Walnut, pecan and cranberry cake

A few years ago on my birthday I visited the Cape Town Good Food Show where I was fortunate to meet Gordon Ramsay. Gosh, as I sit here listening to the washing machine whirring away in the background, princess stickers strewn on the floor under my desk and my baby boy napping down the passage, going to shows and meeting celebs seems like another lifetime! Gordon was doing a book signing and this is where I picked up a copy of “World Kitchen”. The book is a collection of recipes from all over the world including France, China and America. It is one my favourites in my collection and everything I have tried so far has been delicious.

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Apple and raisin oaty crumble with vanilla custard

This is a little something I whipped up over the weekend and an absolute classic as I am sure you will agree! There is something very comforting and homely about preparing and eating this particular dessert and I love the heavenly combination of spiced apple, crunchy oat crumble and creamy vanilla custard.

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Orange drizzle cake

Orange drizzle bundt cake on a white cake stand

 

Oranges can be found in abundance at the moment and I love including citrus flavours in my baking. Particularly at the moment as I have been craving all things citrus for the past few months. Sneak a peak in my fruit drawer and you will find it packed with oranges, grapefruit and naartjies, I must have them! The inspiration for this recipe came a few weeks ago when I was at a family celebration. They served a delicious orange cake for dessert and, given my current citrus obsession, I have been looking forward to making one ever since.

 

Lemon curd swirl ice cream

So before you think I have lost the plot let me confirm a few things. Yes, I know it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Yes, it is true – I am currently sitting at my desk, typing this recipe while the rain lashes my window and my fingertips begin to feel more and more numb. (In fairness it was 25 degrees two days ago, Cape Town – you tease!) But yes – I have still chosen to post this recipe that I created recently. On a cold day. In this here winter season. And that is simply because ice cream is fantastically fabulous and should, I think, be enjoyed and appreciated all year round! Everyone happy? Good!

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Lemon curd

 

Before we delve into this week’s recipe I wanted to share my most recent dining out experience with you. Black Sheep Restaurant in Kloof Street, Cape Town has been around for a little while now, and it is not surprising to see why it is so popular. There is a seasonal blackboard menu which changes regularly, but no shortage of tasty dishes to choose from. The layout of the restaurant is interesting, with a downstairs bar area and tables set out on multiple levels. Snappy service in a relaxed atmosphere made for a delightful meal.

I enjoyed a fragrant and tender lamb curry served with rice and flatbreads, and I found the level of heat was just right for me, (extra chilli is provided for those who prefer their curry more fiery). Dessert was a light ginger beer sorbet served with gorgeous lime curd and a gingersnap.Which got me all inspired to make this next recipe…

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Rustic coconut tarts with raspberry sauce

On Monday afternoon my daughter came home from school with a piece of cardboard covered in beautiful pink and red hearts that she had carefully painted. I looked at her artwork – hearts… love… wait a second, it’s Valentine’s Day on Friday! Truth be told, I believe in celebrating and appreciating love throughout the year and not just splurging on the 14th of February, but I was reminded of this recipe which I will be sharing today.

 

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Salted caramel sauce

Christmas has come early to Cupcakes and Couscous with the second challenge I am participating in this month. The lovely Sam over at Pomegranate Days has teamed up with Karon Grieve from Larder Love to challenge bloggers to come up with their favourite foodie Christmas gifts. This is right up my street as I love giving foodie presents during the Festive Season – cookies, flavoured oils, roasted nuts… and this rather delectable salted caramel sauce.

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Pear, rosemary and almond praline tart with chocolate and Amarula sauce

Pear and almond praline tart with chocolate ganache
The 5th challenge in the Freshly Blogged competition had all the bloggers excited because it was a sweet challenge for a change. Personally, I was thrilled as this was just what I had been hoping for! The ingredients list was a cook’s dream, with a myriad of recipe options to choose from: Amarula cream, dark chocolate, pears, blanched almonds and cream crackers. The challenge also stipulated that the dish had to include a custard based recipe. The hardest part of the challenge was deciding what dish to make! In the end I decided on a pear and rosemary tart, filled with almond praline pastry cream and served with a chocolate Amarula drizzling sauce.

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