The “back-to-school” dust has settled and kids and parents alike are back into their first-quarter-of-the-year routine. I think it is cruel of whoever decided that Valentine’s Day should take place mid-February. In other words, only six short weeks into the new year when everyone who chose “healthier eating” as a New Year’s Resolution will be tempted to binge on chocolate in February!
In my first newsletter for 2014, I have a few important announcements to make. Firstly, from this year I will be sending my newsletter out every 2nd month instead of monthly which will give me more time to research and test recipes for each newsletter in between my culinary classes. Secondly, for the first time each newsletter will not only include recipes contributed by Carolié de Koster, but during the course of this year, Carolié will be contributing recipes from her popular Art of Cooking Recipe Book according to a specific cuisine. The cuisine she chose for this month is Italian. This is in addition to the recipes I include in every newsletter anyway. Thirdly, I am going to try to do posts on new recipes as well as the goings-on at Cooking Up A Storm on a more regular basis on my Facebook page. Please “like” it and you will get notified the moment I post something new! Read more further down.
With summer in full swing, I decided to include a few recipes that are on the healthier side. With the abundance of seasonal fruit such as mango and blue berries, I just had to include a recipe for Blueberry Muffins and Mango, Banana & Blueberry Smoothie. I’ve also included my recipe for my all-time favourite salad, Quinoa Tabbouleh, with variations as well as info on and cooking methods for pearl barley, bulgar wheat and couscous which can be used instead of quinoa. I also wanted to include recipes that are low in fat, but high in flavour, so I came up with a new take on “cauliflower cheese” with my Cauliflower Cakes recipe. And last but not least, I included a few decadent chocolatey recipes that will leave your loved ones smiling long after the last bite has been devoured. They are: Pear, Almond & Chocolate Puff Pastry Parcel, Coconut-Ice Shapes and No-bake Brownies. I have added a few additional Italian recipes from the Art of Cooking Recipe Book in the recipe post. If you are not familiar with it yet, the recipes from the Art of Cooking Recipe Book are timeless, i.e. they are both classic and trendy. No wonder the book gets passed on from generation to generation! If you would like to order a copy of Carolié’s book, please make contact for more information. Read more further down.
As a culinary teacher I am used to wearing different “hats” due to the difference in the ages and skill levels of my students. During the December holidays I had the opportunity to wear Mrs Claus’ hat at Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, which was great fun! The event ran from the 3rd to the 16th of December at Bedford Centre and Moms could do their Christmas shopping while my team and I entertained their kids with making Christmas-themed treats. It was a win-win for everyone! Read more further down.
Is your child possibly the next Junior Masterchef? Make his/her next birthday party extra special with a “I made it myself!/Ek het dit self gemaak!” cooking party. Each recipe is demonstrated to the children step-by-step and each child makes his/her own recipe from start to finish. Kids get to take the fruit of their labour home and tell Mom and Dad: I made it myself! Most of them eat it right away though!” The recipes are age-specific and really tasty! It is also a fun activity to arrange for a group of friends during the school holiday’s. Read more further down.
I specialize in customised culinary lessons – whether for yourself or your domestic worker, housekeeper or nanny. When you book four cooking lessons with me, you will receive a manual that covers topics such as Food Safety, Kitchen Safety, Kitchen Hygiene, Food Storing and much more! The manual can be used as a reference guide in the kitchen. You choose what you would like to learn to cook. The possibilities are endless! It can be our secret! This is what one of my clients had to say after I trained her domestic worker: “Jeanri is extremely professional, comes fully prepared for every lesson and puts every effort into making sure that your domestic worker learns to cook. She even spent time with mine, teaching her maths so that she could halve recipes, double up on portions etc. Jeanri goes shopping on your behalf and makes sure that you have everything you need for a lesson, even down to the equipment needed in the kitchen so that there is no delay in lesson time. Everything she taught Fredah to cook has been delicious and we have used her recipes over and over. My domestic worker has gained a lot of confidence in the kitchen. Jeanri ensures that your domestic is able to write up a shopping list, keep to excellent hygiene standards in the kitchen, cook, bake, and tidy up properly afterwards. Definitely money well spent, I can only highly recommend her.” Kelly, Parkview. Read more further down.
In this newsletter:
- The Four Letter Word
- February Recipes
- Cooking Up A Storm’s Facebook Page
- Feedback: Mrs Claus’ Kitchen Dec 2013
- Culinary Parties For Kids
- Customised Culinary Lessons
- Art Of Cooking Recipe Book & CD
- Cooking Up A Storm’s Services
Happy cooking!
Jeanri
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Note: Please click on each heading to read the full post.
The Four Letter Word
One of my least favorite four letter words – it has been with is since the beginning of time – is … diet.
February Recipes
I guarantee that you will fall in love with this month’s selection of recipes. There is something for everyone – healthy, not so healthy, gluten-free, etc.
Cooking Up A Storm’s Facebook Page
Starting this month, I will be posting recipes with seasonal ingredients, ideas for birthday parties, etc. on my Facebook page on a regular basis.
Feedback: Mrs Claus’ Kitchen
During the first two weeks of the 2013 December holidays I was running “Mrs Claus’ Kitchen” for Bedford Centre in Bedfordview.
Culinary Parties For Kids
My culinary parties for kids have proofed to be very popular due to the fact that you have the option to choose the language in which the party will be conducted, i.e. ”Ek het dit self gemaak!” or ”I made it myself!“.
Customised Culinary Lessons
If planning meals and cooking for your family is driving you up the wall, and you would like to hand the responsibility over to your nanny or domestic worker, all you need to do is tell me when and where. You will not only empower your employee, you will have time on your hands to do other things! The lessons will take place in your own kitchen and are customised to your preferences, i.e. your domestic worker will learn to make recipes that you love to eat!
Art Of Cooking Recipe Book
Carolié de Koster’s Art Of Cooking recipe book consists of more than a 1000 recipes and is the most comprehensive cookery book in South Africa. Written by a renowned food consultant it offers everything for everyone’s needs – from the beginner and home cook to the career chef, caterer and trainer.
- Customised cooking lessons – in your own kitchen! For yourself, your kids, your domestic worker or nanny.
- Culinarydemonstrations on a variety of topics (in your own house if you prefer!)
- Culinary classes and parties for kids in Afrikaans or English
- Hands-on culinary sessions for social or corporate events or staff training
- Recipe development
- Motivational talks and individual consultations on healthy eating
- Weekly or monthly healthy meal plans with grocery lists for the busy cook
- Supplier of a variety of quality cooking utensils & equipment, e.g. Wizbake reusable baking sheets, silicone bakeware, etc.
- Kitchen accessory, bakeware and gadget demonstrations.