1.Make a change. Sinoyolo Sifo's goal is to break gender stereotypes in the kitchen and encourage more men to cook. Using what he calls ‘the universal language of food', Sifo: The Cooking Husband (R330, Penguin) is an invitation to readers - men and women alike - to share in the joy of making memories with food.
The recipes are simple and accessible, wholesome and delicious. There are indulgent pasta dishes, hearty stews, quick lunches, impressive dinners, decadent desserts, as well as traditional South African dishes and some childhood favourites. It's a winner!
2. Maxwell & Williams Wild Planet Bamboo Plates (set of 4) R219, yuppiechef.com
3. The boutique Franschhoek winery Paserene's first release of Dark - a full-bodied 2018 Syrah in its Elements range (R205, paserene.com) - was crafted from a combination of grapes grown in clay soils in Tulbagh and sand in Franschhoek. The word paserene is derived from Latin and alludes to migrant birds, like the little swallow on its labels.
The farm's tasting lounge - The Paserene Nest - is the perfect place to birdwatch and enjoy a tasting. The Paserene Nest is open Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00; reservations can be made online at paserene.com/wines.
4. Raise your glasses The latest vintage 2018 Merlot (from R94) and 2021 Chenin Blanc (from R63) from Stellenbosch Hills are delicious on their own, but even better paired with a scrumptious meal. Go to stellenbosch-hills.co.za to find out more.
5. Babylonstoren's new Extra Virgin Coratina Olive Oil, coldextracted from only Coratina olives (500ml; R150, shop.babylonstoren.com), is the latest addition to its range alongside Extra Virgin Frantoio Olive Oil and its popular olive oil blend.
6. Face-to-face oven glove R59.99, sheetstreet.com
7. Available in matte black and blue or glossy red and green, Sophia Lindop's ceramic Salt Pigs (R495, sophialindop.com) are designed to keep salt dry and dust-free.
Slide 2
1. It's Heritage Month and time to braai! With a wide variety of braai essentials available at supermarket prices, Checkers and Checkers Hyper is the nation's one-stop braai shop. With a lightweight structure and wheels, the small Bush Baby Mini Braai Box (R229.99, checkers.co.za) is fully portable and travel-friendly.
2. Mix and match this summer with this beautiful stoneware crockery from Woolworths. Choose from the white Bantry collection, the light blue Oceano collection or the dark blue Fluidity range (dinner plates R149, side plates R119, bowls from R129); go to woolworths.co.za.
3. Pasabahce Blue Timeless Whiskey Glass (4-piece set) R255, thehomequarter.co.za
4. Look out for Robertson Winery's colourful limited edition packaging in celebration of its 80th birthday. The RW Light Pinotage Ros (R60 each, robertsonwinery.co.za) is a celebration of juicy, strawberry flavours.
5. Lancewood's new Lactose Free Double Cream Tropical Fruit Yoghurt is made with extra care. A lactase enzyme is added during the yoghurt-making process, and this breaks down the lactose sugar into glucose and galactose, making the yoghurt a little kinder on your digestive system.
6. Anthonij Rupert Wines in Franschhoek is the first wine estate in SA to cultivate and sell black Perigord truffles. Truffle hunter Hanene van Dyk works closely with trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs to unearth the truffles in specially cultivated oak forests.
Although fresh truffles are only available during the season (June and July) products such as truffle salt, butter, salami, sausages, burgers and handmade tagliatelle are available from the Terra del Capo Tasting room & deli for several months afterwards. For more info, email tasting@rupertwines.com or go to rupertwines.com.
7. Woodlands Dairy has launched First Choice Orange Blossom Honey and Multi Floral Honey (in 575g recyclable containers for R80) as well as Creamed Honey (380g tub for R90) to support small businesses and ensure the sustainability of the bee population in the Eastern Cape.
Beekeeper Gavin Botes reminds us that bees are vital for biodiversity. Also, honey has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and studies have shown that eating locally produced honey may help to reduce seasonal allergies. Buy online at shopfirstchoice.co.za and go to woodlandsdairy.net for more info.
