Culinary Culture

‘Tis The Season To Drink Cocktails

Written by Vincent Verrydt
Wednesday, 14 December 2011 09:41

You’ve got to have respect for a drink that comes with it’s very own accessories, albeit fruit or a tacky paper umbrella. All hail the designer cocktail — the impresser of friends and family and the inspirer of a real “relax” and “recline.”

Here are four of our holiday cocktail favourites!

A Merry Berry Mojito

• 2 shots Bacardi
• 3tsp cater sugar
• 3 halved strawberries
• 6 mint leaves
• 2 quartered limes

Step 1: In a glass, squeeze limes, add sugar, strawberries and mint leaves. Add crushed ice.
Step 2: Pour in shots of Bacardi (plus some) and fill glass with a splash of soda.
Step 3: Garnish with sprig of mint, a stirrer and a straw.

Tip: To maintain the prettiness, don’t stir before serving.

Beneath The Tree

• 30ml Blue Curacao liqueur
• 30ml triple sec
• 30ml butterscotch
• 60ml orange juice
• Ice

Step 1: Easy! Mix all ingredients together well and serve.
Tip: Delicious with crushed ice too.

Bubbly Red Nose Raspberry

• 1 tbsp raspberry purée
• A few drops crème de framboise (raspberry liqueur)
• Chilled Champagne

Step 1: Mix the purée and crème de framboise in the bottom of a Champagne flute,.
Step 2: Top up glass with Champagne.
Step 3: Stir and pour.

Tip: Just enjoy.

Candy Cane Martini

• 30ml Vanilla Vodka
• 30ml cranberry flavoured vodka
• 30ml apple sours
• 30ml cranberry juice
• Ice

Step 1: Pour all ingredients into Martini shaker
Step 2: When chilled through, pour into a martini glass
Step 3: Wet rim of glass and dip in sugar and dangle candy cane from glass.

Culinary Culture: A Shot of Delicious

Written by Vincent Verrydt
Wednesday, 05 October 2011 11:46

Some people think that the benefit of drinking vodka is that it has no aroma. We feel a little sorry for those people because they’re missing the true essence of vodka, so to speak. Not only is it the key ingredient of James Bond’s favourite beverage, but it also boasts medicinal properties and enhances the flavour of culinary delights — such as the popular vodka penne chicken.

Culinary Culture: Taking Centre Stage

Written by Administrator
Tuesday, 04 October 2011 15:59

For the past 50 years, rice has been perceived as the perfect accompaniment to any wholesome meal. Chicken casseroles and home-made curries have long been elevated to their super-star status on top of a bed of white and fluffy. But things have changed. Rice is no longer just an addition, it is now the meal — the star of its own culinary show.

Our friends at Tastic are passionate about their rice, which is why their brand is not only the most popular brand in South Africa but the biggest branded rice in the world. Here they introduce us to two Tastic rice recipes worth writing home about!

Culinary Culture: All You Need Is Marinade!

Written by Administrator
Tuesday, 16 August 2011 14:30

Hollywood funny man Steve Martin once said, “I would do anything to lose weight. Except eat healthy and exercise!” While this prompted a few laughs, to former heavyweight boxing champion of the world George Foreman, there’s nothing funny about healthy eating. It is a well-known fact that Foreman started boxing simply to stay out of fast food joints. “If I don’t fight I’ll eat this planet!” he once said.

Foreman’s obsession with healthy eating not only saw him become the “oldest man” to ever win a heavyweight title, it also paid him major dividends after his final jab.