Fridge Tart & Friendship: A Peppermint Crisp Classic Peppermint Crisp Tart is easily one of the most beloved and frequently made desserts in South Africa. And once you’ve tasted it, it’s easy to understand why. This no-bake treat features layers of coconut biscuits and a dulce de leche cream, all studded with shards of Peppermint Crisp — a minty chocolate bar with the most irresistible crunch. It’s decadent, nostalgic, and happens to sport a perfectly patriotic palette of green and gold, ...
Heritage Recipes
Homemade Romany Creams
My favorite South African cookie, recreated in my American kitchen. Romany Creams are my very favorite cookie in the entire universe (not an exaggeration). They were a treasured treat during my childhood, especially during afternoon tea with a cup of rooibos. When I moved to the States, they quickly became one of the most-missed foods from home. For years, whenever someone was visiting South Africa, I’d ask them to bring me a box — but once I had my own kids and started our own tea time ...
Plaatkoekies
Plaatkoekies (Sweet South African Pancakes for Sunday Mornings) I remember my grandmother’s Sunday breakfast table so vividly. Plaatkoekies were always the star of the show — warm, golden, and always served with a smile (literally, sometimes). She’d spoil us with a spread of toppings: golden syrup, honey, butter, fresh fruit. But for us kids, she made it extra special — shaping the plaatkoekies into little people, with raisins for eyes, Smarties for buttons, and even a cheese curl for a ...
Apple Rooibos Iced Tea
Apple Rooibos Iced Tea (From My Grandmother’s Table) My grandmother was the ultimate hostess. Her recipes saturate my fondest memories, and the way she presented them was always pure perfection. These days, although she’s no longer with us, I try to channel her thought process whenever I’m planning an event — or even just an occasional “fancy” family dinner. One of her signature summer staples has become my go-to for showers, garden parties, or backyard afternoons with neighbors: Apple ...
Buttermilk Rusks
Buttermilk Rusks (and why my kids think they're magic) Few things bring back South African mornings quite like a coffee-dunked buttermilk rusk. They're a staple in our home — so beloved that I can barely keep up with the demand. We also include them in our daily Tea Time ritual, a carryover from my own childhood and now a sweet pause in the afternoon with my kids. (Side note for fellow mammas: Tea Time has become our best decompression tool. The combo of rooibos tea and a crunchy rusk ...
