DIY Thursday_ What's for dinner

I am hosting a dinner party this week and for those of you that know me you are aware that I take this quite seriously! (Serious with a smile that is). As it is officially winter here in Jo'burg I want to do a warm, hearty winter meal that will leave my guests asking for more... mmmm, where to begin!?

Today I am posting some yummy winter recipes for DIY Thursday - let the long winter nights in front of the fire and a glass of red wine begin!

Starter:

The ultimate winter started must be a soup or a broth; here are some YUMMY ideas:

This Turkish Red lentil soup looks absolutely delicious; from here:

Creamy Cannellini Bean Soup; from here:

Tomato Soup, from here:

Main:

When I think of winter dishes I think of stews, roasts and steamed dishes... Here are a few recipes that grabbed my attention (or tickled my taste buds) this morning:

Slow Cooker Korean Grass Fed Short Ribs; from here:

This classic Northern Chicken Curry looks yum! From here:

Something for the vegetarians out there; how good does this Slow Cooker Punjabi Eggplant with Potatoes look! From here:

 Typical winter dish a slow-cooker pot roast; from here:

No, I still don't know what I am cooking for my guests, but these are great inspirations...

Side dishes and deserts I will leave for another day. I will try to post my menu and photos of my meal next week! 

Have a happy Thursday and keep warm!!

Popsicle anyone?

Hello sunshine!

Yumminess on a stick! Look at these amazing popsicle recipes.

Watermelon Mojito Popsicles

From here

Blackberry, Honey and Yogurt Pops

From here

  

Coconut and Mango Rice Pudding Pops

From here

Strawberry Margarita Ice Pops

From here

DIY Thursday_ The KCCC is born

I decided to include the birth and the progress of the newly formed Kitchen Counter Cooking Club (The KCCC) on DIY Thursdays because it is something that we are doing ourselves and there will probably be some interesting recipes and tips to share.

The club was formed with the idea of cooking, friendship and learning in mind and after our first meeting it is clear that we will be able to tick all 3 boxes.

What is this club exactly? Well in short: we are 4 friends that will meet monthly to cook and learn interesting recipes in order to broaden our culinary skills and experience.

At our first meeting we had to get all the administration, likes and dislikes and allergies cleared up - what would be the fun if someone could not eat the end result! We selected someone to take notes and someone to type up the month's recipes and notes; we are hoping to have the year's experiments and learning printed in a bound manual at the end of the year.

The KCCC_ January: Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Hoisin Peanut Dipping Sauce

This is a common recipe that you can easily get from most cooking sites on the Internet; see the recipe we used here. 

Also try Foodgawker or Punchfork for some great recipe inspirations!

Let the cooking begin!

Some of the ingredients used.

The veggie and herb mixture.

The Hoisin Peanut Dipping sauce.

Making the rolls, yummy!!

Meet Suzie, Tanya and Carina and see our team gear!

Dinner on the stoep - a well deserved prize!

We have preplanned our monthly "themes", so watch this space for February French!

For the love of sushi

Something for all us sushi lovers out there - do you really know the right Sushi Etiquette?

From Pinterest

From here

So, whats for lunch?

Made with love

To me, cooking and entertaining guests is a form of art. Its all about the experience. From the moment the guests arrive you have to make them feel comfortable and welcome and when they leave the taste of yummy food and great conversations must still linger in their minds. This is what sets the stage for their next visit.

I am fond of entertaining, cooking and trying new recipes, but today I thought I'd focus on the little bit of love that needs to be added to make any dish, any cup of coffee, any toasted cheese sandwich or any Sunday roast just that little bit more special.

Consider a chicken soup made with love:

Chicken Soup with heart shaped carrots; from here

Taking breakfast in bed to the next level:

Heart shaped eggs on toast; from here

Considering a romantic lunch:

Heart shape Tuna buns; from here

Love even in the small things we make:

Watermelon Hearts; from here

Friday night in:

Heart shape pizza that I once made for dinner

Also see awesome love inspired foods here:

Calzone Hearts; Heart Shaped Cake Pops; Bran muffin hearts; Balsamic Roasted Strawberry Brownies

Have a happy Wednesday dear reader x