Weekend Breakfast: Cinnamon French Toast

School holidays are here... Yay! I am lucky in that I can spend Monday and Tuesday with my daughter - I finished up with EDS on Friday and start my new job with Coronation on Wednesday, 1 October.

To celebrate, I made her French Toast for breakfast.

Ingredients:

1x Large Egg

125ml Milk

2t Brown Sugar

1/2t Cinnamon

2 or 3 thick slices of bread

1 or 2 knobs of butter

Method:

1. Add the egg, milk, sugar and cinnamon in a mixing bowl and beat with a fork, until properly mixed.

2. Soak the bread in this mixture for a minute or two.

3. Melt a knob of butter in a saucepan.

3. Fry in bread on medium heat, turning when golden brown.

Plate and drizzle with traditional maple syrup.
Yummy!

Cooking with Gas!

Today, I took the plunge and finally bought my gas hob. For the past few months, I have been cooking on a portable gas burner (usually used for camping). Before that, I cooked on my non-gas Ariston hob.

I did a little shopping around this morning and finally ended up at Tafelberg Furnishers in Durban Road, Bellville. I was assisted by a very knowledgeable salesman named Christopher. I had trouble deciding between the Defy and the Eurogas and eventually went with the Defy DHG113 (R3119).

Then, off to Blue Flame Gas and Hardware Distributors on Voortrekker Road. After a quick phone call to my handyman friend Keith, I walked out with a 9kg gas cylinder, 2m of hose, 2 clamps and a regulator (R528).

It took me about an hour and a half to install my new kit and it is wonderful! I can't wait to cook something!

So... after reading this, you are ALL going to pop out and upgrade to gas, right? Well, I realise that not all of you are as handy as I am (LMAO) so here's where I plug my buddy's handyman business. Keith is brilliant at everything he does and his rates don't break the bank! I have used him for roofing, waterproofing and installing my electric gate motor. I am very impressed - you too will be!

Keith Arntsen
0834616533

Mid-Week Dinner: Baked Bluenose & Chips

I drive past Fish 4 Africa in Monte Vista every day, on my way to fetch my daughter at aftercare. Yesterday, I decided we were having baked fish for dinner - I had an incling! Fish 4 Africa is surprisingly reasonable and they have a variety of fresh fish available all the time... And they give good advice. I told one of the guys that I was looking for a good fish to bake, in foil, in the oven. He immediately recommended the Bluenose. I bought a 2kg fish for R95 and they cleaned and filleted it for me, no extra charge!

Ingredients:
1kg Filleted Bluenose (I made 2kgs - leftovers go on sarmies with mayo!)
2t Olive Oil
2t Crushed Garlic
2 Lemons, finely sliced
Foil, enough to 'parcel' the fish
1/2 Onion, finely sliced
1t cider vinegar, per fillet
Sprinkling of Chilli & Garlic Spice (Ina Paarman)
Sprinkling of Thyme (Robertsons)
Sprinkling of Salt & Black Pepper
Preheat the Oven to 200 deg C.
Method:
1. Lay the foil in a baking tray.
2. Coat with Olive Oil
3. Put half the sliced onion and lemon on the foil.
4. Place the fish on top
5. Season with spices (Salt, Pepper, Garlic & Chilli & Thyme)
6. Sprinkle a teaspoon of cider vinegar on each fillet.
7. Layer the remaining Onion and Lemons on top of the fish.
8. Bring the foil over and seal into a parcel.
9. Place in the oven and cook for 30 to 35 min. (my 2kg fish took around 45min). Best to check after the 25 min mark. If the fish flakes, it is done. Do not overcook.

Serve with oven baked chips. Simple, Wholesome, Lekker!

I would pair this with a light to medium bodied Rieslingor, something with a dry finish...

Mid-Week Dinner: Chop 'n Dop met Sous Boontjies

Boet, this ones for you: I'll bet you miss the true "Souf Efriken" braai now that you are in the land of Kiwis! I am told you are coming back to SA for a while in January... I trust we will get together and rekindle some old memories!

Well, last night I got home and sparked up the old Weber (yeah, yeah - that's not the true SA way! I know). Damn, you spotted that. I did a quick pork chop, some lamb & a few toasties. Whip out the old favourites: Beetroot Salad and 'Sous Boontjies) and you have a great midweek dinner... No mess, no fuss!

This week has once more been a burr of business and I have not had the opportunity to blog. Just to fill you in: On Monday, I made my famous Rosemary infused Tomato Bredie (stew) served on a bed of Basmati rice. On Tuesday, I oven baked Pork Schnitzels and served them on mash, with a side order of petit pois peas.

Definition of 'petit pois' - Very small green peas (as simple as that...)

I will post these recipes at a later stage.

Tonight is Boy's Night again... I missed last week as I was pooped after our dinner party on the Wednesday. I managed to get out of working tonight - one of my guys have agreed to work for me. Andrew, affectionately know as "girlpants" is a lifesaver! I need this midweek break... Thanks buddy!

News: Spur Making Headlines over the Weekend

It seems Spur is once more making headlines... On the front page of the Saturday Newspaper: Kids Eat Free! This comes just a short time after the launch of the Big Chief Burger Range... (really, that guy needs a medal).

The long and short of it: For a limited time (I think until 29 September), on presentation of the voucher from the newspaper, for each adult meal ordered, you can get a kiddies meal for free!

We clearly made use of this offer on Sunday. Mel was babysitting so we piled all the kids in the car & off to Utah Spur. Spur must be employing Mind Readers in their marketing department... Just when everyone is feeling the financial pinch, they come up with this offer. No wonder is made front page headlines! LOL. Well done, Spur!

Review: Yo Eastern Fusion

On Saturday night, our friend Belinda celebrated a birthday at Yo Eastern Fusion restaurant in Welgelegen. I used this as a excuse to do a review for you, my blog readers. Thankfully my wife had her K800i mobile phone with her... No, not to call an ambulance! ... twas for the camera, ok...
We started the evening with a drink in the bar. This is definitely the cheapest bar I have ever been to. Cocktails - Sex on the Beach, Strawberry Daiquiri, Call me a Cab, etc. for R25 each. Where in Cape Town can you find that?

The main restaurant: Great ambiance and friendly staff. There is a stunning fish tank off to one side, adding to the Asian feel of the restaurant. Thought was given to the lighting - the Sushi Bar is well lit and the dining area is darker and more cozy. The prices are fair. The menu is extensive. The hotter dishes are indicated with a little picture of a chilli, just after the name of the dish. There is a 10% service charge for larger tables - ours was R160.

If you are a sushi lover, this is the place to try. The sushi menu is extensive - Maki, Shashimi, California Rolls, Nigiri and all the favourites. They also do 'special sushi', designed by the owners. The picture is of a sushi platter (R105). The ingredients are all fresh and your sushi is made while you wait. Seafoods used in the Sushi range from Salmon (normal, spicy and smoked), prawns, tuna, eels, Norwegian Salmon and crab sticks. Pretty impressive! I was asked to please give special mention to Adrienne for ordering the platter... LOL

The menu, as I said, is quite extensive. They have steak for the ol' die-hards and escargo for the more adventurous. They even do soup: Hot and Sour (chicken or prawn) and Sweetcorn Soup. I decided on the Crispy Duck with pancakes (R72). This was very tasty but I must say: There could have been more pancakes. The only negative thing I found: My bowl of oyster sauce looks like it was prepared in a hurry (see the pic).

This was a minor slip up as I checked some of the other dishes ordered by our table.
A wide range of curries are also available, originating on Thailand, China and Indonesia. Richard had the Thai Green Chicken Curry (to the right) and it was really good!

We decided to skip dessert. I was so tempted to try the Crème brûlée but passed for more cocktails are the bar.

I would definitely rate this restaurant (as opposed to slate).

Yo Eastern Fusion Restaurant
Welgelegen Shopping Centre, Malmesbury Road, Welgelegen (above the Spar)
+27 21 558 9888
Open 7 days a week (12pm to 12am)

Mid-Week Dinner Party: Vanilla Waffles with Ice Cream

For my mid-week dinner party, I had to come up with a quick and easy dessert. Vanilla Waffles with Ice Cream did the treat!

Ingredients:
Pack of Frozen Waffles (R22.50)
Vanilla Ice Cream
Traditional Maple Syrup

Method:
See picture.

Nothing could be easier...

Mid-Week Dinner Party: Family-Style Curry & Rice

My buddy Patrick works in Sudan and is back in Cape Town for a little R&R. Mel and I invited Patrick and his better half, Marieta, around for a little dinner and conversation.

I was looking for a low-stress, quick & easy meal to serve as it is no joke getting home from the office at 5:30pm and having guests arrive at 6:30pm. I turned to an old friend - Ina Paarman - and her magic, ready to serve sauce.

Ingredients:
4x Ina Paarman's Creamy Curry Sauce (R9.95 each)
3x Packs of Chicken Breasts, sliced (Approx R16 each)
1/2 Package of 10 Poppadums (R17.95)
1 cup Basmati Rice
Seasoning (Salt, Paprika & Chicken Spice)
2T Olive Oil

Method:

The Curry
1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan
2. Season the chicken and add to the saucepan.
3. Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add the creamy curry sauce and bring up to a simmer.
5. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stir occasionally.
6. Turn off the heat - ready to serve.


The Rice
1. Pre-soak the Basmati Rice in cold water
2. In a saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil - add a pinch of salt to the water
3. Drain the rice and rinse with more cold water, draining again.
4. Add rice to the boiling water & wait for it to come up to a boil.
5. Put a lid on and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Drain rice in a colander. Place a small amount of water back in the saucepan on the stove, place the colander on top and cover with a lid - Steam for a further 10 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat - ready to serve.

The Poppadums:
1. Lightly oil both sides with sunflower oil.
2. Pop in the microwave for 45 sec.

Serve with a green salad. This comfortably feeds 6 adults.

The wine: Rule of thumb - Sweeter wines offer relief from spicy foods!

Book Reviews and more...

I was checking out Exclusive Books this morning and saw a Cook Book that really caught my eye - Slow Food Bible (EAN:9780143008071).

This kind of cooking gets me all excited... To plagiarize a little from the Exclusive Books website: 'allowing the ingredients to simmer away while you get on with other things, or simply kick back and relax'

I am going to pop down to Exclusive Books this afternoon, on my way home, to buy this book. Ordinarily, I would just buy it online but I am eager to get it! Buying online takes 5 to 7 days until you have the book. I must have it NOW!

The plan is to then review the book for you, my avid blog readers. Hopefully, this will be the first of many reviews that I post on this blog site.

I am also looking into the Affiliate program with Exclusive Books to link in to my blog. This program is not available at the moment - something about internal restructuring - I have mailed them to ask when they will be back up and running. I eagerly await their answer.

Soon (hopefully) you will be able to link in to Exclusive Books directly from my blog... Nice hey?

Review: Hake & Chips at Manny's Fish Shop (Bothasig)

After the day I had yesterday, the last thing I was in the mood for was cooking. After fetching Celine, we drove past Manny's Fish Shop in Bothasig. I was actually looking at the Jumbo's Bottle Store, contemplating picking up a good bottle of red and noticed Manny's. One U-Turn later and little tyre screech, I was at the counter.

3 Hake and 1 Small Chips - R62

In & out in minutes. I must mention that small chips, in this case, is a misnomer... there are enough chips to feed a small troop of guerilla warriors fighting for the freedom to pick coconuts in Ghana.

What a package! (No girls! No!). Manny's is one of the old trusted 'when you don't feel like cooking' backout plans. The fish is always fresh and the chips are always 'slap'!

Manny's Fish Shop
(The same Centre as Jumbo's)
Bothasig

Review: Yellow River Chinese Restaurant (Monte Vista)

One of my favourite, local & value for money Chinese restaurants is, without a doubt, Yellow River in Monte Vista. There is nothing pretentious about this restaurant - The food is plain and simple, the decor is the same. I have been to Yellow River quite frequently (at least twice a month) and always find that it if frequented by local Chinese families, sitting an enjoying traditional Chinese quisine in a familiar environment. This is my 'metre-stick' when rating a Chinese restaurant - if it is good enough for the locals...

The 'usual suspects' decided to start the evening off with some mulled wine prepared by Chef Sam. Being a rather wet and cold evening, this went down really well. B.T.W. The usual suspects are Clive, Sam, Mel and I and, of course, the kids (Celine, Lexi and Thorvy). We then piled in the car and proceeded to Yellow River.
We started off with Hot & Sour Soup. This is very tasty - definitely opens the sinuses! Perfect for a cold evening. The kids shared a Chicken Chow Mein while we got stuck into the main course:

- Fried Beef and Chilli
- Chicken with Cashew
- Chinese Vegetables
- Egg Fried Rice
- Chinese Dumplings

Last night, we decided to not go with the usual order of Pork with Chilli and Garlic and General Beef. If you find yourself at Yellow River, you MUST try these two dishes... They are amazing.

Dinner came to around R320. This included Fortune Cookies and softdrinks for the kids.
Not bad, if you ask me...

Overall, we had a great evening - good company, great food and cheap wine (we brought our own)... What more could you ask for?



CONTACT DETAILS:
Yellow River
94C Monte Vista Boulevard, Monte Vista
0215593177

AND THEY DO TAKEOUTS!

Review: Big Chief Burgers at Spur

Last night, (Wife) Mel and (Chef) Sam go to Theatre on the Bay to watch "A Handful of Keys". Not to let an opportunity like this slip away, Clive and I decide to frequent the local Spur Steak Ranch, with the kids in tow!

I must tell you: Clive works in the IT Dept at Spur Head Office. He gets to hear (and sometimes taste) new products, concepts, etc. before they are launched. Lucky bugger... I digress... Clive has been going on about the new range of Burgers that Spur has launched: Big Chief Burgers. He just went on and on about how good they are - clearly he got a sample BEFORE Monday's launch date!

We decided on the Utah Spur in Milnerton as it is close to home. Service was excellent last night, thanks to our waitress (Donna, I think) being attentive to our needs. I pretty much knew what I wanted: The Spicy Chorizo Burger. I love Chorizo...

BUT then I saw all the other burgers:

- Chilli Con Carne Burger...
- Cranberry, Bree and Chicken Burger...
- Bacon, Cheese and Guacamole Burger
- Chilli Chocolate Burger.

Whoever came up with these decadent combinations should be given a big fat bonus and a medal! I ended up having the Chorizo burger - what a taste sensation! Very different for Spur but I really think this is going to be a BIG hit!... a combination of the favour that you are used to from Spur and the new exciting flavours of Chocolate, Chorizo, Chilli Con Carne, Cranberry and Brie.

The people in the booth next to us ordered an assortment of these burgers: the Cranberry, Bree and Chicken Burgers stood out for me when their order arrived - WOW! It looked scrumptious... Next time, I'll try that one. From what I could see, everyone was really impressed with their food.

I mostly find that the marketing material for restaurants show amazingly lit, well put together food that catches your eye - you order it and when it arrives, you are disappointed because it looks nothing like the picture. These Big Chief Burgers are nothing like that! They are truly works of art... these things are so big, they use sosatie sticks to hold them together, instead of toothpicks!

I advise you to go to your local Spur and give these burgers a try! Go Hungry! Very Hungry!!!