AFRICAN EGGS aka SHAKSHURA

For as long as I can remember knowing about this dish, I remember calling it African eggs. Even though, technically non of the ingredients are African nor is it African in origin. Somehow the name has just stuck.

It is a dish that I often forget about, and yet every time I cook it I fall in love with it all over again. I think it's just the simplicity of it... Sweet tomatoes, spicy chorizo and rich, yolky eggs.

African Eggs

Whether you are making this as a weekend breakfast(it's great for that Sunday morning, after the rugby hangover-in which case I love to make it with sauteed potatoes), or a lovely simple dinner, this dish is great for all occasions, and as long as your audience likes eggs... I can guarantee it will be a hit!

See the recipe for my version of AFRICAN EGGS here :)

... and if you don't like chorizo or spice, you can simply leave out the chilli, and/or replace the chorizo with pork sausages or bacon! 

Remember to adjust the chilli, depending on the spice of your chorizo! If you can get your hands on a nice spicey one, you may not need to add any extra chilli at all. Or if like me, you love a little kick to your food- go nuts!

Happy breakfasting/ dinnering!

Excuse my French!

Seeing as there is a big rugby game tonight, which obviously cancels out valentines day, Josh decided to take me out for breakfast.

We decided on Kalk Bay, seeing as it's one of my favourite places, and I knew exactly what I wanted. Nutella Crepes.

There is a little place on the main road, next door to the railway shop. A very small and rustic looking place, right along the coast that I have driven passed for years and always wanted to try, although for some reason, I have never actually gone inside. Excuse my French.

Signage on main road

It's a very charming little spot with it's rustic decor and miss matched tables and chairs. The menu consists of good coffee and as the name suggests, an array of sweet and savoury crepes.

Superb coffee

Menu written in chalk on the French Flag

Walking into the creperie

Although I knew exactly what I wanted, the rest of the menu sounded and smelled delicious. All cooked in a tiny little corner kitchen, served by as far as I could see, just one very friendly waiter.

Tiny corner kitchen

I may not be able to vouch for the rest of the menu, but I can say that my Nutella crepe was delicious. However judging by the amount of locals coming and going there must be something more to it.

Crepe au Chocolat

And although I think R35 for one Nutella pancake and R25 for a cinnamon and sugar pancake is a little on the pricey side, the view and atmosphere are somewhat priceless.

Even thought the weather wasn't great the view is still gorgeous

So, if you wake up craving a good cup of coffee and a yummy breakfast crepe, in a vibey spot with an unbeatable view. You should definitely give Excuse my French a Try.

Lemon, Lemon and more Lemon

I recently asked my followers on Facebook what their favourite recipe to cook, bake and/or eat is, and about 80 % of the answers had to do with lemon. Lemon tart, lemon cake, lemon squares, lemon meringue, lemon cheese cake, and basically anything lemony and sweet. 

Lemons are often completely under rated and under admired, and the more I think about it, the more I realise how much I rely on lemons in ALL of my day to day cooking. Lemons are one thing I always have in my kitchen, and use almost daily, weather to flavour roasts, make dressings and sauces, or marinade meat and fish. 

However, when it comes to the sweeter side of this sour fruit, my absolute favourite, without a single doubt are 'Hidden Centre Lemon Meringue Cupcakes'. I'm sure those of you who have tasted these will have to agree. From the buttery, fluffy cake, to the tart, creamy lemon curd in the centre and the soft sticky italian meringue icing on top, each bite of these yummy little cakes is pure happiness.

This picture was taken by Sean Calitz, thanks again Sean:)

 

Lemon meringue cupcakes with candied lemon rind and lemon slices

Find this recipe and a whole lot more here:

HIDDEN CENTRE LEMON MERINGUE CUPCAKES

Happy Baking.