Johannesburg - We’re so excited at the Angela Day Kitchen – we’ve just had a much-needed facelift and had a party to celebrate.
The revamp involved freshening up the cupboards, new appliances, new cookware and television cameras and monitors.
The kitchen, in the Lifestyle Garden Centre in Randpark Ridge, has been going for more than 10 years and was looking a bit tired. The past few years have seen the cookery school being busy, hosting corporate team-building functions and presenting hands-on cooking classes and popular cooking demonstrations.
We decided that it was time for a fresh new look.
With the help of generous sponsors, we have been able to install new state-of-the-art appliances and trendy cupboards.
Charlene le Roux and Philip Kirby from EasyLife Kitchens came up with a design where we kept the basic kitchen and simply added some trendy new doors and handles to the cupboards.
Murray Carter and Nicole Driver from Bosch Appliances supplied us with the most impressive induction hobs and quick-heating ovens.
We also received nine sets of beautiful stainless steel pots, specifically designed to use on the induction hobs.
These ovens and hobs are sure to save us a fair amount on our electricity bill this year.
Marty Klinzman from Kenwood appliances provided us with an array of small appliances and gadgets, making the preparation of all our dishes a breeze.
They were all at the launch party which we held last Friday, as were representatives of Morgenster, which supplies us with the best-quality olive oil; Distell wines, which ensures guests never go thirsty; and Sasko Flour, which ensures our baking efforts rise to every occasion.
Sponsors and guests tucked into a sumptuous feast and admired the revamped kitchen, where we have also installed cameras and TV monitors so readers attending our demonstrations have a clear view of what is being prepared.
WHAT WE SERVED AT THE LUNCH
CHICKEN LIVER AND PORT PATE
Makes 500ml
500g chicken livers, cleaned
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
3ml dried thyme
125ml water
3ml salt
150g butter
freshly ground black pepper to taste
25ml ruby port
Place chicken livers in a saucepan with onion, garlic, thyme and water. Season with 5ml of the salt and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 6-8 minutes.
Remove pan from heat and leave for 5 minutes for flavours to develop.
Drain livers, discard liquid and place the livers and onions into the bowl of a food processor and, with the machine running, add the butter in knobs of approximately 15ml.
When all butter has been incorporated, add remaining salt, pepper and port. Process again until mixture is absolutely smooth. For a very smooth texture, press the mixture through a sieve.
Spoon into serving dish and chill until firm.
Cover paté with a layer of melted butter to preserve the colour.
ROAST FILLET OF BEEF WITH SALSA VERDE
Serves 6-8
1.5kg beef fillet
30ml olive oil
salt and pepper
sprig of rosemary
Salsa Verde
125ml parsley
125ml mint
125ml basil
80ml olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
5 anchovy fillets, drained
30ml capers, drained
15ml red wine vinegar
15ml lemon juice
5ml Dijon mustard
Remove the sinews from the meat, tuck the thin tail bit in and tie the fillet into a neat shape using string.
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and brown the fillet all over. Place it on a rack in an oven pan and roast at 200ºC for 25 minutes for medium rare. Remove and set aside, covered with foil.
SALSA VERDE: Place the ingredients into blender or processor. Mix until well blended. Serve with the sliced beef.
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
Serves 4-6
200g good-quality, dark chocolate, roughly chopped
80g butter
2 extra large eggs
30ml castor sugar
15ml coffee liqueur (optional)
250ml cream, whipped
In a bowl over gently simmering water, slowly melt the chocolate and butter together. Remove from the heat.
Whisk the eggs and sugar well until thick and pale. Fold in the liqueur, melted chocolate and whipped cream – gently, so you don’t lose too much air.
Spoon into serving bowls and put in the fridge for at least two hours to set before serving. Decorate with fresh fruit of your choice. - The Star