Cook & Culture: Embracing the winter with some good times
The end of July is in sight and we are getting cosy and comfortable in warm homes filled with laughter to make the most of the cold.
Sensational Oxtail
Indulge in a traditional meal that will bring real winter comfort. Start preparing this recipe the day before and have a bit more time with the family.
- 30g butter Dash of olive oil
- Chopped onions
- 2kg oxtail joints 20ml
- chopped ginger
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- 45ml soya sauce 300g
- baby carrots 500ml water
- 1 handful parsley
- Salt to taste 5ml black pepper
- 250ml port
- 250g mushrooms, halved
- 1 packet oxtail soup powder
On medium heat, melt the butter and add a dash of olive oil in the pan, add onions and fry until transparent. Add ginger, garlic and oxtail and fry until brown. Add the soya sauce and mix the packet of soup powder in to cover the meat. Add the water, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and simmer for 2 hours, stirring the minimum.
Remove from heat and leave overnight in the fridge. Mix port, mushrooms and carrots together and bring to the boil, add the oxtail to the mix and simmer for 1½ hours. Our family loves to serve this with mash and add a spoon or so of Gremolata (Recipe on Instagram) or Pesto This is one of our favourite family recipes – Annelette
Competition
Download the Pixzar app, scan the photo to view video of upcoming competition with superb prizes (pic attached)
Digital
Follow the @boksburgadvertiser, @benonicitytimes and Cook & Culture @cook.culture on Instagram and keep an eye out for an exciting competition where you can share your favourite killer recipe.
Home Tip
This winter is determined to give you a chill, even though your windows are closed, so ensure that your windows are insulated. Add backing to your existing curtains with Velcro. Adding insulation behind summery curtains with curtain clips could warm up those rooms that don’t see golden rays of sun.
Pro Tip
Don’t let the air con start an office fight. Not everyone agrees on what is or isn’t hot, so rather settle on an average temperature to keep everyone smiling and cosy. Most offices settle on 22°Celsius, but depending on your system, for office space we recommend a 2-degree variation between 20 and 24°Celsius. Stay hot, but keep it professional!
Check it Out
The fifth annual Best of Ekurhuleni Readers’ Choice Awards 2019 voting opens on August 20. Yes, that is next month, so get ready. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram and don’t miss out on fabulous prizes when voting starts.
Do-Gooder
Be the winter do-gooder and teach the children as well. Keep a box at the bottom of your clothing cupboard for clothes that don’t fit anymore. This will make donating to your local hospice easier.
Charity
Hospice, Round Table and the SPCA are local charities. Ask your children where they would like to take their donations, teaching them the joy of giving to those who are less fortunate. The ability to share is one of the best life lessons we can teach our children.
Have You Seen It Yet?
Ladies, August is Women’s Month. Watch the music video These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ by Nancy Sinatra and get your woman groove on! Be inspired for Women’s Month. Remember, you are beautiful, smart, sexy and powerful; you can go wherever you need to be. Keep walking in those boots, girls.
Food For Thought
We love to be successful in life, but remember to be grateful for it and give gratitude to those who are helping you along the way.
Local Is Lekker
Fish, sushi and seafood platters sound like your kind of food? There is even something healthy on the menu for those winter-body watchers. Visit the Ocean Basket at the K90 Centre in Boksburg. In Benoni, Lakeside Mall, Oakfields and Lakefield. Ocean Basket was voted both Best Seafood and Best Sushi Restaurant in the 2018 Best of Ekurhuleni Readers’ Choice Awards. Visit https://www.facebook.com/daoceanbasket/
Cook & Culture is written bi weekly by Annelette Bezuidenhout – media specialist and Sunel Gilliland – journalist.
Also listen weekly on Caxton Radio www.boksburgadvertiser.co.za and www.benonicitytimes.co.za
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For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Benoni City Times, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.
