to a whole new level especially going off road to see the big 5

Overlooking the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River and surrounded by Jackalberry and Tamboti trees, Imbali Safari Lodge offers guests a lavish safari experience on a different level.

This 5 star lodge is one of three lodges in a 10,000ha private concession in Kruger National Park. Because of this, guests get to enjoy the inimitable thrills of off-roading and have the chance of seeing the Big 5 up close. A good sighting in the Park is more often than not surrounded by a lineup of vehicles, but this is definitely not the case within the private concession.

Staying at Imbali Safari Lodge

The main lodge’s viewing deck and dining area, with a swimming pool, is the perfect spot to spend hours watching the animals come to drink. The elephants are definitely the most entertaining with the show they put on!

There are 12 suites each with their own luxurious en-suite bathrooms with Victorian baths and walk-in showers. French doors lead out onto a private deck and plunge pool/Jacuzzi overlooking, depending on the season, river or grassland. Be sure to keep a pair of binoculars on hand because hundreds of bird species call Kruger home, and over 500 species occur in the Mluwati Concession, including the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Crested Barbet and Burchell’s Glossy Starling.

Sitting back on your lounger with a glass of wine while watching the elephants stroll by is definitely one of life’s greatest pleasures.

www.imbali.com

Read: Nothing Plain About Safari Plains in Mabula

Luxurious High Tea at Zioux

Zioux (pronounced Zoo), located in the heart of Sandton, is Johannesburg’s most glamorous champagne bar and cocktail lounge. This ultra trendy spot is now serving high tea every Saturday between 11am and 4pm.

After indulging in this ultra decadent high tea, I can happily conclude it is one of the best and most luxurious high tea experiences in Johannesburg. If you’re looking to treat yourself, your girlfriends or enjoy an afternoon date with your precious loved one, this is it.

When you think of high tea, you picture scones with jam and cream, cucumber sandwiches and copious amounts of tea in pretty floral cups. Not at Zioux though. The high tea here has evolved considerably and incorporates an extravagant selection of eight savoury and six sweet “small bites” that ensure to tickle your tastebuds. As well as a selection of loose leaf tea’s that will make you feel like a kid in a candy store when trying to choose.

The Menu for high tea at Zioux

For tea, the choice is between Early Grey & Bergamot, Jasmine Jazz (green tea dried over jasmine blossoms), Apple Crumble (rooibos-based with dried apple and cinnamon), Hot Cross Bun (chai-based with cinnamon and cloves), Unicorn Tea (dried butterfly pea flowers and lemongrass) and Black Forest Cherry (fruit-based with dried cherries and chocolate essence).

Some of the savoury dishes include a crayfish roll with gherkins and truffle crayfish, wagyu sirloin katso in sticky sauce with cabbage and lime, and buttermilk chicken steamed buns with salsa macha and pickles. On the sweet side, there is a fragrant guava Swiss roll with pistachio sponge, guava cream and hibiscus jelly, pecan nut macarons with tres leche and sandy pecan nuts, and cherry “lips” bavarois. 

Tucking in to high tea at Zioux will leave you feeling like royalty. It’s an extravagant affair fit for any queen!

When: Every Saturday from 11h00 to 16h00 (bookings essential) 
Cost: R750 per person 
Zioux The MARC, corner of Maude Street & Rivonia Road, Sandton – 010 594 5455
www.zioux.com

Read: MY AUNTY’S RECIPE FOR THE BEST CUPCAKES

The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa in Knysna

What makes a hotel unique? Is it the location? Is it the amazing view? Or perhaps the aesthetics and decor? If it is all of the above, then The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is truly unique in every way.

The Turbine Hotel is located on Knysna’s very own little peace of heaven – Thesen Islands.

Thesen Islands is linked by a causeway and a bridge to the mainland. The Islands is within walking distance of the scenic waterfront, yacht harbour and the town centre of Knysna. Thesen Islands is also home to its very own bakery Ile de Pain, some rather interesting shops and a few exciting restaurants.

As you walk through the front door of The Turbine Hotel, you will think you have just walked into a power station, and guess what? You have. The Turbine Hotel was once an old power station. It has since been transformed into a 5 star boutique hotel. All the machinery which was once used in the power station has been lovingly restored and now form an integral part of the hotel’s brightly coloured aesthetics.

The Hotel comprises of 24 bedrooms, the Turbine Spa and the Island Café restaurant offering truly delicious fine dining. The rooms overlook the quiet waters of the canals with the pool deck nestled between the original refurbished turbines.

Our room was on the top floor overlooking the canals as well as the homes that make up Thesen Islands. All the homes are built in a colonial maritime architectural style, conforming to Knysna’s vernacular architecture.

Lying on the bed with the sliding door open and a good book or on the balcony with a cup of tea was how we spent most of our time if we weren’t out and about exploring.

What to do while staying at The Turbine Hotel and Spa?

If you think there isn’t much to do on Thesen Islands you’re wrong because there is plenty.

Thesen Island has it’s own little Harbour which is the perfect place to take relaxing walks around while soaking up the view. If you’re feeling more energetic, then you can also hire bicycles and cycle your way around the island from Turbine Waterclub. Don’t forget to take a little bit of cash with you though, because the little coffee shops on Thesen Islands will tempt you with their delicious coffee aroma’s.

The perfect way to unwind after a day exploring is on a sunset cruise around the lagoon towards the Knysna Heads. The soothing motion of the water, a glass of wine and the most exquisite sunset will surely take your breathe away, like it did mine.

Other exciting activities you can do while in Knsyna is hiking the Knysna forest, mountain biking, golf or taking a day trip to the Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay or the Tzitzikama Forest.

As you can see from all the photos, The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is unique. From the location, to the breathtaking views, and lastly the brightly coloured aesthetics decor. I simply fell in love with this hotel for these very reasons.

website: www.turbinehotel.co.za

♥

Thank you to The Turbine Hotel and Spa and the Turbine Waterclub for the getaway. As with all posts, the opinions are my own.

The cosmos at Delta Park

Delta Park is one of Johannesburg’s biggest parks that borders the suburbs of Blairgowrie, Craighall Park, Victory Park and Linden. It is 108 hectares of grassland and woodland with three tree-lined dams. There are walking trails, a sensory trail and even bird watching hides.

During the months of March and April, Delta Park becomes a little prettier than normal because the cosmos come out in full force. It is absolutely beautiful to see an explosion of pink and white flowers all over.

We visited Delta Park this past weekend to see the cosmos and it literally took our breath away.

Everything you need to know about the cosmos at Delta Park

  • Delta Park is the perfect place for a morning or afternoon stroll or even a picnic.
  • Cosmos season is between the end of March and early April. This is when they are at their most prettiest for photo shoots!
  • Head to behind the Delta Environmental Centre as this is where you will find the most beautiful fields of cosmos.
  • Take your friends and family along for a beautiful photo shoot.
  • Be prepared to walk so wear good, comfortable walking shoes.

Delta Park: 77 Craighall Rd, Victory Park, Randburg

♥

Staying at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga

Having just returned from a glorious getaway to The Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga, I am reminded why I fell in love with this hotel so many years ago as a child. Perhaps its the pretty pale-pink exterior walls, the classic and elegant interiors and the breathtakingly beautiful views of the warm Indian Ocean. Or maybe it’s a mix of all this together with the elegant, gracious hospitality and intuitive service this hotel offers. You simply cannot stop yourself from falling in love with this hotel. The moment you get home you want to return! This hotel oozes old world charm. These kinds of hotels are few and far between making a stay over extremely more memorable.

About the Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel Umhlanga is located on the Umhlanga Rocks beachfront and offers uninterrupted ocean views from every room. Positioned between Umhlanga’s famous pier and iconic lighthouse, the vistas are breathtaking. A literal hop, skip and a jump from your bedroom takes you right onto the beach. What more can you ask for when it comes to a beachside holiday destination?

This luxury hotel offers complimentary WiFi, a fitness centre, outdoor heated pool, a bar, 2 restaurants with an al fresco dining option and Mangwanani Spa offering a range of daily luxury poolside massages.

From the moment you arrive at this hotel, you are treated like royalty. All the extra special touches go the extra mile. Friendly staff with big smiles, cold scented towels and a glass of bubbles or iced tea welcomes you. Spending a day at the pool you are served complimentary refreshments such as fruit kebabs and ice lollies. Even ordering room service and indulging in tea and cake in bed is an experience that will make you feel like a queen.

What I love about The Beverly Hills Hotel Umhlanga:

  • The beautiful breath-taking vistas overlooking the Indian Ocean with sweeping views of unspoilt beaches for miles.
  • A day at the pool and not having to move a muscle. The impeccable service allows you to order delicious drinks and food whilst soaking up the glorious sunshine.
  • The location of the hotel ensures you enjoy a morning or afternoon walk on the famous Umhlanga promenade or on the beach.

The Beverly Hills Hotel Umhlanga sure does invoke an iconic sense of nostalgia, timeless elegance, and romance, and I cannot wait to return!

To book your stay:

Telephone: +27 31 561 2211
Email: beverlyhills.reservations@tsogosun.com
Visit: https://www.tsogosun.com/beverly-hills

Read: FIVE THINGS YOU MUST DO IN CLARENS

My aunty’s recipe for the best cupcakes

Shhh! It’s a secret recipe!

Whenever we have a birthday or a celebration of some sort, we use my aunty’s recipe for the best cupcakes! Her recipe makes the best cupcakes with the most delicious buttercream icing. It is her secret recipe that she keeps stashed away for special occasions, and simply put, they are just too good!

I don’t know what I love more about these cupcakes. Whether it is because they are super light and fluffy or because the buttercream icing is my favourite. These cupcakes go down well. And after having two, your arm tries to reach for a third. Well at least mine does. That is how good they are.

So here is the recipe for the best cupcakes with buttercream icing:

Ingredients

1 cup full cream milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ¾ cup cake flour
1 ¼ cup all purpose flour
1 ¾ cup sugar
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, not softened but remove from fridge and allow to warm for about 15 minutes
4 large eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°c. Line cupcake pans with 32 cupcake liners. Combine milk and vanilla in a measuring cup and set aside. Break eggs into a small bowl and set aside.
2. Place the cake flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in the bowl of stand mixer and stir together for 30 seconds using paddle attachment.
3. With mixer on low, drop in butter, a few cubes at a time continuing until all butter is in and mixer resembles coarse sand.
4. Add eggs one at a time on low speed. With mixer still on low slowly pour in milk and vanilla. Turn mixer to medium and beat for 2 minutes until batter is smooth, scraping sides of bowl occasionally.
5. Scoop batter into cupcake liners filling cups with about ¼ cup each. Cups will be just slightly over half full – don’t be tempted to over-fill. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until centers are set and toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

* My aunty normally halves the amount of ingredients and makes 16 at a time. Unless its a big celebration then the ingredients make 32 cupcakes.

Best Ever Vanilla Buttercream Icing

Ingredients

1 cup of butter (softened)
1/4 cup full cream cream cheese (softened)
5 cups icing sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 ½-3 tablespoons of cream or full cream milk
a dash of food colouring of your preference

Instructions

1. In the bowl, whip the butter and cream cheese until soft and fluffy for about 1 minutes. Reduce speed to low and slowly add 2 cups of the icing sugar. Once the icing sugar is pretty well incorporated, increase speed to medium high and beat for 1 minute.
2. Stop the mixer, scrape the sides of the bowl, then add the other 3 cups of icing sugar. Start out on slow speed again until sugar is mixed in the increase to medium high. Beat for another minute. Mixture will be very thick
3. Add vanilla and 1½ tablespoons milk and beat until nice creamy consistency is reached. You made need to add more milk, add just a teaspoonful at a time until desired consistency is reach. You want a cream but fairly stick consistency if you’re planning on piping the icing. If spreading with a knife, the icing can be a bit thinner. Beat for another 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl several times during mixing.
4. Ice with a knife or pipe on icing with a decorating bag and tip.

So there you have it – my Aunty’s recipe for the best cupcakes. Once you’ve tried the recipe, let me know what you think.

Another recipe: Carrot Cake Muffins

♥

Adene’s Farm Flowers in Wolseley

While in Cape Town we took a drive one Sunday to Adene’s Farm Flowers in Wolseley. I have only ever seen working flower farms on Instagram which, by the way, are my favourite accounts to follow! So to visit one and soak up this magical experience was just amazing. Adene’s Farm Flowers is situated on Platvlei Fruit Farm just outside of the small little town of Wolseley. The drive from Cape Town is a pleasant 1.5 hour drive. But with such beautiful scenery along the way it goes really quickly.

Arriving at the farm makes you instantly feel like Alice in Wonderland. This 5 hectare flower farm was established in 2016 by Adene Nieuwoudt. Adene’s love for nature and passion for flowers is evident when you visit this flower farm. With over 200 different varieties of flowers, the farm is now a widely recognised producer of long lasting flowers and bulbs across South Africa and all over the world.

Open days

The farm is open to the public for visits. On selected weekends from middle December to the first week of April, visitors can stroll through all the beautiful flowers – from 50 000 flowering Dahlias to 4000 Hydrangeas and many other variety of flowers in full bloom. It is definitely an experience like no other! Entry is R70 for adults and R40 for kids – you receive a complimentary packet of seed upon entrance worth R65.

If, like me, you absolutely love flowers, being in the outdoors and soaking up the very best that nature has to offer, a day at Adene’s Farm Flowers is a must!

Follow @adeneflowers on Instagram for updates.

♥

Hello 2022

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I don’t know about you, but I am feeling 22. Taylor Swift, you said it, girl! Happy new year to you all. May this year be better in every way, for everyone. The past two years brought so much sadness, hardships, and uncertainty. Its hard going into this year expecting too much. But we can still definitely strive for a much better and more positive year. I know for sure this year can’t be nearly as bad as last year, so I am rather excited for this year ahead. The one thing that’s acting as an accessory to the excitement is my beautiful personalised 2022 planner from macaroon.co. I cannot wait to fill the pages up with to do lists, travel plans and all the exciting things. But this year won’t be all about the leisurely life, I plan to work just as hard too. The best thing that came out of 2021 was the launch of Minkys Magazine and there will be another issue coming out soon which I know you all can’t wait for!

This year has started off with the most incredible Cape Town holiday. I cannot wait to share all the Cape Town content with you – from blog posts, to Instagram reels and articles in the next issue of Minkys Magazine.

You can also look forward to more recipes, restaurant reviews, travel guides and beauty posts this year. Definitely all the inspiration you need for a fun and exciting 2022.

What are you the most excited for this year?

Five things you must do in Clarens

Clarens is that one little town that everyone has been to and everyone talks about. So a few weekends ago, we packed our bags, packed the car and made our way because we wanted to see why this little town is so loved. After just a short weekend here, we understand now why Clarens is so special. It is charming, quaint and so very cozy. It is also the perfect weekend escape from Johannesburg and even Durban. This little town may be little but there is quite a lot to do.

Here are 5 things though that I definitely recommend you must do when you visit Clarens:

1. EAT AT CLEMENTINES RESTAURANT

Clementine’s is possibly the coziest restaurant with the most delicious food and the warmest hospitality. It is undoubtedly something of a landmark in Clarens. I love that this little restaurant is slightly off the beaten track and from the outside, looks like a red and green corrugated shed. The menu offers a mix of comfort food as well as some interesting fusion dishes. I had the lamb curry and it was truly melt-in-your-mouth. For dessert we shared the chocolate brownie and I am still thinking of it today, because it was that good!

More info visit their website here

2. VISIT CLARENS BREWERY

Clarens Brewery is situated in the center of town and is a definite must stop! This brewery is one of South Africa’s first brew-pub, cidery and distillery. This means that they “make” their own beers, ciders and even gins. The best thing about this brewery is that they give you free tasters of everything they make, so from there you can choose a few favourites. Mine was definitely the pear cider and the apple gin. They also offer a German style pub menu with all locally produced dishes. Just know though that the kitchen closes early so don’t expect a late dinner. You can visit their website over here for all the information.

3. DRIVE THROUGH GOLDEN GATE HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is less than 20 km’s from Clarens. We took a drive to this national park and spent a good few hours driving around appreciating the unspoiled beauty. I can definitely say it was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful! As you drive in you are surrounded by huge sandstone formations. There is nothing like it! The further you drive in, you will be able to spot zebra, eland and hartbeest. There are also hiking trails which I hope to do soon!

4. VISIT BIBLIOPHILE

I love bookshops, so when I saw Clarens’ bookshop Bibliophile I got so excited! It is definitely the cutest bookshop I have ever walked into. From the outside it is a pretty red corrugated iron housie but when you walk in the warmest atmosphere welcomes you. A bookshop this cozy will definitely turn a non reader into a book worm!

5. GO SHOPPING

Clarens is every shopaholics dream. You will find everything from pottery, leather goods, curios, rugs, furniture, vintage clothing and antiques to a shop specializing is home made teddy bears. You will also find exciting deli’s with locally produced goods, a cheese shop, Highland Coffee and a bakery with home baked goods like these chelsea buns.

Have you been to Clarens?

♥

 

Top 3 Sushi Spots in Johannesburg

I don’t know about you, but I can eat sushi all day every day. After spaghetti, sushi is my next favourite food group. Give me a classic tuna nigiri, or salmon roses with a dollop of kewpie mayo or even a tempura prawn hand roll drenched in teriyaki sauce, I’ll eat it all. Sushi is sushi and no matter what, it’s almost always delicious! Some places do sushi better than others though, so I’ve put together my top 3 sushi spots in Johannesburg that I frequent often because their sushi is just simply superb!

1. The Big Mouth / Sandton

The Big Mouth never ever disappoints. The standard is always high and the sushi is always amazing. You can expect a selection of traditional classics, such as california rolls and fashion sandwiches, as well as a few interesting dishes, like aburi salmon california and crispy rice. One of my favourites though is the S.U.V which is fully loaded rainbow roll and salmon california topped with creamy shrimp tempura. You can also choose from a selection of poké bowls and new-style sashimi dishes.

Address: Shop No. 13 & 14, Nelson Mandela Square, Cnr Maude and 5th Street, Sandton

2. Fuji Sushi / Norwood

For sushi that won’t break the bank but is still of the highest quality, Fuji Sushi is the spot! This is an every day go to without feeling guilty. Not only will you find exceptional sushi, but poké bowls, bao’s as well as noodles. The salmon poké bowl is definitely a weekly must have, FYI!

Address: 74, Grant Avenue, Norwood

Read: FAVOURITE 3 DISHES FROM THE BIG MOUTH

3. Yamato / Illovo

Yamato is a classic Japanese restaurant serving sushi and sashimi as well as tempura and noodle dishes. The sushi at Yamato is freshly prepared in the traditional Japanese way by highly trained, world-renowned chefs that take great pleasure in their craft. You will get authentic and classic sushi without any twists, which is how sushi used to be before it got way too fancy. Yamato is also known for their bento boxes and lunch specials, which are definitely not to be missed!

Address: 198 Oxford Road Illovo Muse 
Johannesburg

Shopping with Shein (plus tips)

Everywhere I look, I see an advert for Shein. Whether I’m on Facebook or Google, an advert is there! So the other day I clicked on the advert and scrolled through the very exciting website, which I must say is a shopping paradise for any fashion lover. I browsed all the different categories and so many items caught my eye. But then I thought it’s all too good to be true so I closed the browser. The next day, another advert popped up with a dress that really tickled my fancy, so of course I clicked on it again, and got lost browsing all the categories again.

I asked on Instagram if it is worth ordering off Shein and a whopping 76% said YES! A lot of people also told me how much they love Shein and have only ever had good experiences. These lovely people sent me advice, tips and suggestions. But I also received a few messages saying the orders take forever to arrive and the quality isn’t great. So cut a long story short, and with all the persuasion I needed, I shopped on Shein.

My Shopping Experience

After browsing the very image heavy website, my laptop overheated and switched off. Haha! So I downloaded the app and ordered directly off the app. Which was so easy to do! I followed everyones advice and read all the reviews, checked all photos by previous customers and made sure the measurements were all correct. The selection of clothes is extensive and you feel like you have to buy everything, but I kept my order to a minimum (R1 000) and ordered 6 items. Just incase something happens (you never know).

I placed my order on 14 September and today, which is 21 September, the tracker says the parcel is already in South Africa and in transit. So I have a feeling my order may arrive at my doorstep by the end of this week,

To see what I ordered, be sure to follow on Instagram (@minkys.co.za) as I will do an unboxing there.

TIPS