For dessert - Chenin Blanc baked pears

This is the perfect dessert after a hearty meal, I paired it with Moroccan style lamb shanks over the weekend.

I baked the pears in chenin blanc, citrus rind and juices, Mauritian spices (Cinnamon, cloves & vanilla pod) seved with a zesty double cream. I adapted a Jamie Oliver baked pears with wine recipe, you can find it here

Afternoon Snack - Homemade chocolate brownies

I made these yummy Nigella triple chocolate brownies (see recipe here) week before last, as dessert for a dinner date. The brownies have a combination of white and milk chocolate chips in them. the are crunchy on the outside and fudgy on the inside - Yum O! They're great after dinner or as an afternoon tea snack with a piping hot cup of tea.

Afternoon snack - Homemade Baklava

Baklava is the perfect afternoon snack pick me up, it's sticky sweet jam packed with pistachio nuts. Bite sized crispy, crunchy, sweet and protein filled what more can we ask for. I made these myself, I was channelling my inner Greek self.

I had phyllo pastry, Mediterranean Delicacies, in the freezer and decided it was time to put it to good use. For these baklava I used a Nigella Lawson recipe, which you can see here. Honestly, the recipe is straight forward but working with phyllo pastry requires planning, being organised and having nimble hands. I have to admit that I consulted twitter to find out whether I pour hot syrup or cold syrup over the Baklava. I was told col, cold, COLD! This is the end result! 

Next time I plan to try Baklava with a South African twist and I think Alida's Baklava with Pistachios & Fynbos Honey recipe would be perfect. 

Afternoon snack - Emmentaler & onion marmalade grilled cheese

This post is especially for my American friends, who love themselves a grilled cheese. I had a craving for a grilled cheese yesterday but decided a simple gouda or cheddar grilled cheese just wasn't enough, I wanted to add a little fancy and honestly was craving a sweet savoury combination. Emmentaler and onion marmalade it was.

What's the difference between a toasted sandwich and a grilled cheese you ask? Essentially, the cooking method.
The grilled cheese is made in a pan with butter. Slices of white bread spread with a thin layer of onion marmalade and filled with a few slices of emmentaler and organic Gouda. Place the sandwich in a preheated buttered pan toasting each side for 3 to 5 minutes till sides are golden. Then finish it off in a warm oven, just to get the perfect melt without burning the bread.

This is best for lunch or an afternoon snack, savoury with a touch of caramelised onion marmalade sweetness. Yum!

Afternoon snack - Chickpea salad

Of all the legumes chickpeas are my favourite. I must admit they are a chore to make with the soaking, I had in fact left them to soak for three days in the fridge, having totally forgot about them on day 1.

Once cooked in water with bayleaf, mustard powder and a red onion, I dressed them in a white wine vinegar dressing (add olive oil, honey, seasoning & mustard) then add whatever is in the fridge to make a salad. In my fridge that meant whole kernels, cucumber, slivers of red onions, slices of peppadew and feta.