Leisurebooks Best Recipes compiled by Christelle Erasmus
Human & Rousseau, R295
I should never have picked up this book to review on an empty stomach, but no one warned me.
The book’s focus is on South African home cooking with a selection of recipes accompanied by beautiful pictures of enticing sauces and delicious soups, savoury snacks, hot and cold salads, light meals, burgers, pizza and brunch with a difference.
The recipes are clearly set out and easy on the eye and many are traditional favourites which have been given a twist. Each recipe bears the name of its owner, who gives points to look out for. This cookbook is like having a collection of recommended recipes from close friends in one volume.
I devoured the chapters on pasta and rice dishes, main meals featuring mouthwatering paella, curried prawns, fish breyani, a variety of chicken dishes, beef fillet with pepper sauce, melt-in-the-mouth oxtail, Thai beef curry, lamb shank casserole, potjies of mutton, beef and venison.
The dessert recipes range from the easiest Ice cream and coffee delight and Heavenly wicked dessert to Meringue torte magnifique for special occasions.
The bakes cater for all palates from Crimson velvet cake and Decadent coffee tart to Baked cheesecake, a to-die-for Moist chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and strawberries and the ultimate Ouma Annandale’s famous fruitcake for a memorable Christmas cake that never flops, according to its owner.
The publisher’s covering letter stated: “Boasting South Africa’s best home cooking, selected from Leisure Books’ intrepid home cooks, Best Recipes will take pride of place in any kitchen.”
I found it to be an understatement.
I’m off to my kitchen to cook up a storm.
Daily News