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Join me on my foodie journey. Hospitality Worker,Wine Lover & Foodie Instagram : feedonthis_

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Nachos & Chill

Beef Nachos

All my friends would know that as much as I love eating nachos, I LOVE making it as well. It is so easy, and when made correctly (to your own taste) it is delicious.

I recently had someone come over for a movie night and some wine, and I started panicking about what to make for dinner... Nachos of course!

The best nacho chips that you can find locally in the area of Cape Town, is Santa Anna’s Corn Chips. It is perfectly salted, super crispy and just the right size. 

Read below for an easy, and delicious recipe for baked nachos:

Ingredients:

1 Large packet of Santa Anna’s Corn Chips

500 g Packet of Beef Strips (can be chicken or beef as well)

50ml  Tomato Paste (or enough to cover all the chips)

500 ml Grated Cheddar / Gouda cheese

1 Wheel of Feta Cheese

Condiments / Garnish:

1 Large Avocado to make guacamole

100 ml Sour Cream

Fresh Tomato & Cucumber Salsa 

Corriander (to taste)

Method:

Prepare the beef strips in a pan/skillet until cooked through.

Place the chips on a baking tray (or dish similar to one in picture)

Evenly spread the paste over the chips.

Spread the beef strips over the chips as well, and top up with Crumbed Feta.

Place the grated cheese on top and bake for 25-30 Minutes in pre-heated oven.

Proceed and make the guacamole by mashing in a bowl with salt, pepper to taste and some lemon juice at the end.

Serve nachos with all the condiments or garnish, a nice touch can be to use some of the B-Well Canola Oil Mayonaise drizzled over the nachos at the end.

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It’s been a while...

I have recently been thinking about starting to write on my blog again. The reason I stopped was, I started a new job, and had to many things going on at the same time that I made myself believe that this is not important.

The thing is, just because I only do it for the fun of it, does not mean it is important. It is in fact, really important to do things just because it is fun, or a way for you to relax after a long day of work.

The exact moment writing on here became less fun , is the moment I realized I am focusing too much on the next post and not enjoying the moments in which I find myself.

From now on, it will be all about the smaller things, the once-in-a-lifetime moments and memories I have with the people around me and the meals or drinks we might share in those moments. From now on, it will be all about capturing the essence of who I am.

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Chilli, Coconut and Butternut Soup

Ingredients

1 onion diced

1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped into cubes

½ teaspoon chilli flakes or to taste

2 cloves garlic chopped fine

1 tsp ginger grated

400 ml coconut milk

15 ml lemon juice

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 tablespoons coriander (cilantro) leaves chopped,

Method

#1 In a large pan, fry off the onions on a medium heat with the lid on until softened, stir occasionally. Just for extra flavour I use coconut oil, but regular olive oil works as well.

#2 Add the butternut , garlic, chilli and ginger and fry on a low heat for 2 minutes.

#3 Add the coconut milk, bring to the boil then simmer for 20-25 minutes until the butternut squash is soft.

#4 Turn the heat off and add the lemon juice and coriander. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and blitz with a blender until smooth.

#5 Serve with freshly baked bread.

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Wine Wednesday in Stellenbosch

Yesterday was 'Wine Wednesday', and I have decided to list (in no spesific order) my favourite everyday wine farms to visit in and around Stellenbosch.

Below I have summed them up using only two words:

Peter Falke - Beautiful Setting

Colmont - Champagne Darling

Warwick - Summertime Feeling

Glen Carlou - Chardonnay Lover

Bartinney - Affordable Quality

Franschoek Cellars - Family Outings

Thelema Mountain Vinyards - Amazing Reds

I have not yet been to Villiera Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, or Le Lude in Franschoek, but absolutely love their MCC as well.

Hope you find something you like as well.

xoxo

Ivania

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Visit Knysna

Garden Route, South Africa

I am originally from the small coastal town of Sedgefield, in the Western Cape of South Africa.

I spent the last weekend walking around there, as well as the town of Knysna, which is about a 30 minute drive from where I stay.

My mother and I went to Knysna for some shopping l, when we decided to go to a very popular spot in Knysna called Île de Païn.

Here you can expect delicious pastries, some gifts and novelties, delicious coffee and the best artisan bread you will find.

The setting is a very rustic dining area, and open kitchen.

We were very brave and arrived twenty minutes before closing time, and we were so impressed with the way they welcomed us on a public holiday minutes before closing.

I know this could be seen as us being rude, but I was heading back to Cape Town the next morning, and didn't want to miss out on a visit to this gem.

Everything was on really high standards, from the service, to the food and coffee, to the delicious bread we took home with us.

I can't wait for the next time I go back home, just to pay Île de Païn a visit.

You can also buy the Île de Païn recipe book in store.

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Mojo Market

Sea Point, Cape Town

One of my favourite spots when in Cape Town is the Mojo Market.

Here you can enjoy good local food, local talent as there are live performances held, and local art and creations displayed as well in the many stalls that make up the Mojo Market.

From asian flavours to American style mac and cheese, there is certainly something for everyone.

There's nothing like enjoying a glass of bubbles, eating a oyster and looking onto the beach, and afterwards grabbing a soft serve ice cream while walking along the streets of Sea Point.

The crowd at Mojo Market is another experience all by itself, and I am looking forward to my next visit at this wonderful indoor market.

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Gems in

Robertson

Robertson is a town in the Western Cape of South Africa. It is known as the valley of wine and roses, and is located in the heart of the wine route.

There are a few places definitely worth a visit when in this gem of a town.

Robertson Small Hotel

This beautiful five star hotel in the Winelands is open to day guests as well. Either to enjoy what their well-known restaurant has to offer, or to enjoy their spa facilities.

Sitting outside sipping on some gin cocktails, enjoying a pre-dinner drink in their restaurant bar, or simply lounging by the pool is the perfect way to relax when there.

Affie-Plaas Farm Stall

This is such a hidden gem to everyone that chooses to pass it while driving on the main road that passes through the town.

Here you can buy anything from local wines, candy, homemade pies and baked goods, homeware, fruits etc. and the tourists as well as the locals love it.

Four Counins Winery

Now this is one of my personal favourites.

Apart from their delicious breakfasts and lunches at the restaurant, they also have a wide variety of tastings for every single member of the family. (Including the tots, moms!)

From craft beer, sparkling wine,whisky and juice for the children, this is a one-stop destination.

van Loveren family Vinyards.

This reminds me of sitting at the Katjiepiering restaurant at the Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Sitting under the trees, surrounded by the nature and a beautiful garden, enjoying delicious wines paired with different meats and nuts etc. There's no other choice but to relax and enjoy yourself.

#stellenbosch #robertson #southafrica #wine #westerncape #food #feedonthis #awesome #goodtimes #experienced #local #inspo

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Hidden Gems in Stellenbosch

Yesterday, a rainy Friday in Stellenbosch, Ivania and I decided to be tourists in our own town. I sure enjoyed discovering two (not so hidden) gems in Dorp Street. And I actually can't believe that this was my first time (in my 5 years of Stellenbosch living) to visit these stores.

Read further to find out what I (and possibly you too) have been missing out on. Consider this blog post your "inside scoop".

*Almost famous*- this is a vintage shop located on Dorp Street. The name itself is very inviting and once you step inside the shop you will instantly be intrigued. Disclaimer- if you don't like vintage and more hipster styles, this may not be the case. But be sure to check it out anyway.

The shop is stocked with custom T-shirts, for instance if you're a fan of the TV series "Friends", you might just find your next favorite T-shirt. If that's not enough to get you curious, then maybe cool sunglasses may convince you to pay it a visit. (Insert photo). I loved their pair of heart shape, light pink sunglasses, but my student budget convinced me that I don't need it right now. They also stock up on a variety of denim jackets which is perfect for the upcoming winter. And if you are looking for a badge (be it the name of your favorite band or just some cool images) to give your jackets, bags or jeans that extra edge, then Almost famous has got your back.

Pro- tip before visiting this little gem- save some money, because the items are quite pricey and you might find yourself wanting to buy more than you came for.

On my way out, I couldn't miss the sign at the door that said ,"thanks for supporting your local girl gang". I love the idea of supporting your girl friends and this was just another rainy Friday morning reminder to do exactly that.

*Oom Samie se winkel*. Just up the road from Almost famous you'll find this very unique shop. The outside would already be a dead giveaway that they don't just sell a few products, in fact I would consider this a local "walmart". Obviously that is not the case, but they do sell alot of different goodies. From bokkoms (which is also the first smell you get when entering the door) to spices, local wine, old books, gifts, post cards and a variety of hats (to name a few).

This shop definitely gives you that Proudly South African feel, but once you have a look at the prices of some of the items you realize that they probably cater for tourists. As a matter of fact when we were there, most of the other customers spoke foreign languages and were definitely not locals.

We could unfortunately not take any pictures inside the shop, because that is not allowed. In that sence, perhaps this shop is a "hidden gem". And you should definitely pay it a visit to experience its uniqueness for yourself.

When walking out of Oom Samie's winkel I was thinking about what Oom Samie looked like and if he still lived, because if he did I would have loved to have some tea with him next door at Melissa's.

We managed to snap some pictures on the "stoep" of his shop and made our way to eat some cake next door (without Oom Samie ofcourse).

Ps. Ivania did buy some curry spices, honeycomb and a postcard from Oom Samie's so she is basically the face of #supportLocal. I on the other hand only bought R9's worth of nougat.

So, do yourself a favour and #supportLocal by checking out local little gems.

xoxo Chantel

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The Jam Jar

Featuring my take on the Linzer Torte.

A while back as part of a project I had at hotel school, I made a Linzer Torte using plum jam that I got from a small shop in Simondium, Western Cape.

The Jam Jar is a boutique style business, with products such as jams, preserves and marmalades are handcrafted on-site, for customers to view for themselves.

All the fruit is locally sourced, and no preservatives or colourants have been used in the products.

I usually just drove past on my way home from class, when I decided to have a look inside. It would come as no surprise at all that I was impressed with this unique little shop.

So I bought my jam, and got ready to make the torte (for the first time).

The Linzer Torte is said to be the oldest known cake in the world, and it originated in Austria.

Traditionally it is made with raspberry/redcurrent jam, but on that day I could only find plum jam and decided to try it. It was so delicious,that I decided to always make it with plum jam.

Below I'm going to be sharing my Linzer Torte recipe.

Ingredients :

500 ml cake flour

250 ml butter cut into cubes

400 ml ground hazelnuts (I have tried walnuts as well, and it works just as well.

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

2/3 tsp. ground cloves (too much can make dough bitter)

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp. grated lemon rind or juice

1 1/2 cups plum jam

Directions :

pre-heat oven to 180°C.

#1 Form flour into a pile on a counter top.

#2 Rub butter into flour with fingertips until light crumbs are formed.

#3 Add hazelnuts, sugar, salt and the spices and mix together.

#4 Add eggs and lemon rind/juice and mix together.

#5 work quickly and form two separate balls of dough, wrap in plastic and leave in fridge to rest for 2 hours.

#6 Press one part of the dough into a greased tart pan, on top of waxed baking paper.

#7 Spread the jam evenly into the shell.

#8 Roll other part of dough out, and cut the desired pattern/shape you want for your topping. (I usually just make a lattice design)

#9 Bake at 180°C for 40-45 minutes until crust is brown. Cool completely before cutting into it.

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A little Sunday treat

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Brunch at The Postcard café

This morning I made the very impulsive decision to pay The Postcard Café a visit, not knowing exactly where it is, or what to expect.

Wow.

The drive there allows you to experience the most breathtaking views as you drive towards the mountains and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. It gets even better when you enter the driveway, and when you step out of your car words cannot even describe the 360 view you have.

It was quit busy, but the staff were ON TOP OF IT. Without being intrusive, they kept an eye out for my call.

I ordered the Chocolate and Banana Chia Seed Pudding, which was topped with Almonds. Although I couldn't finish it, I really did enjoy every single bite, and will be back in the future to order it again.

They really have a very special venue, and very friendly, helpful staff.

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Wine tasting at

Kleine Zalze

After I attended the wedding of my best friend on Saturday morning, I checked into De Zalze Lodge in Stellenbosch with my mother and another close friend.

We stayed in a beautiful vineyard cottage that looks out onto the golf greens.

On arrival you are given complimentary wine tasting vouchers for the winery on the same estate. After we settled into our room, we went down to see what they have to offer.

I obviously started off by tasting two of their MCC's, which I simply loved. (so much that I bought some) I also enjoyed the Pinotage and the Cabernet Sauvignon they had.

The young lady who served us, told us that she was still a intern. She showed such passion for what she does, and we enjoyed chatting to her.

All in all, it was a really good stay and I would recommend both the estate and the Lodge to anyone in the area.

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French Baguette

I received the original recipe from from a lecturer I had back in Culinary school, but I have slightly adapted the method to what I have found works for me.

Ingredients:

1 kg bread flour

200 g poolish

20 g salt

20 g instant yeast

500 g warm water

Poolish : ( Poolish is a fairly wet sponge typically made with a one-part-flour-to-one-part-water ratio by weight, poolish is a known technique to increase a dough's extensibility.)

180 g  All-Purpose Flour

177 g water

a pinch of instant yeast

Instructions:

#1 Poolish: Combine the flour, water and yeast; mix all together, and cover inside a bowl at room temperature until risen.  It should have formed a dome on top, and look aerated.

#2 Place the flour, yeast and salt in the bowl of your mixer. Pour some of the water around the edges of the poolish in its container to loosen it. Pour the poolish and water onto the flour. Using the flat  paddle, mix the dough on low speed for 3-6 minutes , adding more flour or water if necessary . The dough  should clean the sides of the bowl. Take out of the mixer and knead with hands for 2 minutes.

#3 Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl, and let the dough rise until; twice the original size.

#4 Divide the dough into three pieces shaped like rectangles. Let it rest for 20 minutes, and then shape it into baguettes. Proof the baguettes until they expand in volume. 

#5 Preheat your oven to 200 ° C Just before putting the loaves into the oven, slash the tops at a slight angle about a 1/2-inch deep. Spritz the loaves with water and place them in the oven. Bake the loaves for 15-18 minutes. Remove  from the oven when a deep golden brown, and transfer to a rack to cool.

Enjoy

xoxo Ivania

[sweetoothgirl]

CHOCOLATE CHERRY & COCONUT LAYER CAKE

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Oh my word.

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Bread, glorious bread.

Good morning from South Africa!

Since I work in the Hospitality industry i have not been posting in some time, but I’m looking forward to a long weekend, and my best friend is getting married tomorrow! 

I will be posting a delicious baguette recipe later today, and will also be posting about the activities leading up to the wedding.

A very traditional bread that we eat here in SA is called a “roosterbrood”, which is a small piece of dough formed into a square baked on a grid on open flames. This is really something that I only eat either at home or when I am in the karoo. 

Until now I have never really found a place that offers good quality roosterbrood, until I stumbled onto a small little hangout in Stellenbosch called “De Stomme Jonge”.

Wow, I just love everything about this place. Although it would not be everyones choice of hangout, and could be mistaken for a student restaurant, I simply love popping in there after work, even just for a glass of wine or craft beer.

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“Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts.”

– James Beard

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Wine tasting at

L'avenir Wine Estate

I recently paid a visit to L'avenir Estate in Stellenbosch to meet up with a few friends for a glass of bubbles.

My one friend and I arrived a bit early and decided to have a wine tasting while we wait for the others to arrive.

We sat outside on benches overlooking a dam, and completely surrounded by vineyards.

We selected a few red wines and some MCC to taste, the two that stood out for me from everything; the Brut Rosé and the Stellenbosch Classic Bordeaux Blend.

After the tasting we decided to buy a bottle of each, and enjoyed it right there on the spot.

When visiting the venue you will surely experience a South Africa meets France feeling, which I loved.

Please do yourself a favour and pay a visit to this little gem.