Sunday, 28 February 2021

Muesli Biscuits

 


Ingredients

250g butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 cups muesli

1/3 cup raisins

1/2 cup chopped pecan nut

1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter


Method

  • Preheat oven to 180 degrees
  • Lightly grease 2 baking sheets 
  • cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy 
  • Beat in peanut butter and the the egg
  • Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and add to mixture
  • Stir well, add the muesli ,raisins and pecan nuts
  • Stir until all the ingredients are mixed properly
  • Drop a rounded tablespoon of dough on the prepared baking sheets spacing them about 25.5 cm apart 
  • press gently with the back of the spoon to spread into a round 
  • bake for about 15 minutes until lightly colored
  • remove from oven and allow to cool

Monday, 22 February 2021

Benefits of Drinking 8 Glasses of Water Daily

 


Drinking water has a number of important benefits which is why drinking the recommended 8 glasses a day is vital


Some of these benefits Include:

  • Weight Loss
  • Healthier & younger looking skin
  • Increased Concentration
  • Assists the body in absorbing vitamins and minerals
  • Increases your energy
  • Increases your mental and physical ability's
  • Removes the toxins from your body
  • Reduces headaches and dizziness
  • Helps to regulate your appetite
  • Reduces sunken eyes and bags under the eyes
Studies have also found some alarming results about the importance of water for assisting our body to function.
- for example research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back pain and joint pain for up tp 80% of sufferers .
Furthermore drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45% plus it can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 79% and one is 50% less likely to develop kidney disease and bladder cancer.

Strawberry Milk Lollies

 

Ingredients


400g ripe strawberries

200ml skimmed milk

1 Tin Condensed Milk


Method

  • Hull Strawberries and blitz in food processor until smooth
  • Mix in milk and condensed milk
  • Pour the mixture into 12 ice lollie molds and attach the tops
  • Freeze for a minim of 4 hours until solid
  • Warm the molds with your hands or under warm water to release the pops
  • Can be kept in freezer for up to 2 months

Saturday, 20 February 2021

Peri-Peri Prawns

Ingredients


1kg prawns washed and deveined with shell 1/4 cup plain yoghurt
1/2 cup fresh cream 
2 tablespoons lemon juice 
one large onion finely sliced
one green pepper finely sliced
 3 tablespoons of oil 
100g butter 
1/4 tsp methi powder 
2 tablespoons aminas fish and prawn special masala
 2 tablespoons armina's Peri-Peri braai marinade 
salt to taste
fresh coriander to garnish

Method 

Marinate drained prawns in a bowl with yoghurt, lemon juice, salt amina's fish and prawn special masala, Aminas Peri-Peri braai marinade
In a large pan over medium heat add butter, oil, methi powder and onion and braise till soft and translucent
Add in marinated prawns and cook for 4 -6 minutes,stirring occassionally 
Add in green peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes
Now add fresh cream and chopped coriander leaves and allow simmering on low heat until done
Serve with hot rotis and fresh salads

NB: Prawns can be substituted with chicken which needs to be cooked for longer .

Friday, 19 February 2021

Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry

 


Ingredients

2 cups boiled rice
1kg chicken fillets cut into strips
1 packet frozen stir fry mix ( I used mccain)
1 cup fresh mushrooms sliced
1 green bell pepper sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 onion
4 green chilies
1/2 cup spring onion 
3 tablespoons black pepper
5 tablespoons mixed herbs
fresh thyme
1/4 cup Minnies hot tikka sauce or hot sauce of your choice

Marinade for chicken
2 tablespoons ginger & garlic paste
1 table spoon chicken tikka marinade
2 tablespoons mixed herbs
2 tablespoons black pepper

Method
  • marinate chicken fillets with marinade by mixing everything together
  • fry chicken in a wok or large pan with 3 tablespoons oil
  • remove chicken when its golden brown
  • fry onion in same pan
  • add mushrooms, pepper, green chilies and stir fry mix
  • sauté for 5 minutes
  • add soy sauce, black pepper, tikka sauce ,thyme and mixed herbs
  • mix well
  • add chicken strips and rice a little at a time while tossing stir fry
  • remove from heat after 1 minute
  • garnish with spring onion

Thursday, 18 February 2021

Tips For a Good Braai/Barbeque



  • Use Fresh  and not frozen meat as this ensures that your meat remains juicy
  • Always marinate your meat at least 8 hours before your braai or overnight
  • Seal the marinated meat by vacuum, air tight container or plastic seal bags as this helps to tenderize the meat
  • Pack and stack meat tightly and flat as to allow for the least amount of air between cuts/chops
  • Place marinated meat in a fridge not freezer
  • Don't braai over very hot coals and ensure that your grill is at least 10 cm away from the coals
  • Periodically turn your meat so that your meat gets done evenly without it getting burnt
  • Ensure that you have water to spray on any fire that may start from dripping fat
  • Spray water lightly without killing the coals
  • Try yo use little or no tomato sauce in your marinade as the sugar content in the sauce tends to caramelize and will add some burnt spots on your meat 
  • Chicken should be grilled last when the coals has lost most of its redness and should be basted as it dries.

Monday, 15 February 2021

Indian Remedy to Ease Covid Symptoms Russo

 

Ingredients 

3 Tbsp Jeera (ground till powdery)

3 Tbsp Black peppercorns (ground until powdery)

5 garlic cloves smashed

3 pieces of ginger

1/2 cup Tamarind

1/2 onion diced

2 tomatoes grated

1 stem curry leaf

Dhania/coriander to garnish

Method 

Fry onion in a tbsp of oil until golden brown

Add jeera and black pepper

Add garlic ,ginger,curry leaves and tomatoes

Allow to cook on low for 2 minutes

Add tamarind and 2 cups of water

Bring to boil

Garnish with dhania


Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. 

Friday, 2 October 2020

Homemade Cheese and Mushroom Pizza

 



Ingredients 

Base

2 cups self raising flour

1 cup milk

3 Tablespoons butter

Pinch of salt

Toppings

Tomato sauce

Hot sauce of your choice 

1/2    purple onion sliced

1 green pepper diced

1/2 cup chopped mushrooms

1/2   tomato diced

Mixed herbs for sprinkling

Grated cheese

Method 

  • Rub butter into flour 
  • Add salt
  • Add the milk and make a soft dough
  • Grease oven tray and spread dough on tray until tray is covered with the pizza base
  • Spread tomato and hot sauce all over base
  • Add toppings
  • Sprinkle mixed herbs and grated cheese on top
  • Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes 
* Toppings can be changed however you wish.The key to a great pizza is experimenting!😄




Thursday, 1 October 2020

Crispy Brinjal Bhajia / Pakora

 

Brinjal Pakora

Ingredients 

2 Round Eggplants/ Brinjal cut into Rings

2 cups Chilli Bite Mix

1/2   cup water

4 Tablespoons Corn Flour


Method 

  • Mix Chilli Bite mix with corn flour
  • Make a thick paste by adding the water
  • Add the brinjal to paste and coat both sides with paste evenly.
  • Heat enough oil in a pan for deep frying
  • When oil is hot add brinjal one at a time ,turning once when browned
  • Fry until crispy and place on paper towel to soak up excess oil.
* Adding Corn Flour to mixture keeps pakoras nice and crispy even after its cooled😉

Monday, 27 April 2020

Crispy Fried Chicken

Ingredients

2 kg Chicken Pieces
2 Chicken Stock Cubes
4 Tablespoons Ginger and Garlic
1 Tablespoon Peri Peri Marinade
1 Tsp Oregano
1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 Tbsp Black Pepper
1 Tbsp Mixed Herbs
4 Tbsp Southern Fried Chicken Crumbs ( Hot)
Salt to Taste (1 Tsp)
4 Cups Flour
2 Tbsp Southern Fried Chicken Crumbs (Extra Crispy)
2 Tsp Mustard Powder
3 eggs beaten
Oil for Deep frying

Method
  • Clean Chicken of Gunk but do not remove skin
  • Make a paste with stock cubes,ginger and garlic,peri peri marinade, oregano,black pepper, cayenne pepper,black pepper,mixed herbs and hot chicken crumbs.
  • Rub paste into chicken and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Heat oil on medium heat ( dont overheat the oil)
  • Mix Flour with Southern fried chicken crumbs extra crispy and mustard powder.
  • Dip chicken in egg then dip in flour and place in pan to fry.
  • Dont overcrowd the pan , allow space for chicken to fry evenly for about 20-25 minutes for drums and wings.Thighs 25-30 minutes.

Sunday, 12 January 2020

Moist Vanilla Sponge Cake



INGREDIENTS 

2 cups castor sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup oil
1 tsp vanilla essence
3 cups self raising flour
1 tbsp baking powder 
1 cup milk

METHOD

  • Whisk castor sugar and eggs in a mixer until light and fluffy
  • Add oil and vanilla essence, mix well
  • Add sifted flour and baking powder to mixture alternating with milk
  • Pour creamed mixture into greased round cake tin and bake in oven for 25 minutes at 180°C
  • Cut cake into 2 layers or 3 layers if desired when cooled and decorate with icing and top with strawberries. 
ICING

INGREDIENTS 

50g unsalted white butter
1 tsp  vanilla essence 
2 cups icing sugar

METHOD 
  • Whisk ingredients in mixer until light and fluffy



Thursday, 24 October 2019

Carrot Cake

 * This recipe can also be used for carrot cake muffins


You Will Need:

For the Carrot Cake:

  • cups grated carrots

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 ½ cups white sugar

  • 1 cup vegetable oil

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup (50g) coarsely chopped pecans (for topping the cake)
Cream Cheese Icing 
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 225g cream cheese
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, more for a stiffer frosting, sifted if lumpy (add more or less depending on desired consistency)
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • salt to taste (salt balances the sweetness)

Cake Method:

In a medium bowl, combine the grated carrots with the brown sugar. Mix well and set aside for 10 minutes to let the carrots soften and release some moisture.

Preheat the oven to 180°C .

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.(can also use an oven tray)

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, white sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.

Stir the carrot and brown sugar mixture into the wet ingredients.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Gently fold in 1/2 cup of pecans into the batter.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Once cooled and frosted, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the top of the cake.

Cream Cheese Frosting Method:

Mix butter, cream cheese, salt and vanilla essence together.

Gradually add Icing sugar and mix until desired consistency of icing is reached. Use more icing sugar for a stiffer frosting and less for a piping consistency.


Wednesday, 16 October 2019

Puri


INGREDIENTS

2 cups wheat flour
1 cup self raising flour
Salt to taste
Milk
1 tbsp butter

METHOD
  • Rub 1 tbsp butter into the self raising and wheat flour
  • Add enough milk to make a soft dough
  • Make small balls
  • Roll out into round flat puris
  • Deep fry until golden brown

Halwa



Ingredients

1 tin condensed milk
1 litre fresh milk
1 tsp elachie powder
1 cup ghee
1 cup flour

METHOD


  • Mix the condensed milk and fresh milk together
  • Add the elachie to this mixture
  • Heat the ghee on the stove
  • Add the flour
  • Fry until it turns pinkish in colour
  • Gradually add the milk mixture
  • Stir continuously to avoid lumps
  • Texture should be smooth and creamy


Friday, 13 September 2019

Cabbage Soup for weight loss



Ingredients:
3 carrots diced or julienned
1 onion diced
2 cups cabbage sliced
4 grated tomatoes
1 pkt onion soup mix
2 cubes chicken or vegetable stock cubes
1 green bell pepper diced
1/4 cup green beans
5 cups of water
3 celery sticks chopped
1 tsp black pepper
Method:
Place all vegetable ingredients in pot and allow to heat on low.
Mix stock cubes with half a cup of hot water and add to pot
Add the 5 cups of water,black pepper and the onion soup mix
Mix well and allow to simmer on low heat until vegetables are tender.
(This soup can be stored in refrigerator for up to 5 days)
To read more about the benefits of the cabbage soup diet, read the following book , available on amazon:)

Thursday, 5 September 2019

The 8 Week Blood Sugar Diet...


This is a great book that comes highly recommended with people suffering from diabetes.

It provides an easy to follow step by step guide. Dr Michael Mosley, author of the bestselling 5:2 Fast Diet, reveals a game-changing approach to one of the greatest silent epidemics of our time - raised blood sugar levels.

Discover the groundbreaking method to defeat diabetes without drugs using the step-by-step diet plans and recipes from #1 New York Times bestselling author Dr. Michael Mosley. Based on consumer feedback , this book has been tried and tested helping many people in the process.

Book Blurb:



The food we eat today, high in sugar and easily digestible carbohydrates, is not only making us fat, but is putting us at risk of type 2 diabetes, strokes, dementia, cancer and a lifetime on medication.

More than a third of adults in the UK now have raised blood sugar levels and most don't know it. In this timely book, Dr Mosley explains why we pile on dangerous abdominal fat and shows us how to shed it, fast.

 He demolishes common myths, such as the claim that steady weight loss is always better than rapid weight loss and that those who lose weight rapidly will inevitably put it back on. This is a book not just for those at highest risk but for anyone who has struggled with their weight and wants to regain control of their health.

Monday, 2 September 2019

Black Coffee For Weight Loss_Get In Shape After Winter!!!


According to some health experts drinking black coffee can assist in weight loss. How?

Black coffee contains a compound called chlorogenic acid, which is known to speed-up weight loss.Drinking black coffee after a meal slows down the glucose in the body thus resulting in a lesser production of new fat cells.

The rich caffeine content in coffee induces temporary weight loss by activating the need to frequently urinate causing the body to get rid of unwanted waste water and fluid built up in the body.This method helps to shed those extra pounds without any threatening side effects.

The caffeine also effectively speeds up your metabolic activity and boosts energy level in our body.

However be sure to eliminate the sugar and milk from your coffee to achieve desired results as these additions do not assist in weight loss.Adding a teaspoon of honey instead of your normal sugar should help the coffee go down :)

However, this weight loss is temporary so be sure to pair it with a healthy diet and exercise.

A cup of black coffee contains 5.4 calories and it is also known as a calorie free drink but as with anything if you consume too much,you might end up having negative effects to your health so limit yourself to 2-3 cups a day.You can find more detailed information in the book below:



Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.

Tuesday, 17 July 2018

Chicken and Cheese Tortilla Wraps


INGREDIENTS

1 kg Chicken Fillets cut into strips
1 onion diced
2 chillies chopped
Mayonnaise ( use as desired)
1 tsp black pepper
salt to taste
Tortilla wraps bought from supermarket
3 carrots julienned
1 green pepper cut into strips
2 tsp ginger & garlic paste
1 tsp paprika paste
2 tsp mixed herbs
Lettuce 
1/2 cup grated Cheese
hot sauce ( use as desired)

METHOD
  • Marinate chicken with paprika paste , mixed herbs and ginger & garlic paste 
  • Fry chicken on low until cooked
  • Add onions, chillies, black pepper , salt, and pepper
  • Allow to cook until onions is translucent in color
  • Place a tortilla on plate
  • Place a lettuce leaf and carrots on tortilla, add chicken mixture
  • Add mayonnaise and hot sauce 
  • Sprinkle with cheese and fold into a wrap
  • Toast tortilla on both sides on a frying pan
  • Repeat process with remaining tortillas



Banana and chocolate chip muffins



INGREDIENTS

6 bananas
2 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 cup oil
4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda / bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla essence
chocolate chips

METHOD
  • Preheat oven to 150°
  • In a large bowl combine eggs and sugar and beat well
  • Add oil and beat well
  • In a separate bowl mash bananas and add to egg mixture
  • Add dry ingredients and chocolate chips alternately with milk
  • Line muffin tray with baking cups and fill eah cup halfway with muffin mixture
  • Bake for 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into muffins