@2020 - All Right Reserved by Aveng Media (PTY) LTD
Home LifeStyle Food & Recipes
Category:

Food & Recipes

Food & RecipesNutritionPress Release

Enjoy guilt-free cake indulgence this summer holiday

by Tania Griffin
written by Tania Griffin

With the arrival of summer, people are becoming more mindful of their physical well-being and dietary choices. However, there is no need to deprive oneself of delightful treats.

Macro Mixes recognises the significance of maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle without sacrificing flavour, which is why the Birthday Cake premix is meticulously crafted to provide a guilt-free treat that enables you to remain dedicated to your dietary choices.

During the festive season, the tradition of coming together with loved ones and savouring delicious treats becomes a daily pleasure. Adding a Birthday Cake premix to your celebratory menu ensures you and your loved ones can bask in delight, relish the experience and forge unforgettable memories, as this premix already contains all the necessary ingredients to make a delectable cake – sparing you the worry and hassle of figuring out what else to add to enhance its flavour.

“We have managed to infuse love, smiles, sweetness, warmth, happiness, icing and sprinkle flavours into a cake. It is a high protein, calorie-controlled, gluten-free, low-carb cake. Everyone can indulge guilt-free, no matter their goals, dietary requirements or preferences,” says Sheree Munro, CEO and co-owner of Macro Mixes.

Ryan Sexton, the other co-owner, adds: “We are committed to offering products catering to various dietary needs and preferences. Using high-quality ingredients ensures our premixes taste great and provide essential nutrients.”

Using Macro Mixes’ Birthday Cake premix requires minimal effort and time. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging, and you’ll have a flavoursome birthday cake ready to enjoy in no time.

With Macro Mixes, you can bake for any occasion – whether you’re celebrating an occasion or looking to satisfy your sweet tooth.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food & RecipesHealthNutritionPress Release

Remaking a family favourite recipe – with a healthy twist!

by Tania Griffin
written by Tania Griffin

Every family has at least one recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s that one dish that always makes an appearance at family celebrations, with a secret ingredient known only to the inner circle. But the big question is: Are family recipes sacred or can they be tweaked?

“Family recipes and sharing in food is a wonderful way for families to connect, and to pass down traditions through the generations,” notes Candice Sessions, Laager Rooibos marketing manager. “While these recipes often form a big part of our childhood memories, they can sometimes be impractical for our modern-day lives. Over time, tastes evolve, diets change, and new ingredients and cooking aids emerge that could simplify that recipe or take it to the next level.”

She says Laager Rooibos wanted to find out if putting a modern twist on family recipes is viewed favourably or seen as taboo. To answer this question, the team called on South African twin chefs – Lebo and Tebo Ndala – whose love for some of their own family recipes has inspired their incredible culinary success.

Lebo explains: “Family recipes mean a lot to us because it’s a legacy. Some meals keep us in touch with our roots and culture, while some recipes remind us of loved ones who have since departed. They are more than just recipes – they are our history as well.”

Tebo continues: “While we definitely draw on family recipes for heritage and inspiration, we do like to put a healthy twist on some of these recipes because we’ve become health-conscious and honestly body-conscious as well. We don’t want to lose our culture, so we try to stay true to ourselves while still taking good care of our health.

“Our mom used to make a delicious pasta salad when we were kids, which was really smart of her because it was bulky and could fill all four kids up quickly – but it had a lot of mayonnaise. So, our twist is making a green goddess sauce for the salad, which reduces the mayonnaise by half and replaces it with Greek yoghurt blended with fresh herbs.”

Another family favourite that Lebo and Tebo have put their own spin on is whipped banana oatmeal. Their version uses Laager Rooibos and almond milk to dial up the health benefits.

@withlovefromthetwins Creamy Whipped Banana & Laager Rooibos Oatmeal

Ingredients
1/2 cup raw oats
1/2 cup banana, overripe (mashed)
1 ¼ cups almond milk
2 Laager Pure Rooibos teabags
½ Tbls coconut oil
½ Tbls peanut butter
Pinch of salt
1 tbs maple syrup

Method
1. In a small saucepan, boil the Laager Rooibos teabags in almond milk for 2–3 minutes.
2. Take the tea bags out, stir in the oats, and bring the oats and almond milk to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Once the mixture is cooked and thick, turn off the heat.
5. Add in the mashed banana, coconut oil, maple syrup, peanut butter and salt.
6. Use a fork to whisk and mix it up.
7. Serve hot in a bowl. Add toppings of choice. Serve immediately.

For more recipe ideas and health tips, follow Tebo and Lebo on Instagram and Laager Rooibos on Facebook.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food & RecipesPress Release

Dairymaid’s exciting addition to its Country Fresh line-up

by Tania Griffin
written by Tania Griffin

Dairymaid, a revered name in the world of frozen delights, has introduced a delicious new flavour to its esteemed Country Fresh brand: Lemon Cream. 

As we eagerly embrace the warmth of summer, this delectable and creamy dessert is set to awaken taste buds and elevate any occasion.

With an enduring heritage spanning several decades, Dairymaid has consistently been synonymous with being passionate about ice cream making for the past 100 years. Lemon Cream introduces an exhilarating twist to its already impressive ice cream collection. 

Whether you’re commemorating a special birthday or savouring a well-deserved treat for yourself and your cherished ones, Country Fresh – the driving force behind Lemon Cream – is primed to turn these moments into unforgettable memories.

Manyathe Ramotsepe, Dairymaid’s senior brand manager, comments on this new flavour innovation: “As a brand, we aspire to be a part of all your meals – both your everyday and special occasion meals. Country Fresh aims to bring the fun and joy after family meals each day.”

With Lemon Cream leading the charge, Dairymaid’s Country Fresh brand continues to embody a quality product that focuses on smooth and creamy flavours for any occasion.

Consumers are encouraged to interact with the Country Fresh in-store competition where they will stand a chance to win weekly cash prizes of up to R10 000. Follow Country Fresh’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more competition updates and winner announcements.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food & RecipesHealthPress Release

Green tea is effective in fighting COVID-19 subvariants

by Tania Griffin
written by Tania Griffin

The extensive health benefits of green tea have been enjoyed by cultures across the globe since the 8th century, and it appears this herbal beverage is now tackling modern illnesses. Researchers have found that green tea may help in the fight against COVID-19, as the tea inactivates the virus.

Scientists from the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan recently published a study in Scientific Reports which found that chemicals in green tea, black tea and matcha (powdered green tea) are effective in inactivating the Omicron subvariant of COVID-19. They discovered that chemicals in these teas will bind to the spike protein of the COVID virus, preventing it from infecting cells.

This is great news for South Africans where Omicron – which was first discovered in South Africa in September 2021 – remains the dominant COVID-19 variant, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Omicron was reported to have infected 100% of COVID cases from July to September this year.

While the virus is less threatening to most, it is still incredibly dangerous to a section of the population, as reported in Bloomberg. In the United States, COVID-19 was the third biggest killer in 2022 behind heart disease and cancer. In addition, the World Health Organization notes that “current evidence suggests approximately 10%–20% of people experience a variety of mid- and long-term effects after they recover from their initial illness”.

“In the almost four years since OVID first arrived, we’ve been through a number of waves, with the global health emergency finally ending earlier this year,” comments Candice Sessions, Tetley marketing manager. “We have all learnt to live with COVID and carry on with our lives, but the reality is that many South Africans are still being affected, with long-COVID symptoms a real concern.

“This research indicates green tea gives us another line of defence – and considering its affordability and versatility, it’s a great way to protect ourselves and our families ahead of the festive season.”

Green tea, like South Africa’s favourite Tetley Green Tea, can be enjoyed as a hot or cold beverage, or even included as a health-enhancing ingredient in recipes.

In addition to green tea’s COVID-fighting properties, it is associated with several other health benefits including the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, as well as anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidative properties.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food & RecipesHealthNutritionPress Release

The Smart Choice Cookbook: packed with cancer-preventing recipes

by Tania Griffin
written by Tania Griffin

In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, small changes in your diet can make all the difference. By changing something as simple as your cooking oil, you may reduce your risk of getting certain cancers.

Throughout the month of October, in alignment with Cancer Awareness Month, B-well took an even more proactive approach in the journey toward health and wellness. The launch of the Smart Choice Cookbook, a collaboration with the esteemed Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), is a testament to the company’s commitment to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed dietary choices.

Written by CANSA nutrition and dietetics consultant Megan Pentz-Kluyts, this cookbook is not just a collection of recipes; it’s a comprehensive resource tailored to promote cancer prevention and overall well-being.

B-well’s dedication to enhancing the lives of its consumers extends beyond providing top-quality products. The company believes in equipping individuals with the resources that foster a healthier lifestyle and a brighter future.

In her article titled “Choose Your Cooking Oil Wisely”, published on the CANSA website, Pentz-Kluyts writes: “A healthy diet is a cornerstone of helping to reduce cancer risk, and the use of cooking oils like B-well Canola Oil – which are also lower in saturated fats than other common cooking or salad oils – can be a valuable step toward reducing cancer risk. Canola oil is a cooking oil high in omega-3 and has only 7% saturated fat, making it a good choice to help increase the overall omega-3 intake in our Western diet.”

Distinguished from other healthy-eating cookbooks, the Smart Choice Cookbook sets itself apart with a fresh collection of recipes. These specifically highlight ingredients that may contribute to reducing the risk of cancer.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food & RecipesNutritionPress Release

Tenderstem Broccoli: the brand that’s elevating South African palates

by Tania Griffin
written by Tania Griffin

South Africans are developing an ever-growing fondness for Tenderstem® Broccoli, and its popularity is soaring in households.

Unlike its plain cousin, regular broccoli, Tenderstem® is the lush, luxurious and leggy vegetable that stands head and shoulders above all others.

David Samuels, EMEA brand director for Tenderstem®, expresses his delight: “We’re thrilled see the Tenderstem® brand going from strength to strength in South Africa, envisioning this unique vegetable as a kitchen staple across the nation. The brand stands for more than just a name – it’s an assurance to consumers that they can expect a consistent quality that represents true value.

“For growers and everyone involved in the supply of Tenderstem®, there’s a system of support that ensures visibility and sustained economic value. The benefits of the brand are felt from the fields, all the way to the supermarket shelves.”

Available all-year round and hand-picked for the finest quality, Tenderstem® Broccoli is a versatile, vibrant vegetable that’s perfect for any special occasion or mid-week meal. As the name suggests, this brassica is tender, juicy, succulent and flavoursome from floret to stem, so you can eat the whole thing with zero waste.

Tenderstem® boasts a distinctive and delectable taste, with succulent sweetness and slight nuttiness, setting it apart from bland or bitter varieties. Its versatility shines as it can be boiled, grilled, roasted, air-fried, steamed, stir-fried, consumed raw, or even charred on the grill.

A mere 80g of Tenderstem® Broccoli contributes to one’s daily recommended greens intake. This nutritional powerhouse is rich in folate, vitamin A and vitamin C, supporting a healthy immune system. High fibre content and a source of potassium further endorse normal blood pressure and a well-functioning nervous system.

South Africans can now exclusively find Tenderstem® Broccoli at Woolworths stores nationwide. It’s a culinary sensation that promises to become a beloved staple in kitchens across the country.

Discover Tenderstem®: broccoli, but better.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food & RecipesNutritionPress Release

Avian flu woes highlight benefits of choosing plant-based products over eggs

by Tania Griffin
written by Tania Griffin

The avian flu pandemic has had a direct impact on businesses and households across South Africa, causing egg shortages as well as fluctuating egg pricing.

B-well, a leading local brand in the condiment industry, is reassuring its current and future customers that there will be no disruption to its supply of products. B-well offers a range of eggless, vegan-friendly mayonnaises and dips, made right here in South Africa. 

B-well is a market leader in vegan products and has long believed in providing consumers with safe and allergen-free alternatives that offer the same great taste as traditional mayonnaise. As a result, its range of mayonnaise and dips have been developed without eggs and dairy products, using GMO-free ingredients. The range is also naturally gluten-free and thickened with pea protein to ensure everyone – regardless of their dietary preferences – can enjoy ingredients for better living.

Made with locally grown canola oil – a seed oil that is naturally cholesterol-free, high in omega-3 and low in saturated fat – B-well’s mayonnaises have been endorsed by The Heart & Stroke Foundation for years. In fact, B-well’s Canola Oil has been awarded CANSA’s Smart Choice Seal, promoting canola oil’s contribution to cancer risk reduction and good health. Both these endorsements underscore the company’s commitment to promoting healthier eating choices for all South Africans.

Within the B-well range, consumers will find a number of variants, each developed to meet consumer demand for delicious, allergen-free, vegan-friendly products. The original four mayonnaise variants are Original Tangy, Thick & Creamy, Reduced Oil (which contains 47% less oil than Original Tangy), and Olive & Canola (a premium mayonnaise that brings the subtle flavour of olive oil).

In addition, there are three flavoured mayonnaises – Garlicnaise, Lemonaise and Chillinaise – plus three creamy dips (Cajun Chilli, Roasted Onion and Cheddar & Chives) as well as a Sandwich Spread. All the products boast unbeatable taste and texture and are endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of South Africa. 

The B-well range is manufactured by Southern Oil (SOILL), a proudly South African company that operates out of Swellendam in the Western Cape. SOILL is the largest buyer of canola in South Africa, working hand in hand with farmers to ensure high yields and excellent quality. The company is proud of its direct impact on job creation as well as on the sustainability of its products, as it uses canola seeds grown locally in the Western Cape, Overberg and Swartland.

As the effects of the egg shortage are felt across South Africa, there’s no better time than now to explore a plant-based lifestyle. B-well encourages consumers to make the switch to egg-free mayonnaises – it’s not only an investment into health and wellness but also an investment into locally made products that support our economy.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food & RecipesPress Release

Starbucks “Your Summer Yes” campaign: Celebrating individuality, empowerment and inclusivity

by Tania Griffin
written by Tania Griffin

Starbucks, the world-renowned coffeehouse chain, has launched its latest summer campaign, “Your Summer Yes”, curated especially for the South African market and designed to inspire customers to embrace their unique summer confidence. Your summer adventure may unfold on sandy shores, in bustling city streets, or within the cozy corners of your home – but, your summer is yours to define, and it all begins with a single word: ‘yes’.

“Our upcoming summer campaign is focused on celebrating individuality and choice,” says Leah McCrae, Starbucks South Africa managing director. “It’s not just about promoting a one-size-fits-all approach to ‘health’, but also an opportunity for us to share more of what’s on offer, some things guests might not have known about.

“We encourage you to embrace your personal summer goals while enjoying your favourite Starbucks beverages. From lower calorie options to the ability to customise your orders with dairy alternatives and sugar-free syrups, Starbucks seeks to be a part of each customer’s journey toward a confident and enjoyable summer.”

She adds that, “In the spirit of inclusivity, we wholeheartedly celebrate the diverse interpretations of ‘summer confidence’ and the varied beverage preferences that make each individual unique – ensuring everyone feels not just welcome but a cherished part of the Starbucks summer experience.”

Globally, Starbucks has an unmatched commitment to quality. So, here are some facts that will boost your confidence with Starbucks South Africa this summer:

1. Starbucks’ commitment to quality begins with its triple-filtered water systems in every store, ensuring every sip of your drink is made with pure, clean water, enhancing the overall taste and quality of your beverage.

2. It offers a diverse range of dairy alternatives including almond milk, coconut milk, soya milk and oat milk, allowing you to customise your drink to your dietary or taste preferences and ensuring there’s a perfect match for everyone.

3. With Starbucks’ Vanilla and Caramel sugar-free syrups, each pump counts for just one calorie, giving you the sweet flavours you crave without any guilt.

4. Looking for your perfect matcha match? Did you know that Starbucks Matcha is not just any matcha? It’s high quality, sourced from Japan, vibrant and full of antioxidants, making your matcha latte uniquely Starbucks and an exquisite choice for those seeking a health-conscious beverage with a touch of elegance.

5. Looking for a refreshing iced option under 100 calories for summer? The Starbucks Refresha and Shaken Iced Tea range is the perfect choice, offering a cool and satisfying beverage to beat the heat without compromising on your summer goals.

“Your Summer Yes” is not just a campaign; it’s a commitment to making your summer memorable, enjoyable and uniquely yours. Join Starbucks SA in celebrating the freedom to be yourself, embrace your choices, and toast to the possibilities that summer brings.

Find your nearest Starbucks store on the Starbucks Rewards App and ask your barista for your “Summer Yes”, and remember – summer belongs to everyone. Say ‘yes’ to your unique summer adventure!

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Food & RecipesHealthNutritionPress Release

FUTURELIFE launches Peanut Butter Smart Food

by Tania Griffin
written by Tania Griffin

FUTURELIFE®, South Africa’s fastest growing cereal brand, is celebrating the launch of an exciting new addition to its product line-up: FUTURELIFE® Smart Food™ Peanut Butter Flavour. The introduction of the peanut butter flavour variant in the 500g Smart Food™ range comes in a limited edition promotional pack, adding an extra layer of excitement to the launch.

According to Keegan Eichstadt, marketing manager at FUTURELIFE®, the new peanut butter–flavoured Smart Food™ is guaranteed to captivate the taste buds of South Africans. He says, “The peanut butter market in South Africa continues to flourish exponentially, presenting a significant opportunity for our brand. With its positive nutritional benefits and wide appeal across a diverse demographic of households, we are confident the new Smart Food™ flavour will be a welcome addition to our cereal category.”

Eichstadt explains that the introduction of FUTURELIFE® Smart Food™ Peanut Butter Flavour will be presented in exclusive, limited edition packaging that will be available to the end of March 2024. “There will be four packs that showcase the FUTURE TRIBE sports stars including rugby sensation Damian Willemse, cricket player Suné Luus, soccer legend Siphiwe Tshabalalala, and netball sensation Precious Mthembu.

The FUTURE TRIBE campaign also offers consumers an exciting opportunity to secure a guaranteed portion of R5 million in prizes. Prizes include sports vouchers, kids’ sports lessons, prepaid electricity and data bundles, among others, catering to a diverse range of interests and needs.

As with all the FUTURELIFE® Smart Food variants, the new FUTURELIFE® Smart Food™ Peanut Butter Flavour is enriched with Moducare®: a daily immune supplement made from a patented blend of natural plant sterols and sterolins. It is high in dietary fibre, offers 19 essential amino acids, has a low glycaemic index (GI), and is gluten-free.

FUTURELIFE® head dietician Angela Leach adds that the new peanut butter–flavoured Smart Food™ also boasts a powerful blend of nine essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. These include vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, iron, selenium, zinc, vitamin D and vitamin C.

With its bone support benefits, fatigue-reduction properties, and total offering of 21 vitamins and minerals, FUTURELIFE® Smart Food™ Peanut Butter Flavour is a great choice for South Africans looking to make smart nutritional choices that lead to healthier and happier lives.

“We are continually seeking opportunities to leverage nutrition to enhance the overall well-being of South African families and athletes, and FUTURELIFE® Smart Food™ Peanut Butter Flavour represents yet another step in the journey toward achieving our goal,” Eichstadt concludes.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
BooksFood & Recipes

NEW BOOK: The South African Air Fryer Cookbook 2

by Tania Griffin
written by Tania Griffin

Delight friends and family with easy-to-prepare dishes from Louisa Holst’s superb new book, The South African Air Fryer Cookbook 2.

As a best-selling author, she knows what air fryer fans (and inexperienced newbies) want and need, and uses local flavours in fun and innovative ways (think brandy and Coke chicken wings; snoek and apricot samoosas; and fish finger gatsbys) which will inspire you to fire up your air fryer every day.

Chicken peri-peri pie, gammon (yes, it can be done in the air fryer), roast lamb, buttermilk rusks, pavlova and mini fruit cakes are yet more of the mouthwatering dishes in the book. 

Make snack foods to enjoy while watching sport, bake teatime treats, or host dinners with this must-have book.

Holst’s previous cookbook, The South African Air Fryer Cookbook 1, won the 2023 South African Book Awards prize for adult non-fiction.

About the author

Louisa Holst has been a food journalist for 25 years. She is currently a freelance food consultant, recipe developer and food editor for Ideas/Idees magazine. She received the Galliova Award for food writers in 2016. Louisa is passionate about food and loves to cook, discover new flavours and create delicious easy-to-cook, family-friendly recipes.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts