Roasted Acorn Squash with Cinnamon Sugar (“Squashies”)Growing up, we ate what we called groen pampoentjies — little green pumpkins — almost every week. My mom would boil gem squash halves, scoop out the seeds, and serve them right in their shells with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. I loved it. We were told they’d “make your hair grow pretty, healthy curls,” and since they tasted like dessert, I never complained when they showed up on my plate.After moving to the States, we realized gem squash is ...
Recipes
Bacon, Mushroom & Artichoke Quiche
Bacon, Mushroom & Artichoke Souttert (Savory Quiche)Souttert — or “savory tart” — is one of the most versatile recipes in my kitchen. Similar to a French quiche, it’s simple, adaptable, and works for just about any meal of the day.Paired with a crisp salad, it’s one of our favorite weeknight dinners. Add a fruit parfait or just a good cappuccino, and it’s brunch-worthy, too. I recently made one for a friend who had just welcomed her first baby, and she told me how perfect it was during those ...
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 grin. It ...
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 Rooibos ...
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 works like ...
