This theme of this newsletter is nuts … nature’s most versatile, nutritionally balanced health food. It is the perfect on-the go snack and could feature in every meal of the day. Think granola for breakfast, nuts sprinkled on salads or stirred into stir-fries or pasta dishes for lunch or dinner. Not to mention breads and all the nutty sweet treats and desserts there are to choose from!
This newsletter is jam-packed with information and recipes on the ten most popular tree nuts, i.e. almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecan nuts, pistachios, pine nuts and walnuts. I have also included a few recipes with peanuts or peanut butter as an ingredient although peanuts are not a true nut but a legume. With close to 40 recipes that has at least one type of nut as an ingredient, there is something for everyone. Some recipes are on the healthier side and some are down-right decadent, but they are sure to hit the spot with friends and family! Be sure to try out the biscuit and rusk recipes. Now is the time to get baking and to stock up for the upcoming school holiday’s! These biscuits are great served the Italian way with sweet sherry or even better … Frangelico or Amaretti liqueur! As usual, Carolié de Koster also contributed a variety of recipes. Her popular Art of Cooking Recipe Book is available exclusively from Cooking Up A Storm.
A great place to shop for nuts to your heart’s content is Impala Fruit & Veg in Northcliff. The store is situated between a florist and a bakery, with a butchery and liquor store within walking distance. There is also a fishmonger and a chocolatier close by which truly makes it a one-stop shopping experience! More details in my post “One-stop shopping”.
A nut theme would not be complete without reference to the seriousness of nut allergies, so if you are not sure what to look out for on labels or what the symptoms of nut allergies are, “A Tough Nut To Crack” is a must read. Some people who can’t tolerate peanuts or eat peanut butter can consume other nut butters. See my post “Nuts about butter” for information on Jozi’s Nut Butters and how they create jobs as part of the non-profit organization Oasis South Africa.
Be sure to enter the Montagu Dried Fruit and Nuts competition. You stand a chance to win a hamper of your favorite Montagu products to the value of R500.00. More details in my post “Sunshine In A Packet”.
In my post “Get Cracking”, I tell you more about the cool nut crackers available these days as well as info on the history behind the famed ballet “The Nutcracker”.
For first time readers of my newsletter, I write about local and international trends that relate to food in some or other way, cool kitchen gadgets, cool food products, cool foodie events and of course mouthwatering recipes that I have come across and tested myself. Please “like” Cooking Up A Storm’s Facebook page and you will get notified the moment I post something new, whether it is a new recipe to try or an upcoming foodie event. Read more further down.
My “I made it myself!/Ek het dit self gemaak!” cooking parties for kids are very popular. The format is similar to the popular “I Can Cook” series on DSTV’s CBeebies. 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!” It is also a fun activity to arrange for classmates or a group of friends during the school holiday’s. Masterchef cooking parties and hands-on cooking sessions for adults offered as well. Read more further down.
I specialize in custom on-site cooking lessons – for yourself, your domestic worker, housekeeper or nanny. Regardless of what lifestyle you are following, your current level of skill, learning to cook will change your life. Once you know the basics, you will be able to make just about anything. The possibilities are endless! Please see the Testimonials page on my website for more info. Read more further down.
Happy cooking!
Jeanri
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Note: Please click on each heading to read the full post.
June/July 2015 Recipes
You will be nuts about the selection of recipes included in this newsletter. There is something for everyone.
In A Nutshell …
These bite-size nutritional powerhouses are packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Get Cracking!
The word “nutcracker” might conjure up images of the nutcracker soldier from the “Nutcracker Ballet” rather than the kitchen tool used to crack open the shells of nuts.
Sunshine In A Packet
From the small town of Montagu on the foot of the Langeberg, comes the success story of Montagu Dried Fruit and Nuts – one of SA’s foremost dried fruit, nuts and seed importers and suppliers.
Nuts About Butter
Jozi’s Nut Butters are quality, artisan nut butters that are not only completely natural, but also healthy and delicious!
One-Stop Shopping
Impala Fruit & Veg is situated in Northcliff and has been around for no less than 32 years. It is almost as synonymous with Northcliff as Northcliff Koppie itself!
A Tough Nut To Crack
An allergy to tree nuts is one of the most common food allergies. A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to an allergen (protein) in a food.
Cooking Parties For Kids
My cooking parties for kids are very popular due to the fact that you can choose the language in which the party will be conducted and the party can take place at your house if you prefer, or at one of my venues in Gauteng The recipes are age-specific and tasty!
Customised On-site Cooking Lessons
My cooking lessons are suitable for beginners, intermediate or advanced cooks – no experience required. I also teach domestic workers, house keepers, nanny’s and kitchen staff. The lessons take place in your own kitchen!
Art Of Cooking Recipe Book & CD
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. It is available exclusively from Cooking Up A Storm.
- Customised on-site cooking lessons – for yourself, your kids, your domestic worker or nanny.
- Cookery demonstrations on a variety of topics (in your own house if you prefer!)
- Cooking classes and parties for kids in Afrikaans or English
- Hands-on cookery sessions for social or corporate events or staff training
- Recipe development
- Consulting to Guest Houses, coffee shops, etc.
- Nutrition talks e.g. as part of Corporate Wellness Programs.
- Individual consultations on nutrition and healthy eating
- Custom-made healthy meal plans
- Supplier of a variety of quality cooking utensils & equipment, e.g. Wizbake sheets
- Kitchen accessory, bakeware and gadget demonstrations.