In May we celebrate and honour mothers, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society.
With mothers in mind, as part of this month’s recipes, I just had to include a recipe for Whoopie Pie, the ultimate dessert sandwich. It is not exactly fare for a high tea, but quite easy for Dad and the kids to make for Mother’s Day. It is said that Whoopie Pies originated in Amish communities in USA when mom’s needed to make something out of leftover chocolate cake batter and icing. When kids found this treat in their lunch boxes, they shouted “whoopie!” There seems to be people who confuse French Macaroons with Whoopie Pies – I can’t imagine why! Anyway, I decided to compare the two “cookies” to get rid of any confusion.
In my search (which is turning into a quest!) for a flop-proof recipe for French Macaroons, I discovered that there are in essence two schools of thought when it comes to making the perfect French Macaroon. The first, swears by meringue made with a sugar syrup, the second says it is not crucial at all. I tend to agree with the latter – it is much easier and quicker! If you feel up for a challenge, see the May 2012 issue of the Food & Home Entertaining Magazine for a recipe for French Macaroons made with sugar syrup. I have to admit, I have personally had successes and disasters with the exact same recipe! So be warned – do not expect your first batch of French macaroons to be a success – they rarely are! The end result is usually edible, but it sometimes does not look like it is supposed to look. I guess it depends greatly on how much of a perfectionist you are.
My selection of recipes for the month of May include recipes for French Macaroons and traditional Whoopie Pies as well as Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with variable fillings. I have also included two adult-friendly recipes (they contain alcohol or raw eggs) – Rum & Coconut ice cream and a classic Caesar Salad. Enjoy!
In my next newsletter I will provide you with my favourite Autumn comfort food recipes.
Happy cooking!
Jeanri
In this newsletter:
- Cooking Demonstration With Nature’s Choice
- Culinary Tour To France
- Private Cooking Lessons
- Books and CD’s by Carolié de Koster
- Subscribe to our Website
- Services
COOKING DEMONSTRATION WITH NATURE’S CHOICE – TUESDAY 15 MAY 2012
In line with Food Allergy Awareness Week (13 to 19 May) my guest demonstrator this month is Hanlie le Roux from Nature’s Choice. The theme of her demonstration will be Everyday Dairy & Gluten-free cooking and baking. Hanlie says: “we live in a world where we are subjected to foods that are grown and manufactured in such a way that instead of fueling our bodies it is harming us. There is an alarming increase in the number of people who suffer from various food allergies”. It is therefore important to stay informed! Hanlie will be demonstrating a few mouthwatering recipes using the Nature’s Choice dairy and gluten-free products. Be sure not to miss this informative event if you or anyone in your family are dairy or gluten intolerant. You can buy gift vouchers for this event for a friend or loved-one who is dairy or gluten intolerant or has celiac disease.
Click on the link below for Carolie de Koster’s favourite Gluten-free Bread Recipe.
At this event you will also be able to sample and buy Instant Rooibos Tea, the quickest way to make a “cuppa” without the soggy tea bag! Great for use at home, at the office or when you travel. All you need is hot water and half a teaspoon of powder for an instant cup of Rooibos Tea.
Click here to make a booking on or before Tuesday 8 May 2012.
CULINARY TOUR TO FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 2012
The departure date for my tour to France is Friday 21 September. Seeing that Monday 24 September is a public holiday, you only need to put in leave for 4 days – you will be able to spend 8 unforgettable days in France! This unique culinary tour to France, will combine two of life’s great pleasures – food and travel. While eating and drinking your way through France, you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cuisine, history and culture of France, the forefather of all things culinary. We will be spending 5 days in Normandy, a region renowned for products such as Camembert cheese and Calvados apple brandy. Thereafter we will spend three glorious days in Paris, the city of lights (or should it be delights!), indulging in Parisian specialities such as macarons, chocolate, pastries, cheese and wine, to mention a few.
The itinerary of the tour has been chosen with great care and designed for people who love and appreciate good food. If you regard yourself as the latter, be sure to join us! All you need to do to reserve your place is to fill out a booking form and pay a deposit of R3000.00 before Thursday 30 May 2012. Read more …
PRIVATE COOKING 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/domestic worker, all you need to do is tell me when and where. You will not only empower your domestic worker, you will also never have to worry about preparing meals for your family again! The lessons will take place in your own kitchen utilising your own appliances and equipment. I can also supply everything if you prefer. The lessons are tailor-made to your tastes and preferences, i.e. your or your staff will learn to make dishes that you love to eat, whether it is “boerekos”, child friendly food or gourmet dishes. The possibilities are endless! Read more …
I am based in Johannesburg, but I am happy to venture further afield. Have a look at what satisfied customers had to say about my cooking lessons. Read more …
BOOKS & CD’s BY CAROLIé DE KOSTER
Carolié’s Art Of Cooking Recipe Book and Art Of Cooking CD can be ordered through me.
Mother’s Day Special – R700.00 per Art of Cooking Recipe Book (usually R800.00). Please order before end of May 2012.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE COOKING UP A STORM WEBSITE TO GET MORE!
By subscribing to the website, you will get free access to the latest news on our own and other foodie events like Food Shows, as well as blogs on food related topics, recipes, cooking tips & hints, etc. the moment we post it on the website. Please note, even if you are currently receiving our monthly newsletter, you still need to subscribe to the Cooking Up A Storm website to receive updates immediately. The subscribe option is at the top right of every page of my website.
SERVICES
Tailor-made private cooking lessons – in your own kitchen! For yourself, your kids your domestic worker or nanny.
- Cookery demonstrations on a variety of topics (in your own house if you prefer!)
- Hands-on cookery sessions for social, corporate 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.
Read more about Cooking Up a Storm.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or suggestions.