Category: Food

  • Black Friday Deals with King-Online

    Black Friday Deals with King-Online

    Newly discovered online health shop, King Online, has incredible Black Friday Deals you do not want to miss out on! 

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    About King-Online

    King-Online is a health and wellness store with over 3000 products. They sell vitamins and supplements, health
    foods, home diagnostic tests, natural beauty products, vegan and organic products. They are primarily an online
    store and offer nationwide delivery throughout South Africa.

    King Online Black Friday Deals

    What makes King Online different:

    1. Excellent Customer Service: The kind that you can reach out to and speak to a real person at any time. I was kindly gifted with a voucher to shop to my hearts content and man, oh man, that I did. The King Online Team  called to let me know my order was received but was out of stock on a certain product. They had quickly sourced an alternative for me and added to my parcel. Such Gems!

    2. Fast delivery: When they say they offer lightning fast delivery in the JHB area, they mean it. My parcel arrived the very next day. But don’t worry, they are working on doing this for other areas aswell.

    3. FNB Exclusive Discounts: As an FNB Wellness partner, the team offer exclusive discounts every month to FNB
    clients. To receive the discount, simply log into the FNB App and find the discount code in the Nav>
    Wellness Offers section. For the Black Friday Week Sale, FNB Clients receive a further 5% on top on the BF Sale!

    Being a Joburg’er is Lekker

    For customers in the Johannesburg area, you get free delivery for orders over R400 and free delivery to other
    areas for orders over R1000. Isn’t that so lekker?

    Black Friday Deals with King-Online

    Black Friday Deals with King-Online are running from 22-28 November 2021

    Brands like Solgar, Solal, Harvest Table  Collagen to name a few, that will be on sale at up to 60% OFF. Massive deals that you do not want to miss out on! 

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    Shop for all your vitamins, Health Foods and Beauty care online with King Online

    Happy BLACK FRIDAY Shopping!

     

     

     

  • Cooking with UCOOK!

    Cooking with UCOOK!

    We are back with a foodie review! If you’ve been following  me for a while, you will know that cooking is not my strongest quality. I had the privilege of cooking with UCOOK two weeks back and let me just say, I think I may have just unleashed my inner chef!

    The Little Guru- Ucook Review

    What Is UCOOK & How Does It Work?

    UCOOK is a food delivery service with a focus on healthy meals, easy recipes and ethically sourced ingredients. The ingredients are locally sourced and always seasonal.

    UCOOK’s Meal Kit subscription service is based on a flexible weekly subscription which you can activate/deactivate at any time. You can choose between 2, 3 or 4 meals to be delivered to your chosen address. A subscription box of delicious pre-measured ingredients & recipes. There are six plans to choose from. UCOOK has Easy
    Peasy, Health Nut, Global Eats, Vegetarian and two new additions – Premium for those nights
    where you’re wanting a dining experience and Saver to help stretch your budget. Those with
    dietary restrictions can filter through Gluten Conscious, Dairy Free and Pork Free. There really is a
    plan for everyone!

    Making Dinner Better Since 2014

    UCOOK came about when two friends, David Torr and Chris Verster-Cohen, wanted to find a more convenient way to help people make dinner.

    (2014 was the year I got married and had my independence in the kitchen. David and Chris knew that I would need help in the kitchen in the future, for mine and my husbands survival! ) All jokes aside, I’m not that bad guys…

    The Little Guru- Ucook Review Making Magic

    Within two years, UCOOK took the country by storm as South Africa’s favourite meal-kit delivery company. But that was just the beginning. Now, UCOOK is all about bringing even more convenient solutions, with new offerings like ready-made, flash-frozen Craft Meals, Baby Food and Wine being just one click away. 

    The Ordering & Delivery Experience

    The site is really easy to navigate through, You will just have a tough time deciding on which meal to pick because they are all really delicious! 

    Ucook Meal Kit

    The whole setup is cleverly thought out as each meal is packed in a insulated box with ice packs to keep your ingredients fresh the whole day. It also comes with beautiful recipe cards indicating the time frame (in days) in which the meal should be cooked, what you need in addition and full step by step cooking instructions. UCOOK’s branding team has ensured that their philosophies ring home. This company is really proud of their ethical stance as they wear their hearts on their sleeves, well in this case, their packaging. 

    What we Ordered

    I opted for 3 Meal Kits and 2 Frozen Craft Meals: Meal Kits: Chilli Beef Con Carne, Haute Cabrière Ravioli and Glassy Thai Beef Broth. Craft Meals: Pulled Beef Enchilada & Lasagne alla Bolognese.

    Ucook Menu Meal Kit

    I was so excited when I saw Chilli Beef on the menu, I had been wanting to try it for ages and let me just tell you, it was beyond amazing!

    Chilli Beef Meal Kit

    The Craft Meals were just as delicious. Full of Flavour and the perfect portion size. I can definitely see myself stocking up on these frozen meal for those weeks that have no cooking time available.

    Our Review

    Ucook has really hit the nail on the head when it comes to convenience. The clever combination of flavours, the convenience of delivery and packaging and of course the easy recipes with delicious end results. There are choices for everyone, especially those with special dietary requirements which I think adds great value to this brand. For those who love cooking or don’t, UCOOK is definitely a meal services to try at least once!  

    The lovely UCOOK team has offered a discount code for my readers! Just add this code #LITTLEGURU20 at checkout to receive 20% off your first UCOOK Cart. Valid until December 31st 2021.

    So are you ready to cook chef? 

    Start cooking with UCOOK.

  • Let’s Talk Tea …

    Let’s Talk Tea …

    Let’s talk tea, shall we …

    Did you know that different types of personalities are drawn to different types of tea? Your preference for loose-leaf tea over tea bags, and even how you brew your tea, says a lot about who you are.

    Images by Meropa

    Tea Talk with Jessica Bonin

    SA-born tea sommelier, Jessica Bonin, who gained experience from studying directly under tea masters in China, Japan and South Korea, talks tea.

    “While teas have always been selected for their unique characteristics and flavour profiles, our inclinations towards different teas are representative of our personal characteristics.

    “For every individual, tea has a different meaning. It is an expression of our emotions and who we are. We all associate with its effects. Even on a subconscious level. Tea drinking for some, is soothing and healing, while for others, it’s invigorating.

    “With so many beneficial compounds, tea creates various states in the body and mind. We then form associations based on those outcomes. We naturally gravitate toward teas that fulfil the state of being we seek.”

    Images by Meropa- Tea Lovers

    To cater for every taste, mood and personality, the Rooibos tea industry has added new twists to the pantry staple. Today there are numerous blends of specialty Rooibos infusions on the market, with a clear trend towards more natural ingredients.

    Bonin remarks that each Rooibos tea blend has a distinct keynote, flavor, aroma, texture, and feel. This appeals to one’s deeper character.

    “If you’re in a contemplative mood, Rooibos & Chamomile will provide a calming effect, while Rooibos & Lemon is likely to be the blend of choice for those who demand focus. The spontaneous will likely gravitate toward a berry-blend, whereas warm and caring individuals will find harmony in a cup of chai tea.”

    Tea Talk Images by Meropa

    After meticulously studying the various infusions, Bonin has developed a tea personality quiz for tea lovers.

    Take the quiz here 

    If you are looking to buy some exotic and tasty tea, buy some here.

  • We talking Everything Tea!

    We talking Everything Tea!

    Finding more ways to incorporate tea into my day has been the inspiration behind this post. I have been a tea lover for the longest time and today we talking about everything tea!  I was thrilled when Everything Tea wanted to send over some of their loose Tea’s to try. Being down and out for a week, it was the perfect opportunity to really sit and enjoy the blends of goodness and practicing good tea meditation.

    TLG Blog- Tea Review

    What’s in the Box?

    The lovely team over at Everything Tea, asked which tea’s I wanted to try. There is sooo much to choose from but I settled on the Birthday Cake, B(l)eauty Sleep, and the Glow tea blend They went above and beyond and included a beautiful cup with a tea diffuser and delicious honey with a honey dipper.

    Everything Tea Review- Photo by Nicole Coutinho

    So.. What’s the Tea?

    Birthday Cake Rooibos -Sweet, bold, and delicious. Guys, it’s just so yum! I love rooibos tea and with sprinkles added to the mix, it just makes it even tastier! It really is a sweet sensation and perfect to curb any sweet cravings!

    B(l)eauty Sleep-Having a restful and peaceful sleep can be quite a challenge for most people. If you are struggling to fall asleep, then B(I)eauty Sleep blend is the perfect match for you. Packed with soothing ingredients like Butterfly Pea, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Valerian Root, this blend chills you out to the max! As someone who suffers from night terrors, this blend has certainly helped minimize them in a substantial way. The taste of the blend itself is unique and takes a bit of getting used to but the benefits of it have been incredible!

    Glow Tea- Revitalize your skin and body with Glow tea blend, specifically formulated with skin beautifying botanicals. If you are a fan of green tea, then you will love this blend. The smell itself is so therapeutic.

    Glow Tea

    Overall Thoughts

    If you are a tea lover like I am, then I think you will honestly take your taste buds on a journey with all the delicious blends that Everything Tea has to offer. They too have beautiful gift sets that would be the perfect gift for any tea lover!

    Click here to shop!

    Image by Nicole Coutinho

    *TradeExchange
  • JHB’s Hidden Gem-  Issy’s Coffee & Gift Shop

    JHB’s Hidden Gem- Issy’s Coffee & Gift Shop

    There is something quite special about finding a little haven that just makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside.  As much as I want to keep this little haven a secret, it’s too special not to share. Let me introduce you to Jhb’s Hidden Gem- Issy’s  Coffee & Gift Shop.

    Issy- TLG Blog Photo

    Not many people know this, but I have been captivated by the Holocaust. Many years ago I watched a film called    “The Boy in Striped Pajamas”, since then I have been hooked on searching and reading stories about the survivors of the Holocaust. 

    Issy’s is Something Special…

    Issy’s is managed by Courtneigh Bernstein, who opened the shop in memory of her grandfather, as well as in honour of all survivors of genocide. Courtneigh’s grandfather, Israel Gurwicz, was a Holocaust survivor.

    Issy Coffee Shop- Photo by Nicole Coutinho
    I briefly got to meet and chat with Courtneigh, granddaughter and owner of Issy. The loveliest person you will ever meet!

    Israel Gurwicz was born in Vilna to Bluma and Moshe-Hirsch. In 1941, the family was forced into the Ghetto. Issy’s brother Allan escaped and hid with Tonia Pietryk, their Polish governess. His mother and sister Deborah were murdered in the Ponary Forest and his father was murdered in Dachau. Issy escaped and found his way to Tonia’s house where he hid with his brother until their liberation by the Red Army. Tonia was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem for her bravery. After the war Issy and Allan immigrated to South Africa.

    Goosebump moment right?

    Nicole C- TLG Blog- Issy Coffee Shop

    Good Food, Good Vibe

    Looking out onto a little courtyard,  it’s on the ground floor of the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre in Forest Town. It’s a quiet little coffee shop, that really is the perfect oasis to spend the morning. I loved how peaceful it was – it’s a place where you can take a deep breath, and just be.  

    Issy's Coffee Shop Johannesburg

    Along with coffee, good coffee as said by my M, you can have bagels and sandwiches, and there are a few things for sale, like books and jewellery. The books on sale, in particular, grabbed my attention. Of course I bought one, who are we kidding here…

    TLG Blog Books- Issys coffee shop

    Issy's Coffee Shop Books- The Holocaust
    I bought, The Holocaust.

    The crew who work there are the perfect combination of humble  & friendly . Lucky, who is Issy’s front man, welcomed us with open arms and chatted to us about all the locally made gifts in store. This humble man went on to tell us that even though it has been tough (due to Coronavirus) he is still able to look after his family by the local communities support. This is why I love supporting local, it’s important because places and people as good as these, will still be around. They deserve to be! 

    Lucky- Issy's Coffee Shop
    Lucky- Hardworking & Humble guy!

    The Holocaust and Genocide Centre will be re-opening on the 1st of September 2020. I cannot wait to experience it with a good old cuppa in hand.

    Rawandan Coffee

    Many may think that the centre would be a bit of a downer, but dont. Let it be a space where you go on a historical journey. I for one, cant wait.

    More Info

    Jhb’s Hidden Gem-Issy’s Coffee and Gift Shop can be found inside the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, 1 Duncombe Rd, Forest Town (just off Jan Smuts Avenue and opposite The Westcliff). –  Open Mon to Fri, 9am–4:30pm; Sun and public holidays 9am–3pm. 

    Read more lifestyle content here.

  • Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups!

    Raw Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups!

    I have been having fun in my kitchen lately in terms of baking up storms of deliciousness! I had been wanting to make chocolate cups for such a long time since I had seen them on Gypsea_Lust (She is gorgeous and her photos are magnificent!) Insta stories that I finally gathered my ingredients and tried it!

    With a few additions to the recipe, they actually came out pretty damn good if I say so myself! So because I had such great feedback from my Insta fans, I thought I would share my recipe here for you to try!
    If you not a dark chocolate fan, then you probably won’t be a fan of these chocolate cups as they have a very dark chocolate taste. But give it a try, you might surprise yourself!

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    Raw Chcolate Cups- Guru Style

    Ingredients:
    100g raw cacao butter, melted over a double pot
    Half a teaspoon coconut oil
    2 heaped Tablespoons cacao powder
    1/4 teaspoon himalayan salt
    1 ½ tablespoon of honey (add more or less to desired taste)
    40g (2 heaped tbsp) natural peanut butter or almond butter
    Various toppings- Peanuts, conconut flakes, rasberries, whatever your heart desires!
    Mini pie foil tins

    How to make:
    1. Begin making the chocolate mix. Stir all the chocolate ingredients together, (all other ingredients except the peanut butter) over a pot of boiling water in a glass bowl (bain-marie style) spoon 1/2 of the mixture into foil cups (approx 4), stirring between each spoonful to prevent honey setting on the bottom.
    2. Place moulds in the freezer to set for 5-10 minutes.
    3. Remove moulds from freezer and spoon 1 heaped tsp of peanut or almond butter (or both) in the centre of each. Using the back of a spoon spread the peanut butter into a disk that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the chocolate base.
    4. Add some toppings if you want them inside the centre of the cup too, or just leave it plain.
    5. Spoon the remaining chocolate mixture into the cups, ensuring the peanut butter layer is covered.
    6. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes.
    7. Remove from freezer to top with coconut flakes/ peanuts/ rasberries etc.
    8. Place back in freezer to set
    9. Enjoy!

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    Notes:
    I had purchased all my ingredients online from Faithful to Nature. The Raw cacao butter is pricey but it’s so worth it! As for the chocolate cacao powder, I used the Nestle Cocoa.
    The chocolate will begin to melt quite quickly when removed from the freezer in warmer climates. Store in the fridge or freezer. Eat straight from the fridge or freezer!
    If you want a version that doesn’t melt so quickly, try replacing the coconut oil with additional cacao butter as it has a much higher melting point.

    Rich and chocolatey! Enough to curb any sweet craving.

  • Roxanne’s Rum Eatery Review

    Roxanne’s Rum Eatery Review

    So I’m pretty sure you have heard of Roxannes Rum Eatery through either some social media or through grape vine. If you haven’t, well,  you are in luck cause I’m gonna tell you all about it sweet cheeks!

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    Hello Roxanne

    I was invited to try out their new vegan menu that they have introduced and how they plan to save the world one Meat-Free Monday at a time.  They calling this Flexitarianism, the act of shifting from a meat-heavy diet to adopting a plant- based lifestyle as and when the desire arrives! I love how they approaching Joburg’s flexi-eating culture and giving us the freedom to enjoy both options!

    So who is Roxanne…

    ‘Roxanne is the everywoman. She is a head turner, a heart breaker. She is quiet and sincere, but she is also loud and strong. She is pure confidence and strength. Roxanne is funny but serious when she needs to be. She is brave and untamed. Men want to be with her, they want to keep her. Women want to be her. You’ll find her nestled among the neon signs, her complexion glowing under their blood-red light. With a drop of the shoulder, she bites her bottom lip and welcomes you in, hand stretched out. You take it and enter a world unlike any other. When she looks at you, with a gaze that holds no bounds, suddenly you’re the only person in the room. But don’t try to hold onto the moment, for it is fleeting. Roxanne cannot be caged, she will not be tamed. Come and join her, with no reservation, only passion and freedom. She’ll remind you what it’s like to live for the moment. She’ll teach you how to be true to yourself. For each of us, even those unaware, have some Roxanne within. Let her out. Set her free and be the women you were born to be.’

    Now doesn’t that sound like a place that just gets you? I so wanna be Roxanne…

    Roxanne’s is a vibe…

    Roxanne’s decor is so beautiful! It’s got a modern look with a bit of what reminds me of a secret 50’s-60’s underground cigar lounge vibe. Tasselled light shades hang above you and pin-up girl murals surround you on the face- brick walls. The best part is the neon lights which really brings everything to life! Every corner is Instagram worthy and without a doubt a clever thing to incorporate in a restaurant!

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    Hello you Beauty!

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    Leather Benches, Tasseled Lamp Shades and  a whole Lot of Zest!

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    Where the good stuff gets served~

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    Perfect photo backdrop!

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    Instagram worthy signage in the ladies bathroom- amazing right?

    Is the grub good?

    The menu is really something! Your eyes will feast and your stomach will grumble with the options they have to offer… They cater for all! Vegan, non-Vegan, Vegetarians, Meat eaters and just food lovers all round!

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    It was M, Myself and our couple besties!  We ooo’ed and ahh’ed over the menu and when it came time to order we wasted no time in diving in! They really have such an amazing vegan menu with tons to choose from, you can eat meat-free versions of all your favourite dishes. Pizza, burgers, tacos, salads, sandwiches, desserts. Limitless really. The new menu promises not to disappoint, in fact, it may even surprise those meat-loving individuals!

    Off the new vegan menu, we opted for the Vegan Taco–  Crumbed cannellini beans and lentil balls, pink slaw, smashed black beans, corn picada topped with guacamole, spicy tomatillo sauce, quinoa and coriander and the Got no Beef? Glam Burger 150g Vegan patty made in-house, vegan bread roll, spicy egg free mayo, kimchi & greens.

    For the non vegans- They opted for the Beer Battered Hake and Fries and the Mince, Bacon Macaroni Bake.

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    Tantelizing Vegan Taco

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    Vegan Glam Burgers- Got no Beef..

    The Verdict…

    Tacos = The tacos were delicious! I’m a sauce loving kind of girl, so I would have liked a bit more of the spicy tomatillo sauce, but other than that it was pretty great for my first Vegan dish. The portion size is just enough. I would say it’s a perfect tapa type meal but if you really hungry then I would order a side with it!

    Burger =R loved it! He is a vegetarian and was surprised by how good the burger was!

    All round, we really loved our meals.. I kept on asking how the food was and the response I got back was muffled mmm’s and in-between the chewing “It’s really good!”.  Roxanne, I think you did well!

    But the real show stopper was the Guilt Free Vegan Cheese Cake. It’s topped with Tipo Tinto infused naughty berries and it is so delicious!!! A definite must try, even if you share it with a couple of buddies!

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    Guilt free Cheese Cake

    The Cocktails…

    If you are a Rum lover then you are in for a treat! Roxanne’s Rum infused cocktails are simply delicious! The Pauline Pfeiffer was the favourite amongst the group by far.. Smooth and sweet with a hint of cinnamon kick in the end! Delicious! Definitely grab a cocktail while you are there- It’s totally worth it!

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    Delicious cocktails with collactable coasters!

    Roxanne, in all that she is, is breaking the mold with a menu filled with delicious choices abundant with flavour and textures that will appeal to vegetarians, vegans, reductarians, and flexitarians alike. A home for all palates, where everyone is welcome. Why do what has always been done? Why eat what has always been eaten? Take Roxanne’s hand and let her show you a whole new world. This is not just another restaurant. This is not just another Rum Eatery. This is Roxanne

    Roxanne, you were wildly wonderful!
    We will be back!

    **This is a sponsored post**

  • Food Review- Frozen For You

    Food Review- Frozen For You

    If you’re an avid reader or you know me in person, you will know that I’m not the biggest fan of cooking. I have my days where I will be happy to whip up something delightful in my kitchen and then there are days where I give my fridge the stink eye when I arrive home from work. It’s a love/hate relationship.

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    Me on most days

    I am constantly on the prowl for convenient, wholesome dinner suggestions or just ways to save my time in the evenings. I gratefully stumbled upon Frozen for You. Who they are will simply blow your mind!

    Frozen for you n

    The Story

    In 1993 Karen opened a small one-woman catering company in her friend’s kitchen and called it By Word of Mouth. Word soon spread and today By Word of Mouth has become one of South Africa’s premier catering and event companies recognised at home and abroad for quality food and excellent service. (Mind Blowing Right?!)
    Over the years clients have asked for take-home versions of the most popular meals. They wanted By Word of Mouth quality, conveniently delivered to their home, saving them time and the cost of doing it themselves. This is where Frozen for You was born!

    The Menu

    There is quite a variety considering they have just started up. Choices ranges from chicken, beef, lamb. Fish, vegetarian and even desserts! I chose Mild Butter Chicken Curry, Beef Lasagne, Vegetable and Chickpea Curry, Mac and Cheese, Dauphinoise Potatoes, Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Melanzane Parmigiana.

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    Mild Butter Chicken Curry- My favourite Dish!

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    The Verdict

    I am such a fan of By Word of Mouth catering. I attended a few functions a few years back where they did the catering and the food was exceptional so with expectations high and feeling quite eager to try their meals, I signed up and placed the order!
    Keeping in mind that they have just started up, they have very selected areas where they deliver to. Unfortunately, my area was not on the list so I would have to make an arrangement to collect the order at the collection point in Linbro Park. I made a plan though if I want something, I find a way to get it hence my lovely sister-in-law came to the rescue. I had it delivered to her work premises and collected it from her.

    The food exceeded my expectations! The meals were delicious! Stunning flavours, quick cooking time and portion sizes are just perfect and the cost of the meals, in my opinion, is pretty decent! The Chicken Curry, Mac and Cheese, Melanzane Parmigiana and Dauphinoise Potatoes are a must-try, they are just delicious! The meals are great because you can create a real buffet if you really wanted to. I paired Chicken Schnitzels with the Melanzane Parmigiana and the meal was magical.

    Definitely a great option for new moms and dads, newlyweds and singles! Convenient food has never looked or tasted this good!

    Suggestions:

    I’m hoping that the Frozen for You team with broaden their delivery options to the East side- pretty please
    As for dishes- definitely more pasta dishes, but looking forward to new ones to try and definitely adding a dessert to my next order!

    Frozen for You have claimed a new customer- looking forward to my next order!
    For more info check out their page here.

  • 5 Tasty Finger Foods for the Festive Season!

    5 Tasty Finger Foods for the Festive Season!

    I love the festive season. It’s a time for partying, enjoying the company of friends and family, and maybe even impressing them a little with your hosting skills. A huge part of any successful party is the food on offer, and when you’ve got guests mingling, drinking and generally being merry, a selection of finger food is the way to go- Especially if you are Portuguese!  But what to serve?!

    Well, worry no more; I’ve picked out five tasty finger foods for the festive season that are easy to make and delicious to eat.

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     1. Cheesy croquettes. Who doesn’t love a bit of cheese at Christmas? (and I don’t mean the retro Christmas songs kind) Rather than slicing it onto crackers, try breading different cheeses and either deep-frying or baking them to make bite-sized croquettes. Mozzarella is perfect for croquettes and will give you a luxurious gooey center. If you prefer a hard cheese like cheddar you can combine it with a little cooked potato so that it holds together. Add herbs and spices that you love, and don’t forget the dipping sauces. Various tomato sauces like ketchup are easy and work really well, but be careful of the spills. If someone does get some down their new dress, it’s no big deal; just click here and you’ll find out how to remove ketchup from clothes with ease.

    tomato basil ricotta and spinach crostini

    2. Crostini and Bruschetta. These little slices of bread topped with your favourite ingredients will make the perfect bite-size festive treat. You can either toast your crostini with a little melted cheese, onion and bacon, or use cold ingredients like smoked salmon, cucumber and dill on a crusty mini slice. The biggest advantage of crostinis and bruschettas is how easy they are to make and how many different combinations you can create. For such little preparation time, they really can pack a punch.  

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    3. Vegetable antipasti skewers. Skewers are another tasty treat that requires minimum effort for maximum flavour. They are easy to hold and carry around too, always popular when you’re throwing a party. Simply gather a load of different ingredients such as olives, figs, cold meats, small tomatoes and baby onions, then mix up your combos. These are also ideal if you want exclusively vegetarian canapé options. And I guess they’re kind of healthy too – bonus!

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    4. Filo pastry canapé. If you’ve got the time and skill to make your own pastry the go for it, but if you haven’t, the shop-bought versions are so good that nowadays even chefs use them! As with other festive finger foods, the best thing about pastry canapés is their flexibility. Simply create a mix, be it shredded chicken, tuna mayonnaise, creamy mushrooms or anything else you want to try, and spoon it into your pastry case. Just make sure the mixture is wet enough to spread and fill, but not so wet that it’ll soak right through.

    hot chocolate cupcakes final 2

    5. Mini cupcakes. Finally, no festive finger food spread would be complete without a sweet treat or two. After all, it is Christmas. Mini cupcakes are ideal, and all you have to do to make them is divide the mix into smaller cases than normal. There are so many things you can add to make them special too: a little food colouring for a festive Red Velvet cake or some spice and dried fruit for a Christmas Pudding bite.

    There you go! Some festive food inspiration and tips for you to try out this season. Plus you’ve even got a guide for how to remove ketchup from clothes, so everything is covered in case of a mishap. Give these foods a go and look forward to receiving lots of compliments from your guests!

    The Guru will be enjoying the Christmas season and trying out these delicious dishes!
    So until next year- Happy Holidays!

    **This is a sponsored post**
    ** All images provided via web search**

  • Eat Here: Forum Homini Roots Restaurant

    Eat Here: Forum Homini Roots Restaurant

    Over the weekend we celebrated my cousin’s 1st wedding anniversary. In our family, we have a tradition where we steal the cake topper from the wedding cake on the day of the wedding and give it back to the happy couple 1 year later. It’s a really fun way to surprise the couple and treat them to a day out on their anniversary.

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    We decided to treat them to a rather fancy dining experience at the beautiful Forum Homini- Roots Restaurant. Located on Krugersdorp, it’s really a hidden little gem in the amoungst gorgeous tranquil wilderness.

    Our meal consisted of a carefully orchestrated menu of 6 beautifully presented courses along with each serving of the dishes, our enthusiastic waiter gave us a briefing of what was placed before us as we “oooo-ed” and “aaaa-ed” at every dish. You would think that gourmet meals wouldn’t fill you- well it does! By the end of the dining experience we were all stuffed!

    Our lunch began with a little taste-bud teaser; that being a chunk of Ostrich, mixed with vegetables, nuts and a vinaigrette- For someone who isn’t a fan of any meat other then beef or chicken, I sucked it up and tried ostrich for the very first time! (If your going for the full experience then you have to put aside your dislikes and try everything- it’s worth it , trust me)

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    Dish #1- Potatoe Gnocchi: Dehydrated Parma Ham, Buttermilk Labneh, Pickled Onions, Butternut Puree, Charred Peaches
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    Dish #2- Cured Salmon: Salmon Tartare, Pickled Cucumber Ribbons, Yuzu Gel, Horseradish Mousse.

    Dish #3 was another first for me. I had never eaten duck before and swore I never would. Never say never…

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    Dish #3- Duck Breast: Leg Terrine, Porcini Puree, Artichokes, Cauliflower, Pickled Shimeji, Sorrel

    The next dish was amazing! The beef just melted in your mouth and the ingredients combined was just a burst of flavor in your mouth!

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    Dish #4- Beef Fillet: Prime Rib, Smoked Potatoe Puree, Glazed Carrot, Baby Leeks, Black Garlin Puree, Onion Herb Crumble

    Now this is living it up -a pre-dessert before the main dessert which was just divine! The Coconut snow Sorbet is EVERYTHING!

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    Dish #5- Mango Panna Cotta: Mango Gel, Coconut Snow, Popping Candy, Passion Fruit Siphon, Coconut Sorbet, Passion Fruit Curd.
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    Dish #6- Chocolate Fudge Sponge: Dulcey Dulce Cream, Banana Ice Cream, Banana Chips, Hot Fudge Sauce, Chocolate Banana Soil, Salted Caramel, Pliable Peanut Butter Ganache

    We all agreed that the last dish was everyone’s absolute favorite!, but all in all, the whole experience was stunning! With great company and great food, you just cant go wrong! I would highly recommend a fine dining experience at Roots Restaurant for any occasion!

    For more info, see below:

    Restaurant Name:   Roots at Forum Homini
    Website:                    http://forumhomini.co.za/
    Phone Number :      +27 11 668 7000  
    Location:                   Letamo Game Estate, Kromdraai, R540 (Off N14), Mogale City, Gauteng, 1732

    Your welcome…

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