Sweetpea: What sup: chicken, parmesan and creamy tomatoe pas...

Sweetpea: What sup: chicken, parmesan and creamy tomatoe pas...: "Perfect meal for when you feel like comfort food packed with strong flavours. It's quick and easy to prepare and is scrumptious. Fry onion..."

Sweetpea: What sup: salmon, edamame and potatoe stack

Sweetpea: What sup: salmon, edamame and potatoe stack: "Last night I decided to spend the evening in and create a special dinner for my husband and I. We bought fresh salmon and prepared it in the..."

Sweetpea: What Sup: Thai Green Curry

Sweetpea: What Sup: Thai Green Curry: "Shopping List: 4 chicken breasts cut into cubes, 1 packet Green Curry paste, garlic, chilly, corriander, baby marrow, mung beans, onion and ..."

What sup: chicken, parmesan and creamy tomatoe pasta with salad

Perfect meal for when you feel like comfort food packed with strong flavours. It's quick and easy to prepare and is scrumptious.

Fry onions and fresh thyme with chicken pieces till meat golden brown, add can of chopped tomatoes and 2 tbs of tomatoe paste to the pan. allow to simmer for 10 min. While you are simmering sauce put pasta on to cook (any pasta will do, I used spaghetti). Take sauce off the heat and add cream, stir gently and add to the cooked pasta in an oven proof dish. Then sprinkle the Parmesan and make on high till cheese melts. Serve with salad.

Salad: Lettuce, cucumber, grated carrot and beetroot, steamed asparagus and sour cream and chilves for the for dressing.

What sup: salmon, edamame and potatoe stack

Last night I decided to spend the evening in and create a special dinner for my husband and I. We bought fresh salmon and prepared it in the oven (fish coated with a sauce containing chopped coriander, little sweet soy and squeeze of lemon. The fantastic thing about fish is that it cooks in no time! We preheated the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and baked it for 8 min. I made a potatoe stack with sour cream, chives and parmesan and steamed some edameame beans as a side. The meal was fantastic and a real treat.

What sup: Dinner at Thai World Harfield Village in Claremont

Last week we went out for dinner to Thai World and had a lovely meal with friends. We had sweet and sour pork ribs to start, the owner recommended them. I had a soup  for my main and hubby ordered a green curry.

The best meal at the table was definitely the ribs. They were cooked to perfection and the meat fell off the bone. The sauce was so morish! If you want to go the Address: 2nd Avenue, (Cnr Second & Surrey Street)
Harfield Village in Claremont.This is a highly successful restaurant has been operating since October 2000 and is efficiently run by husband and wife team. Thai World has built up a good reputation and we will definitely be regular customers.

What Sup: Thai Green Curry

Shopping List: 4 chicken breasts cut into cubes, 1 packet Green Curry paste, garlic, chilly, corriander, baby marrow, mung beans, onion and a splash of coconut cream (1 cup). 

These are the frozen coriander cubes. I used 2 blocks for this curry.

I love the frozen garlic and coriander available at Woolies, they pop out like ice cubes and the perfect amount. Quick and easy and no chopping involved.

Fry chicken and onion in the curry paste for 5 min, add the baby marrow and mung beans and stir so that the paste covers all the ingredients and fry for further 5 min.

Add in half a cup of water and 1 cup coconut cream and reduce temperature, let simmer for 30 min untill all the vegetables cooked and sauce thickens.

Serve with a little sweet chilly sauce.

Sweetpea: Salad

Sweetpea: Salad: "Decided to make the healthy salad instead of the pasta(being a good girl seeing as Im not getting to the gym!) Used what was in the fridge: ..."

Sweetpea: What sup: Wine farms in Cape Town

Sweetpea: What sup: Wine farms in Cape Town: "We had a great day out and about!We started at Meerlust with a little wine tasting. The 2005 Rubicon was to die for!If only we had the R240 ..."

Sweetpea: What sup: Celebration food

Sweetpea: What sup: Celebration food: "She got the job! This was definitely reason to celebrate, it's always the best feeling to see your friends succeed! I decided to spoil my fr..."

Sweetpea: What sup: The Humble Potatoe

Sweetpea: What sup: The Humble Potatoe: "The humble potatoe is the base of so many great dishes! I decided to use spuds in 2 dishes this week: A new potatoe salad recipe and a cotta..."

Sweetpea: What sup: Foodbarn Deli in Noordhoek Cape Town

Sweetpea: What sup: Foodbarn Deli in Noordhoek Cape Town: "My brother in law came to visit this weekend and a really great spot I remembered while driving around Cape Town was the Foodbard Deli in No..."

Sweetpea: What sup: Sweet Sticky Chicken and salad

Sweetpea: What sup: Sweet Sticky Chicken and salad: "Marinade meat for hour in fridge. Marinade. Grill on open flame and enjoy with a side salad. Summer salad to go with flame grilled sti..."

Sweetpea: What sup: the braai sarmie

Sweetpea: What sup: the braai sarmie: "For me the best part of the braai is the 'starters'. The Roosterbrood is something I crave all Winter and is a simple sandwhich with tomatoe..."

Sweetpea: Fishy Friday

Sweetpea: Fishy Friday: "Its the weekend baby!We off to a restaurant in Kalk Bay called Cape to Cuba. Seafood is a must and can't wait to see what's on offer at this..."

What sup: Sweetpea Salad

Sweetpea Salad

My husband made the most divine salad for dinner last night. We had left over chicken from the roast we had the previous day and he made a stunning salad with it. The ingredients and flavours worked  together so well: boiled eggs, shredded roast chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, watercress and butter lettuce, toasted rye on the side. The dressing was a sour cream and chives dressing.

What sup: Sweet Sticky Chicken and salad

Marinade meat for hour in fridge. Marinade.
 Grill on open flame and enjoy with a side salad.

Summer salad to go with flame grilled sticky chicken.
Salad: Cucumber, danish feta, avo,watercress and cherry tomatoes.

Recipe: Add 3 tbs Soy Sauce, 5 tbs honey, little oil and the juice from 1 lemon and mix together. Pour over the chicken pieces and marinade chicken pieces for hour. This recipe is great in the oven if you dont feel like starting a fire! Grill in oven for 45 min at 180 degrees. Serve with a side salad (Cucumber, danish feta, avo,watercress and cherry tomatoes). Dressing for salad olive oil and balsamic with a splash of citrus (I used the juice from half an orange).

What sup: the braai sarmie

For me the best part of the braai is the "starters". The Roosterbrood is something I crave all Winter and is a simple sandwhich with tomatoe, onion, cheese, butter and Chutney (Mrs Balls brand is the best). The way the flames grill the sarmie cant be reproduced in a pan, oven or press! Always remember to butter both sides to prevent it sticking to the grill!

What sup: Drinks and snackies (perfect platter for 4)

The perfect selection of snackies to go with a good glass of vino. Grated mature cheddar, smooth cream cheese with a little smoked paprika and chilly to spice it up, olive and oregano gouda, preserve and crackers.

What sup: Foodbarn Deli in Noordhoek Cape Town

My brother in law came to visit this weekend and a really great spot I remembered while driving around Cape Town was the Foodbard Deli in Noordhoek. What a gem!!!The selection of freshly baked breads and dips are irresistible! I really love the way you can see straight into the kitchen to see the food being prepared. Great spot to visit for some foodie inspiration as the produce is fresh, organic and scrumptious. The only problem is.....you go in to buy some cheese and end up walking out with 4 groccery packets. I also love the fact that they have a lovely coffee shop as well and a selection of books for sale.

We decided to make our own tapas and chose a selection
 of cheeses and spreads to take home.




Coffee shop in Foodbard Deli

What sup: The Humble Potatoe

The humble potatoe is the base of so many great dishes! I decided to use spuds in 2 dishes this week: A new potatoe salad recipe and a cottage pie ( I needed to de-stress so the mashing and pulverizing of the spuddies really helped…..and it’s a total comfort food!)

The salad was fresh and filled with the Summer flavours I love: bolied new potatoes cut in half, fresh coriander, mustard seeds and lemon. I like mixing all the ingredients when the potatoes are still warm, coats them nicely!

Summer Potatoes: New potatoes coated in mustard seeds, lemon juice, lemon zest, coriander and tsp of mayo.

Next Day:

I also made a Cottage Pie this week after a very busy and stressful day. LOVED the mashing! All you need is some lean beef mince, 1 small tin of tomatoe paste, any chopped up veg, onions, garlic, tbs chutney and gravy powder to thicken the sauce. And the topping of the pie(the best part) ..... Mashed potatoe with butter, salt ,black pepper and a little splash of cream ( I used low fat milk instead as Summer is nearly here and I need to get into a costume).

MASH!!!!!!!

After frying up the mince and veg add gravy powder to thicken
then place in dish and smooth potatoe over the top.

Whisk one egg and pour over the top and bake till egg golden brown

Yum, Cottage Pie Ala Sweetpea

What sup: Celebration food

She got the job! This was definitely reason to celebrate, it's always the best feeling to see your friends succeed! I decided to spoil my friend Meagan in the best way I know how.....create a scrumptious dinner and drink some champagne!

We started with a platter and soup.

Selection of cold meat ,cheese, preserves and crackers. There was biltong on this platter but it disappeared:)

Pea,Mint and Ham soup

We discussed everything form politics to our dreams for the future.......all while the Peri chicken,new potatoes,carrots and butternut with rosemary and green beans with garlic roasted in the oven!I used an unusual spice with the green beans and it was great!I used Dukkah nut and spice blend.

Roasted Peri Peri Chicken with Baby Potatoes and Tomatoes




Green Beans with Onion,Butter,Garlic and Dukkah

 


Butternut,Carrots and Rosemary



What Sup: Early dinner close to work

Having to hang around after work for a meeting is never ideal, but the chance to go to a local coffee shop for a bite (and even a glass of wine to keep you sane) is good. Especially when you go out with colleagues that live in the area and know all the hidden gems in and around Durbanville. We off to 33 OXFORD Street
Durbanville, to a little place called Chocolat Coffee Shop (with a name like that you can imagine the sweet treats on offer). The last time I went, instead of getting mints with the bill ...they gave chocolate covered cherries!
I think this is the nicest little coffee shop ever! I love the food, the service and the decor,  they even have a little shop with antiques and little gifties at the back. I can spend hours there and would if I didn't have to be at a meeting by 6pm! 

Chocolat Cofee Shop

Mushroom, roasted butternut, feta and rocket on toasted rye





What sup: Wine farms in Cape Town

We had a great day out and about!We started at Meerlust with a little wine tasting. The 2005 Rubicon was to die for!If only we had the R240 to spend on a bottle every week!
We also did the chocolate and wine pairing at Waterford in Stellenbosch. 3 wines and 3 chocolates that compliment the flavours in the wine. What an authetic idea.....I loved the Masala Chai chocolate with the Shiraz!Rock salt in chocolate was also a first for me!
We than ended our day at Bodega with our chef friend spoling us to a tappas platter of delights, mussels and parfait (the perfect way to end a perfect meal). I LOVE LIVING IN CAPE TOWN!

Fishy Friday

Its the weekend baby!We off to a restaurant in Kalk Bay called Cape to Cuba. Seafood is a must and can't wait to see what's on offer at this funky spot at the seashore.Must remember to take some photos and not get carried away with catching up on news!

What sup: last min family dinner

So the corn and pepper soup changed into a starter instead of a main meal for hubby and I!

I roasted a chicken with veggies and salad for mains, whole family fed by 8pm. Should have taken the photos before my dad cut the bird though!oooooops. Great evening was had by all!

My mom brought the potatoe salad. I love her recipe because it has a twist....she adds grated apples ( 1 Granny Smith peeled and then grated), gherkin's, onions and mayo. The apple adds such a great flavour!

What sup: Corn and yellow pepper soup

Had this dish at Melissa's ages ago and decided to make it myself. Its ridiculously easy to make! 1 Stock cube, water, 1 yellow pepper chopped up and corn from the cob. Boil all the ingredients the blitz them in your blender one corn cooked! Dinner sorted..... this soup can be served hot or cold and best with toasted pitta bread to dip into the golden soup. I also add a splash of cream and chives at the end for decoration.

What sup: Chinese Supermarket at N1 City

Decided to go for a little shop at the Chinese Supermarket at N1 City. Always an interesting place to shop because most of the cooking instructions and info is in another language (Chinglish) and you can find some really weird and unusual ingredients!
Got asked a year ago if I work at this supermarket (but that is another story entirely).
Made Tom Yum soup (used instructions on the spice pack that I bought at Woolies in Asian section), Edemame (steamed soy beans with a little salt) with some strange beef balls that I found in the frozen section at Chinese Supermarket (very tasty but don't think it was beef inside). Had a ball!!!! :) Check out these odd "mushrooms".

Beef??

What sup: eating out at Woolies cafe, Chenin and fantastic take out from a Spar!

We had a great foodie weekend, this might have something to do with being paid early!
Woolies is always fantastic and a great stop when in Canal Walk and doing grocery shopping at the mall.

Loved the saying on the menu so much that I sent it to my family as an inspiration and because that is exactly how I try to live!

Also had a great time at Chenin (restaurant in old cape Quarter section opposite Andiamos). Jay and I shared a great glass of vino and a Saffron Mussel risotto......Delish!!!!!! We then headed to the Spar in Greenpoint and grabbed some take away sushi for later that evening. LOVE that Spar, its like a Woolies and a deli had a baby shop!

The weekend was also about sharing food with our great friends and family.
Remember to live simply, eat well,say no to nonsense and smile :)

what sup: Greek place at cape quarter

Been looking for a good Greek place in Cape Town for a while and today we found one. Not a cheezy place where you get to smash plates but one with great traditional food and lots of blue and white decor. What a great day out at the new Cape Quarter in town. I would highly recommend the Moussaka but the other meals I saw coming out of the kitchen looked just as good. My dish was so good I forgot to take a photo because I was so busy tucking in. A great day out with momsie and hubby.

Salad

Decided to make the healthy salad instead of the pasta(being a good girl seeing as Im not getting to the gym!)
Used what was in the fridge:
Mixed leaves (I had rocket and watercress)
Sprouts
Yellow pepper
Chicken
Feta

Dressing: olive oil, crushed garlic, white wine vinigar,sage chopped,black pepper and salt

What sup this Thursday.....pasta or salad or both?

Feel like being very healthy with a salad tonight but when the weather is a little cooler like it is in cape town today, the only thing I crave is pasta. A rich creamy tomatoe,basil and pecorino!

Sweetpea: Weekend fab food

Sweetpea: Weekend fab food
http://www.dining-out.co.za/Videos.asp?MemberID=26

What sup: stuffed peppers,roasted chicken breasts and side salad

You will need: red peppers,couscous,feta,pumpkin seeds, chicken breasts, herbs for chicken(sage great),olive oil, rocket and watercress, cucumber.

Marinade Ingredients: garlic,worcester sauce,chutney and tom sauce(splash of wine if you have)
Cut the top of the pepper off so they have a little hat :) and remove the seeds inside. Stuff red peppers with couscous (pumkin seeds and feta added to the couscous with a generous spoon of butter) and bake in the over for 35 min at 180 degrees. Remember to put the hats back on the peppers before you bake them!

Coat chicken breasts in marinade ( Marinade: Mince the garlic and place it in a mixing. Chop the herbs into small pieces and place them in the bowl with the worcester sauce, chutney and a little tom sauce. If you have vino in the house thats even better)and bake with tin foil for 20 min and then remove tin foil and bake for another 20.

The side salad should be simple because the chicken and pepper packed with flavour:Some rocket leaves, watercress, cucumber and a vinigarette.

I will add photos tomorrow but only if it's splediferous!

Stuffed Bell Peppers