Yakety Yak is a lovely restaurant with the best breakfast or brunch as you may call it in town. We ate there recently and enjoyed the it so much. The staff are lovely and the food is just exceptional.
Homemade Pasta Gnocchi by Connor & Jamie
First time making gnocchi and it is such a different taste that I am used to growing up. Gnocchi tastes to me alot like potato dumplings. Pasta potatoes. Make sure you season your gnocchi well,you can even add some spicy seasoning to it too. This recipe is from our friends, they always make it and…
Honey Mustard Sauce
My husband makes the best honey mustard sauce, and he teached me how to make it too. It can be used over gammon, and over chicken, as a side or as a dipping sauce. In a microwave safe bowl add in: 1 Cup of Honey 2 Tbs Dijon Mustard 5ml of Lemon Juice Place the…
Chocolate Lovers Trifle
The highlight for me for 2020 was to be able to pull this yummy dessert off. It is definitely on the top of my list of desserts. In South-Africa at Woolworths foods I love eating their chocolate desserts, it is always so decadent and chocolate mousse just perfect, fluffy and delicious. This dessert reminds me…
Murray
After our lovely sunny but windy morning on the beach, we decided to have some lunch at Murray. They serve the best fried squid and delicious street food. Murray is located before you get to the beach. It’s a lovely atmosphere and the staff is very friendly and helpful. There food is delicious, if you…
Piha Beach
Hey everyone. Readers, bloggers and foodies alike. I am ready for the new year, and feel refreshed and energised after my 2 week break from blogging. Hope all of you had a special and wonderful festive season. Here in New Zealand our little town was mostly empty and most people went away on holiday. You…
Last Farewell to 2020
As I typed this blog post, I can’t help but feel a little bit nostalgic and emotional at the same time. This year no one knew a pandemic of this magnitude would reach all around the world, killing so many and just keep on infecting and people getting sick. It has turned all our worlds…
Our Christmas Lunch
Our Christmas this year, we did things a little differently. We teamed up with our friends and neighbours and had Christmas lunch together. It was a lovely fresh lunch with cold meats that have already been roasted and cooled down. For dessert we had cinnamon rolls made by Jamie (recipe to follow) and the most…
Caramel Mint Log by Shar-nica
This is a really simple and easy dessert. My friend have made this for about a decade now. It’s her favourite Christmas dessert to make. She learn to make it from her mom and step mom. I took the photos and she shared her recipe with me. It’s really delicious and it will taste even…
Butter Lamb Curry by Shar-nica
While we were in Kerikeri, my friend made the most delicious lamb curry ever! Yes, it’s that good that it deserves to be heard about, and shared. It’s her husbands favourite. We ate so much, so delicious at their house while we stayed there. We had a blast. The recipe with its flavour profile is…
Matauri Bay
After our visit to the Makana Confections, we visited Matauri Bay. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches we have visited. The water is clear blue, it’s so clean and the view from the top is spectacular. We had so much fun, we were looking forward to dinner, all the playing and running in the…
Makana Confections Boutique Chocolate Factory
While in Kerikeri on our 2nd day of exploring, we visited the Makan Confections, Boutique Chocolate Factory. There Chocolate are devine, and you can also order online. They are a bit on the pricey side, but it2really delicious my favourite is the Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunch and the Brittle. In the Makana Confections, Boutique Chocolate…
3 Ingredients Caramel Sauce By Shar-nica
This is the best caramel sauce I havs ever eaten. I almost ate the whole container. The best part it’s only 3 ingredients, yes 3 ingredients. Ingredients:125ml Brown Sugar4 Tbs Butter1/4 cup cream Method:On the stove in a pan, with the stove on high add in the butter till melted then add in the brown…
Krismis in Kerikeri
It’s so lovely that my husband is off with us and the kids for the holiday season. We get to do the things we love and explore the places we want to, where we don’t always get time to do it. We have great friends who lives up North is Kerikeri. Just before Christmas we…
Orewa Beach
After our outing to the Beach House Eatery for lunch, we went down to the beach for a little walk. It’s a lovely beach and was also packed with lots of holiday goers. We enjoyed it so much. After the beach, we drove home and the kids passed out too. Our day was packed full,…
Beach House Eatery
After our Snowplanet visit, it was lunch time and we decided to head to the beach, a Restaurant on the beach. The food is devine! Me and my husband had the fish of the day with veggies and tartar sauce, our toddler had some nuggets and chips. The place was packed and quite busy. We…
Snowplanet
We visited Snowplanet today. It is located in Silverdale, Auckland. It was packed full of kids and families having a fun time. I must say snow is not my thing, but it was lovely to take our kids there even though they are too small still. You can rent boots, jackets and mittens at Snowplanet….
Mini Milk Tarts
If you don’t want to make a big milk tart and just the right size for serving then you are at the right place! Dessert servings, for that little bit extra when you want something sweet after dinner. From our kitchen to yours, happy baking. For the Crust:500ml Flour125ml Butter (at room temperature)125ml Sugar1 Egg2…
Vetkoek & Curry Mince
Me and my husband love vetkoek and mince. We grew up eating it and every second shop selling it. With this easy recipe, you can make it and enjoy it too. If you want to know where to find the best vetkoek dough, I suggest Mama Africa in Pukekohe. You can get it if you…
Curry Mince & Rice
Being from South-Africa, curry and rice is at every bazaar and event. When winter comes, people are selling this well loved dish at the shops too. My mom also makes the best curry and rice. This is for the rainy and cold winter days. From our kitchen to yours, happy cooking. Ingredients:800g Tin Tomatoes500g Beef…
Baileys Cheesecake with Rasberry Coulis Topping
I made this baileys cheesecake, it is a little bit strong with the alcohol, but you can add any amount to your preferences. The longer the cheesecake set in the fridge, the better it tastes. From our kitchen to yours, happy baking! For the Crust:500ml Flour125ml Butter (at room temperature)125ml Sugar1 Egg2 Teaspoons Baking PowderPinch…
Hair Makeover by Babble on Hair
It is hard to find a good hairdresser, it is even more harder to find a good hairdresser in a new country. They are affordable and really take care of your hair and you. They are down to earth and have a passion for what they do. For my whole hair, to cut and colour…
Butter Potatoes
So proud of getting my butter potatoes right this time. Butter potatoes are just yummy and goes so well with pretty much anything. From our kitchen to yours, happy cooking. In a microwave safe bowl, add 3 chopped potatoes. Add a little bit of water and place in the microwave uncovered for 7 minutes.When the…
Banana Muffins
I love bananas and I love muffins too. This is a very simple and easy recipe. From our kitchen to yours, happy baking. Mix in 1 bowl:1 Egg200ml Sugar4 Bananas Smashed Sift in another bowl:1 and 1/2 Cup of FlourPinch of Salt5ml Baking Powder5ml Baking Soda Melt 60g margarine and add to the egg mixture.Mix…
Gone Too Soon
I got a call from my mom a few days ago, that shocked me, that aunty Angela have passed away. A week before that, my mom was with her, going out to Restaurants and spending time together. She was like a second grandmother to me, the fact that she passed away so suddenly, made me…
Rocky Road
Rocky road is an Australian treat, dessert and can also be mixed with ice cream. It’s very sweet, but so delicious, you can pretty much add anything to it, any lollies, anything your heart desires. From our kitchen to yours, happy baking! Ingredients:1.2kg Chocolate100g Mini Mallows100g Dried Strawberries1/2 Dessicated Coconut1/2 Peanuts1/2 Smarties or M&M’s Method:Line…
Butter Chicken Curry with Coconut Cream
Butter chicken is one of my favourite dishes in New Zealand. It was one of the first dishes we ate when we landed on New Zealand shores. I came across this recipe today, and made it for dinner. It was yum! Definitely making it more often from now on, now that I know how to…
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti bolognese is one of my favourite dishes! My mom would made it lots and the magic ingredient is the chutney which give the tomato flavour just an extra kick. With this easy recipe, you can make it in under an hour and also don’t have to think too hard of what to make for…
The Suprise That No One Saw Coming
My heart are so full of joy right now! I managed to pull a suprise off for my sisters birthday, and one of her best friends helping me with the planning it to getting everything ready for her. I am so grateful for technology, for services also now available in Rustenburg, click and collect at…
Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits goes back from World War 1 in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corbs. It is crunchy, and tastes very similar to crunchies in South-Africa. I tweaked the recipe a little. The recipe is from Pams. They used caster sugar, I used soft brown sugar. In the recipe they use 2 cups rolled…
Gingerbread Biscuits
If you haven’t seen me posting in a while, sorry about that. It’s crazy busy on my side like always and we had a sick baby, luckily she is all better now. If I don’t post as much some weeks and more than others it means I am more busy than usual and raising kids…
Don’t Forget The Men
They are the breadwinners in most households, the pillars and anchor in the family unit. They are the providers and teachers. In this fast pace world of today, we sometimes forget them too. Mental illness among men in our society is climbing, the covid19 crisis have just highlight it more. Mental illness in society shouldn’t…
Coconut Cream Chocolate Mousse
A different alternative to the foodies who are not so fond of cream. It is delicious and tasty and I like it too. From our kitchen to yours, happy baking! Ingredients:100g 70% Dark Chocolate3 Eggs Seperated ( must be room temperature) 400ml Coconut Cream60ml Caster Sugar Method:In a microwave safe bowl add in 100g 70%…
Chicken Al La King by my Mother in-law
My mother in-law makes the best chicken al la king ever. I made chicken al la king like my mother in-law makes it only from memory. Trying to replicate the flavours and what she puts into her chicken al la king. I got it right. It’s delicious and tastes just right. A quick, easy dinner…
To be a Stay at Home Mom is a Double Blessing
To juggle the schedules of three people is no easy task. It takes lots of strength that you didn’t know you had. To be a homemaker comes with it’s challenges. There are never a dull moment. In between the toddler meltdowns, the seperation anxiety from your baby and then love and attention for your husband…
Custard Milk Tart
Custard tart is a kiwi favourite. Milk tart is a South African favourite. I thought I would combine the two and bring two favourites of each country together. The custard is not overpowering, it’s delicious and just right. Happy baking from our kitchen to yours. Ingredients:4 Eggs Mixed700ml Milk80ml Caster Sugar8 Tbs Cornflour mixed with…
Muffin Break
The muffin break always got freshly baked muffins,cakes and also savoury stuff. Their iced chocolate is really nice. Me and my friends enjoyed some muffins. If you looking for a nice place to pop in quick, then the muffin break is the place to go!
Ernie’s Reserve
It was a lovely, sunny Sunday today. We decided to head to Ernie’s Reserve just 5 minutes drive away from our house. Our toddler enjoyed it so much. There were so many ducks and a duck pond. A lovely field of green grass stretching miles, lots of trees and a walking trail. We saw lots…
Tres Leches Cake
One of my friends told me about this cake. His mom makes it always, and he said it was just devine, so I had to try it out for myself. It’s a cake dessert, it’s light, fluffy and this cake recipe have no oil or butter, it simply rises with the egg whites. It’s the…
The Sugar Shed
I wanted to visit this hidden gem in our town for a little while, but never got around to it. I was at the Saturday farmers market when me and my friends decided to visit The Sugar Shed. They serve the best coffee in town as well as gelato ice cream and lots of other…
Potato Bake with Crispy Fried Shallots
Potato bake is a South-African favourite. With this simple recipe you will make it in a snap and friends and family will absolutely love it. You will need: 8 medium sized yellow potatoes washed 700g of Grated cheese 500ml of Fresh cream Coarse salt and pepper to taste Garlic Powder Crispy fried shallots for extra…
Chocolate Mousse & Caramel Mint Tart
Caramel mint tart is one of my favourites and of course chocolate mousse too! I thought, what better way than to hero both elements and put them together in a tart. It came out delicious. It’s airy, light and just perfect if you are after something sweet that is not too rich but also have…
Teriyaki Chicken
I absolutely love anything and everything that contains teriyaki sauce! One of my favourite meals is teriyaki salmon and of coarse chicken. In New Zealand we have so many cultures and diversities that food from around the world are available pretty much everywhere in New Zealand in every grocery store. We enjoy having such a…
Lamb Curry
In Auckland we have just rainy, windy and cold weather. This lamb curry is a warm dish and perfect for cold weather! In a pan add in one chopped onion, and a chopped capsicum. Fry till brown. Add in 2 teaspoons of curry powder. Add in two chopped lamb chops, and fry till browned. Add…
Mac ‘n Cheese
Mac ‘n cheese is an all time favourite for everyone. It is also a family meal, easy meal and quick dinner for two. With this easy recipe, you can make it in a flash and without any hassle. No need for baking in the oven, it’s perfect as it is! Boil 2 cups of macaroni…
Hamilton Zoo
We visited Hamilton Zoo a few weeks ago, the enclosures of the animals are big, there are lots of areas to walk and there are monkeys, tigers, parrots, rhinos, giraffes and lots more animals to see. We had lunch at the zoo, after our walk, looking at all the animals. The zoo is lovely and…
Apricot Chicken
Simple, yet delicious for a Sunday night dinner. The apricot is not to strong, and the cream gives it a little sweetness but not to sweet. Seperate the apricots and juice. Place the juice in the fridge and puree the apricots. I used 410g tin of apricots. Without the juice it makes 250ml of pureed…
Lemon Cheesecake
This simple recipe, is the perfect dessert for any quick get together. Who doesn’t love lemon cheesecake, yes we all do. I adapted this recipe, it was the condensed milk cheesecake recipe, I upgraded the recipe to a delicious lemon cheesecake. I used Krispies as the base, it’s coconut vanilla biscuits, I would recommend also…
Chiffon Cake
I made this cake, a few days ago. I must say it turned out delicious! It lasted only 1 day. Yes, 1 day that’s how perfectly good and fluffy it is. I have searched long for a recipe, especially one I can use to make birthday cakes, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. My…
2 Ingredient White Sauce
If you want to make white sauce and don’t want to take too much time, this is the recipe for you. Easy, simple and can be easily be made in the microwave with only 2 ingredients, yes you read right, only 2 ingredients! Ingredients:450ml Full Cream Milk4 Tbs Cornflour Method:In a microwave safe bowl or…
