Pear & halva loaf, pork pies with apple & sage, and lemony chicken piccata
Autumn recipes to enjoy now
Hello, friends. My favourite time of year has turned into a whirlwind with my neighbour's solar panels crashing into my roof during THE storm, causing gaping holes. Rain damage and the prospect of contractors in my house for repairs have filled me with dread. I'm trying to appreciate all this magical season has to offer: milder temperatures, golden light, and dramatic sunsets. Best of all is the start of comfort food entering our lives. I have already made sticky toffee pudding with figs and walnuts, which everyone loved. In case you are new here, I wrote an eBook with a collection of 42 of my favourite comfort recipes. Born out of the pandemic, it was my way of giving a culinary hug. The book is available to purchase in an instantly downloadable PDF here. The coq au vin and coq au vin pie, along with the best oxtail braised in red wine and Hasselback potato gratin, are reasons alone to buy the book. It's filled with deliciousness.
Autumn Harvest
A few years ago I created a blog post called Autumn Harvest which I love to share at this time of the year. It’s filled with delicious recipes and ingredients that are in season now.
Pear & halva crumble loaf with maple & pecans
An insanely delicious and not-too-sweet loaf that is a little different and perfect with maple, honey and pears. This is one of my all-time favourite bakes.
Pork pies (sausage rolls) with sage and apple
This is my favourite pork pie recipe and have I been dreaming about it for a few weeks now. You can make them into smaller sausage rolls if you prefer. Everyone loves a sausage roll and I think we should be bringing this retro classic back. The apple adds a hint of sweetness and the earthy sage the herby kick they need.
Lemony chicken piccata with capers
This recipe transforms your chicken breasts into a flavour-packed and super easy weeknight supper.
Recent Recipes
My chocolate malva pudding was totally delicious and wicked. Worth every calorie and I will be dreaming about it until I make it again. This will go straight into my top recipes for the year. You can see all my best recipes from last year and previous years (going all the way back to 2014) here.
Roast butternut and chickpea salad with quinoa, spinach, cucumbers and tomatoes
I took the flavours of a Greek salad and combined them with more robust ingredients to bring in Autumn. I’ve been trying to incorporate more beans and chickpeas into my regime and find roasting them until crispy the nicest way to eat them. This is a great meal prep salad. I made a bright and zingy tomato and basil vinaigrette to bring it together. I enjoyed leftovers with added chopped lettuce and rainbow slaw for lunches. It paired well with fish and chicken.
Away
I recently escaped to Halfaampieskraal in the Overberg for another weekend getaway. Nestled among picturesque wheat fields, this 250-year-old working farm offers a serene haven to chill out in. Surrounded by dramatic farm and mountain vistas under big skies, it's the perfect place to unwind.
Hearty breakfasts and dinners served in charming dining areas was a highlight, especially the exquisite Friday night menu featuring an artichoke soufflé, followed by a succulent 7-hour slow-roasted mutton shoulder and ending with a delectable chocolate pudding.
Halfaampieskraal provides a tranquil setting to reconnect and rejuvenate with friends and family amidst its unique and breathtaking landscape.
Eating Out
La Colombe X Frog. What a privilege it was to enjoy this show-stopping four-hands dinner by chefs James Gaag and Adam Handling MBE recently. Having dined at Adam's restaurant in Old Windsor two years ago, I knew we were in for a treat. Adam brought lobster and crab from Scotland, while James showcased a few of La Colombe’s signature dishes. All paired with exceptional South African wines.
La Colombe truly shone offering a dining experience that rivaled the best in the world. The 10 courses were peppered with all the magical touches La Colombe is known for, including a visit to their new underground cellar.
ëlgr
I recently spent a lovely Saturday afternoon ëlgr restaurant sipping wine and eating delicious food. This is a favourite city spot for me.
For the winter months, ëlgr will be serving 2-for-1 Pizzas every Saturday for lunch. It's their kickoff of Social Saturdays for the next season - where they invite guests to relax in their sheltered courtyard and while away a Saturday afternoon.
Choose from their Pizza White or Red and add to your selection from their menu of mouthwatering lunchtime choices including seasonal salads like the Heirloom Tomato, Grilled Focaccia, Red Onion, Basil, Horseradish and the crunchy and beautifully balanced Mixed Leaf, Green Apple, Red Onion, Parmesan, Preserved Bergamot& Walnut Dressing.
Book on Dineplan to avoid disappointment.
Coming up:
I am busy working on four delicious new recipes to be featured in May along with one of my all-time favourite soups. I’m planning on adding something extra special as a garnish, so stay tuned.
Thank you for being here and for the support. Please like or reply to this edition to make sure this free newsletter comes straight to your inbox.
Sam x
This is such a mouthwatering post. Luscious descriptions of your restaurant visits and divine recipes which I hope to try. Interesting seasonal contrasts, too, being as I'm in the United States in NE Ohio in springtime. Thank you!
Love this blog! I cant wait to try the recipes. Thanks Sam :)