Cook and Culture: Stay confident, determined and sweet
August is in full swing and we have some tips and tricks to make sure you stay confident, determined and sweet, of course.
- Digital
We live in a digital age; we have ample ways of capturing memories! Our digital photos are scattered all over the place, and unfortunately it can easily get lost. But don’t stress, it is an excellent idea to keep a copy of your treasured photos safely on a cloud Google Drive or on Dropbox. Most clouds are affordable and is easily accessible from any device.
- Plant Remedy
It is August and that means it is time for pruning those beautiful roses and plants when the danger of frost is over. Show your plants some love and cut back weak or dead stems to help them sprout and grow.
- Pro Tip
We are working everywhere – in the car, at a coffee shop, home, at the children’s school and at the hairdresser or in a parking lot, so make sure you don’t run out of power. Always keep a power bank and extra phone charger in your car. Leave it there. Nothing worse than left with a flat battery when family and friends need to get hold of you or when work needs to be done.
- Check It Out
Remember to vote for your favourite of everything in the 2019 Best of Ekurhuleni Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting starts August 20. Amazing prizes up for grabs, visit www.bestofekurhuleni.co.za
- Community Star
Be the community star and ignite a spark in children for reading. Motivate them, and encourage reading.
- Charity
Donate your pre-loved books to the Caxton Local Media #CaxtonCares and #WeRead project. Watch the Benoni City Times for drop off points and more details on the project.
- Have You Seen It Yet
For some life lessons for young and old, watch The Lion King. This is an iconic and classic film that brings your inner child to life. Have you ever tried watching 4DX at Emperors Palace?
The Lion King soundtrack features some amazing versions of the legendary Lion King songs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TavVZMewpY
- Food For Thought
We spend so much time on the roads these days, don’t run up your blood pressure unnecessarily by being a meanie on the road. Be nice. Keep calm, it’s not worth it to lose yourself to road rage. Don’t let it ruin your day, even if the other driver was wrong.
- Local Is Lekker
Visit the Benoni Homestead Dam for, morning sunshine, fresh air and beautiful outside memories. Pack your favourite snacks and take the children to soak up some much needed vitamin D.
- Easy Strawberry Jam (Photo attached)
Sweet strawberry overload. It is strawberry season and there are ruby red strawberries on special everywhere. Keep the sweetness of strawberries in the cupboard extra-long by making homemade strawberry jam. Whip cream and impress your friends and family with your strawberry jam with scones or on fresh bread.
Ingredients: 800g strawberries (washed and quartered)
3 cups sugar (800g)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml)
Method: Add all the ingredients in a big pan. Heat slowly and stir with a wooden spoon until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to a rolling boil and stir from time to time for five minutes. Continue boiling slowly until the syrup thickens, about 30-40 minutes. Test a drop of jam on a chilled plate place in the fridge for 30 seconds. Run your finger through and if it doesn’t run and its sticky, it’s ready. Preserve in two small sterilised jars. We sterilised our jars and lids with boiling water.
For the health nuts! Strawberry jam with honey and chai seeds
Use 800g strawberries
½ cup of honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 spoons of chai seeds.
If you are using the honey and chai seed recipe, freeze it in containers or consume within two days.
* Tried and tested by Cook & Culture
Follow us on Instagram @ cook.culture, or email us at cook&culture@caxton.co.za or visit www.benonicitytimes. co.za
Also follow us on these social media platforms:
