JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Dark mornings and dark evenings are the order of the day during our winter months, but on June 21, it will be our shortest day and longest night and we’ll begin going forward towards spring. Now, that’s great news.
Last week, we had frost on at least three mornings and it was really quite chilly. All the more excuse to go out and buy yourselves some new winter warmers.
Snoods, scarves, gloves, ponchos and shawls work a treat in keeping the cold at bay and Foschini, Edgars, Woolworths and Mr Price have many great buys in store.
This season also sees the return of jackets and coats. As long as I can remember I’ve wanted a sheepskin coat or jacket, so this year I’m looking for one. If you happen to see one on your shopping sprees, please email or phone me.
Sneak preview
Lucky me. Along with two of my colleagues, we were taken on a site visit around the Mall of the South. It’s going to be fabulous and huge, filled with every desirable shop and restaurant you could wish for. And guess what? It’s still scheduled to open on September 24. Save the date.
Warm and indulgent
We all eat more during the winter months and hot puddings definitely should be on the menu at least once a week. Ready-made puds are all good and well but you just can’t beat homemade.
Apple Charlotte with brown breadcrumbs
Ingredients
450g granny smith apples, peeled, cored and slice (or cheat and buy a tin of pie apples)
2 tablespoons of water
100g soft brown sugar
100g fresh breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Demerara sugar (you can buy the dark brown sugar at Woolies which is just as good)
Half teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons shredded beef suet (Atora)
Method
Put sliced apples in a saucepan with the water and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Sweeten. Mix breadcrumbs, Demerara sugar and cinnamon. Place half the sweetened apple in a greased pie dish. Cover with half the crumb mixture, then remaining apple and top with the rest of the crumb mixture. Sprinkle the surface with shredded suet. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 180c for 30 to 40 minutes. Serve with very hot custard or cream.
My favourite things this week
An extra hour in bed on Sunday morning with a steaming cup of coffee, which I didn’t have to make.
Romeo and Juliette at Johannesburg Theatre.
Rooibos and Honeybush Foam Bath with Wheat Protein from Woolies, which made my bath even more soothing and relaxing.
That’s it for this week. Email: juliem@caxton.co.za or phone 011 724 7000.
Shop till you drop.
Julie
