chocolate chip cookies

ingredients:

2 1/4 cup cake flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla essence

2 cups chocolate chips 

method:

1. preheat oven to 175*C
2. in a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt with a whisk and set aside
3. beat butter and both sugars until blended
4. beat in eggs and vanilla essence
5. combine in dry ingredients
6. stir in chocolate chips
7. use a mini ice cream scoop to drop dough on a baking sheet 5 cm apart

http://www.bakerella.com/milk-cookies/

banana cake with cream cheese frosting

 Really want to try this recipe out! Banana and cream cheese! Cake!!

http://www.bakeorbreak.com/2011/12/banana-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/

whole wheat seed bread

 ingredients:

• 6 cups nutty wheat flour
• 125ml seeds (sunflower, sesame, poppy, aniseed or a combination of all)
• 1 tbsp sultanas
• 1 tbsp pecan nuts
• 15ml salt
• 30ml oil
• 5ml vinegar
• 15ml brown sugar/ golden syrup
• 10g instant yeast
• 625ml warm water

method:

1. Preheat oven to 200*C
2. Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl except water
3. make a well in center and slowly add enough water to form a moist dough
4. mix well
5. transfer mixture into a greased bread tin (2,8 litre capacity) or divide evenly into two smaller tins, allowing at least 1/3 of the tin enough space for the dough to rise
6. cover with cling wrap that has been lightly oiled and allow to rise to double its size (approx. 30min)
7. bake for 1 hour for a large loaf or 45-50 min for smaller loaves
8. remove from tin immediately and place on cooling rack

Ramadaan Eating Do's and Don'ts

During Ramadaan the statuses about food and hunger are in abundance so I thought it would be worthwhile to research the eating do's and don't to make the experience of fasting healthier for our bodies.

Foods that are high in fiber will make you feel fuller for longer and more energetic. Carbs such as bread, pasta, cereal, oatmeal and rice are good sources of fiber to have in the morning.

People experience increased gastric acidity such as a burning feeling or heaviness in their stomach during the fast this is why one should eat lots of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber triggers muscular action, churning and mixing of food, breaking food into small particles and binding bile acids. Therefore, it reduces gastric acidity, excess bile acids and prevents constipation.

Breaking fast:
When breaking fast, the body needs to get easily available energy in the form of glucose, particularly for the brain and nerve cells.
Dates and juices are great sugar sources. Three dates and one serving of juice is enough to bring low glucose levels to normal.
Veggie soup with pasta maintain water and mineral balance in the body

Supper/ main:
Eat foods from all the food groups

Meat/bean group

• chicken, beef, lamb, fish, humus, lentils etc.
• 1-2 servings
• good source of proteins and minerals, beans are a good source of fiber

Bread/cereal group

• wholewheat bread, cooked rice
• 2 servings
• good source of complex carbs for energy

Milk group

• milk, yogurt, cottage cheese
• one cup
• dairy products are sources of proteins and calcium for body tissue maintenance

Vegetable group

• mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber etc.)
• one cup
• dietary fiber, vitamin A, carotene, lycopenes and phytochemicals which are antioxidants; prevents cancer and cardiovascular disease

Fruit group

• citrus and/or other fruits
• 1-2 servings
• facilitates digestion, prevents gastrointestinal problems

Remember to drink lots of water before and after fasting to keep hydrated!

What to avoid during the fast:

• high intakes of sugar
• spicy foods, especially people who suffer from ulcers
• caffeine, coke, tea/coffee. Caffeine is a diuretic. Gradually reduce caffeine intake before Ramadaan because a sudden decrease causes headaches, mood swings and irritability.
• cut down on smoking because it negatively affects utilization of vitamins, metabolites and enzyme systems.

reference: http://www.islamicity.com/articles/articles.asp?ref=RR0210-1775&p=1

there's always space for dessert

MasterChef SA final Pressure Test Recipe

After watching the final episode of MasterChef, I was so inquisitive and had to see just how intense the last Pressure Test was. After viewing the recipe for the twist of the conventional milk tart, you'll surely agree with me!

Deconstructed Milk Tart with Warm Apple Mousse


ingredients:

200 g Butter Puff Pastry

100 g Icing Sugar

4 Granny Smith Apples (Chopped, Core and Skin Included)

200 ml Apple Juice

5 g Pectin Powder

150 g Castor Sugar

1/2 tsp Vanilla Paste

10 ml Lemon Juice

10 Basil Leaves (Blanched)

1 Reserved Apple Poaching Liquor (Stopped up to 250 ml with Apple Juice)

4 Gelatine Leaves (Silver Strength at 2g each)

15 g Sugar

2 1/2 g Cinnamon

500 ml Full Cream Milk

4 Egg Yolks

100 g Castor Sugar

45 g Corn Flour

45 g Milk Powder

8 Apricots (Soft Dried)

50 g Demerara Sugar

50 g Brandy

10 g Fennel Seeds

10 g Castor Sugar

200 g Castor Sugar

200 g Castor Sugar (For Spun Sugar)

method:

ARLETTE:

Heat the oven to 200 deg Celsius

Place the puff pastry onto a large sheet of parchment paper

Roll out as thin as possible, dusting with icing sugar frequently

Cut in half once paper thin dough has been achieved through the rolling out process

Place each half on a baking sheet cover with another layer of baking paper

Sandwich the pastry between two baking trays

Bake for about 15-20 min, until golden brown and sugar has caramelized

Remove from the oven, and while still hot, cut into rectangles measuring 3cm by 8cm and allow to cool

APPLE MOUSSE:

Bring all ingredients, except the basil to the boil

Simmer until the apples are soft

Drain, and pass apples through a sieve

Blend the apples with the basil leaves until a smooth paste has been achieved

reserve the drained juices for the gel

APPLE GEL:

Bloom the gelatine leaves in water

Bring the remaining ingredients to the boil, then add the soften gelatine

Pour into a lined mould to set

Use the blast chiller to set

Once set, cut into rectangles 3x8cm

MILK CUSTARD:

Heat the milk with half the castor sugar until boiling

Mix the milk powder and corn flour in a small bowl and make a smooth paste with 3 tbsp milk

Temper the remaining sugar and egg yolks with hot milk

Pour egg yolk and corn flour slurry into the hot milk

Simmer until thick and corn flour has cooked out

Remove from heat, cover with cling wrap and chill

Use the blast chiller to set, then just before use place in Kenwood Chef

With K beater on high, beat until more airy then place in piping bag

APRICOT BOEREMEISIES:

Heat the brandy, sugar and apricots over a low heat

Leave to steep, then cool and cut into strips

CRYSTALIZED FENNEL SEEDS:

Toast the fennel seeds over a medium heat in a non-stick frying pan

Add the sugar and as it melts, stir with a  spatula

Transfer to a parchment- lined tray and allow to cool

SPUN SUGAR:

Bring sugar and 3 tbsp water to the boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves

Cook over medium heat until the mixture turns into amber colour, and registers 150 deg C

Plunge pot into ice to cool

Allow caramel to cool about 94 deg C

Grease a round metal tube (back of spoon)

Take a spoonful of caramel and wind the sugar strand around the bottom third of the metal tool, moving away from the edge you are holding it on

Work quickly and smoothly continue to wind the sugar strand along the steel

Allow the sugar spiral to cool for 20-30 seconds before you attempt to remove it

Repeat the process for more spirals

TO PLATE:

Place an arlette rectangle on a plate
Top with a rectangle of apple gel, followed by another arlette rectangle
Pipe the whipped milk custard in small moulds, making two rows
Sprinkle the last arlette with icing sugar, grate with nutmeg and cinnamon
Place a final arlette rectangle on top
Add a couple of crystalized fennel seeds
Smear some warm apple mousse next to the arlette on the plate and scatter with basil and apricot strips
Gently place the sugar spirals on top of the arlette

recipe is taken from http://masterchefsa.dstv.com/Recipe/View/1381

Thanks!

I'm really excited! This blog was created less than 24 hours ago and already over 100 views! Thank you! I will be using this blog as a platform to post scrumptious recipes that I have tried and some that I have tweaked here and there, as well as posting about fabulous restaurants in and around Cape Town! 

rice krispie treats

ingredients:
3 tblsp butter/ margarine
1 pack regular marshmallows
6 cups Kellogg's Rice Krispies

method:

in a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir completely until melted. Remove from heat. Add Kellogg's rice krispies and stir until well coated. Evenly press mixture into a cooking sprayed dish. Leave to cool. Then cut into blocks and dip the one side in chocolate and decorate.

basic brownies

I love this recipe! Its from my friend Shakira. After bugging her one too many times to bake them for me, she gave me the recipe so that I can indulge on these beauties whenever I want, now you can too! Its a fool proof recipe made from everyday ingredients so you won't even need to rush off to the store to buy anything!

ingredients:
100g milk chocolate
100g dark chocolate
250g butter
1 3/4 cup brown sugar
4 eggs
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking powder

method:
heat chocolate and butter in a saucepan until melted. Set aside.
mix through other ingredients with a spoon then add melted chocolate.
bake at 160 degrees Celsius for 35 min
sift icing sugar on top

butter chicken

This is a personal recipe I use, well its actually my mom's. It's  lovely, quick and easy. Perfect for students, boyfriends and just about anyone to whip up. Quick to make but it tastes delicious as if you've been in the kitchen for hours!

ingredients:
400g chicken fillet (sliced into blocks)
1 tsp heaped garlic
1 tsp jeera (cumin)
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 small tin tomato paste
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 tbsp chili sauce
1 tub fresh cream
dhanya

method:
mix a paste with the garlic, jeera, chili powder and salt to rub onto the chicken fillet. When the pot is hot, put a blob of butter and add the spiced chicken. Add tomato paste after the chicken has cooked for 5 min, cook on slow. Add water and put lid on the pot. After a few minutes add the chili sauce, fresh cream and dhanya.

serve with garlic naan

cajun seafood pasta

ingredients:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tblsp chopped fresh basil
1 tblsp chopped fresh thyme
2 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic (add more according to preference)
2 tsp ground black pepper
1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp ground white pepper
1 cup chopped green onions
1 cup chopped parsley
400g prawns, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
445g dry fettucine  pasta

method
Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with a teaspoon of oil until al dente. Meanwhile, pour cream into a large pan. Cook over medium heat. Stirring constantly, until just about boiling. Reduce heat and add herbs, salt, peppers, onions and parsley. Simmer 7-8 min or until thickened. Stir in prawns cooking until no longer transparent. Stir in cheeses, blending well. Drain pasta. Serve sauce over pasta.

Dieu Donne

Dieu Donne is a cellar-styled restaurant situated in the beautiful Franshhoek valley with a delectable lunch and supper menu. I love adventuring to far out places, so after a 90 minute drive from Cape Town it was such a treat to be greeted by the majestic landscape and friendly staff. The view from the restaurant is to die for, perfect for a romantic time out of the city.

The first thing that caught my eye on the menu was the Butternut and Jalapeno soup which I had as a starter. The soup was more sweet than spicy and served with a sweet raisin bread.

I then had a delicious seafood pasta with juicy large prawns that tasted ocean fresh.

Contact:

info@dieudonnerestaurant.co.za

www.dieudonnerestaurant.co.za

Trading Hours:

Mon-Sun Lunch 11:30- 15:30

Mon-Sat Dinner 18:30- 22:00

Closed Sunday evenings

banoffee

living2eat.com

ingredients:
300g or 1 packet Tennis Biscuits
100g melted butter
1/2 tin of caramel
2 bananas
1/2 tub of whipping cream
grated chocolate

method:
Crush the biscuits in a food processor. In a medium bowl, add the crushed biscuits and melted butter. Mix well. Press into a dish and place in oven for 8min @ 180 deg Celsius. Allow to cool down before placing it in the fridge to cool further. After 20min spread caramel on the biscuit base and sliced bananas on top of the caramel. Then whip up cream to spread over bananas. Lastly grate chocolate on top.

nachos mexicana

This is a recipe I use myself whenever I'm craving avocado, big corn bites or something Mexican. I made this recipe for 20 of my family members on Friday night as a starter and already my cousin has phoned me for the recipe! So its definitely yummy!


Guacamole
ingredients:

2 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed

 lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup diced onion

2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 pinch ground cayenne pepper

method:

In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lemon juice (so that the avo doesn't go brown), and salt. Mix in onion, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor.

Salsa

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fresh_tomato_salsa/

ingredients:

2-3 medium sized fresh tomatoes

1/2 onion, finely diced

1 chopped green chili

Juice of one lime

1/2 cup chopped cilantro (coriander)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: oregano and or cumin to taste     

method:

Chop the tomatoes, onions, chili and coriander and add to a medium bowl. Add lime juice (I prefer using lemon juice). Then salt and pepper to taste as well as oregano and cumin (jeera). Mix all together.

Putting it all together

Instead of using nacho chips I prefer to use Big Corn Bites chips (bbq flavour). Place that in a dish that you want to serve it in and that is oven-friendly. Then grate cheese on top of the chips and grill it in the oven. Next, spread the guacamole on top of the melted cheese. The salsa goes on top of the guacamole and then sour cream or cream fraiche.

From bottom to top:

chips/nachos

cheese

guacamole

salsa

sour cream/ cream fraiche

First post

First things first, let me introduce myself; my name is Lemeez and I am currently a student at the University of Cape Town majoring in Psychology and Sociology. Whenever I've been asked what my passions are I sort of froze since I hadn't quite figured it out up until now! Hence, this blog is to celebrate my discovered passion for food, cakes, decor & design, adventure days, nights out on the town and fabulous Cape Town!