A fusion of Mzansi flavour

Bring the spirit of Christmas with delicious meals that are easy to make this summer!

Mzansi is known for its warm festive season where you can kick back by the pool and enjoy a festive meal with the people you love. Get inspired as Lifestyle editor, Noxolo Mafu takes you through her favourite dishes to try this festive season. From fresh salads with a twist to hearty roast Mexican chicken dishes for the whole family. There is no reason not give your guests and unexpected dining experience this season.

Chicken, garlic potatoes and brussel sprouts

 Moroccan spice lemon Chicken:

• 1 x fresh whole chicken
• Moroccan spice rub: cumin, turmeric, black pepper, paprika, salt, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, juice of lemon
• Optional: Sprig of rosemary and lemon slice for garnish

Method:  

• Wash chicken
• Coat in morocco and olive oil rub
• Garnish with a slice or two of lemon and rosemary herd sprig
• Place in cooking bag and seal
• Place into hot over and cook at 180 degrees C for +- 1 hour, or until golden brown.

Garlic potatoes:

• Boil baby potatoes in salted water until cooked through
• Toss with garlic and melted butter
• Season to taste with black pepper, salt and herbs

Brussel sprouts:

• Coat the Brussel sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Tip it out onto a baking sheet, and place on centre oven rack.
• Cook at 200 degrees C for 30-40 min, shaking now and then in the pan
• Season and coat with salt, pepper and a splash of lemon juice to serve
• Optional: toss with cooked and cut bacon bits for extra flavour

Nectarine Salad

Toss together:

• Rocket
• Slice nectarines
• Prosciutto
• Crumbly, soft cheese – feta works well, but we used a dessert cheese blended with cranberries for an extra slightly sweet, fruity flavour punch

Final touches:

• For the dressing mix together balsamic and honey and garnish with in-season local edible flowers

South African smoked trout salad

Toss together:

• Baby spinach and watercress
• Smoked trout wafers
• Soft bocconcini cheese sliced in half or quarters
• Pomegranate rubies
• Optional: sliced avocado

While we love this just as is without a dressing or just with a simple pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette, if you want to add a little something extra, try this cream extra:

• Olive oil
• Lemon
• Sour cream
• Favourite herbs like dill or parsley

Blend ingredients until combined; season to taste and drizzle over the top to serve.

Dessert

Not everything has to be made from scratch – this is festive entertaining and we’re all about the things that take pressure away from us and allow us to truly be present and enjoy the time spent with family and friends.

We started with this gorgeous pre-made chocolate and hazelnut croissant wreath that just needed to be popped in the oven and heated. To add a little extra, we filled the centre with in-season local cherries, chocolate balls, and chocolate and vanilla meringue kisses and smothered the whole lot in delicious hazelnut chocolate sauce:

Meringues recipe:

• 3 egg whites
• 150 g caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 150 g melted chocolate

Ingredients:

• Whisk egg whites to soft peaks
• Gradually add the castor sugar, vanilla extract, and white wine vinegar as you continue to whisk until stiff peaks (this is when you can hold the bowl over your head and its doesn’t move/ drip!)
• Very gently fold in the melted chocolate
• Pipe the meringues onto a baking tray and place cook for + - 60 minutes 9or until they no longer stick to the baking paper) at 100 degrees C