According to statistics restaurant food sales in the US have jumped from $42.8 billion in 1970 to a projected $520 billion in 2010. The theory is that celebrity chefs have intimidated home cooks to the extent that they feel, cooking is best left to the professionals. The chef's over elaborate and complicated recipes have widened the gap between ourselves and the ordinary task of cooking.

The purpose of our website is the exact opposite - we want to show you how easy it is to put good food on the table within a reasonable timeframe. How to prepare healthy food and avoid deep-frying every second night!

This month's menu illustrates exactly what I mean. Do try the flavourful Tomato Soup. Delight family and friends with the delicious tender chicken done Hungarian Style with smoked paprika and bell peppers. Finally we conclude with a healthy dessert - Grapefruit Alaska sparkling with stars!

If you are looking for an economical and tasty way to feed a crowd, check out the recipe for Nasi Goreng. You can dress it up or down depending on your budget and fridge ingredients.

Winter time is a good time to enjoy an aromatic lamb curry in front of the fire. The recipe under Weeknite Winners will not disappoint.

We were part sponsors of the Zevenwacht Schools Cookery Competition for students in grade 11 and 12. First prize is a year's free tuition in the Chef's School on the Estate. Here are some pics of the winners and panel of Chefs who judged the competition.

Judging	Waiting for the big moment	The Winner

Winner - Anlou Jacobs - Bellville High School
2nd Place Winner - Handre Bosman - Stellenbosch High School
3rd Place Winner - Namaqualand High School

Judges:

Lindsay Whare - Senior Chef at Zevenwacht Restaurant
Gavin Withers - Well known photographer and chef
Andy Cordier - Executive Chef at Grand West and Chairman of the Western Cape Chefs Association

We often get interesting news snippets and photographs from our subscribers but there is never space in our newsletter to share everything or for you to talk to like minded foodies. The bottom line is, that Kate and Nikki felt it was a good idea for us to start a Facebook page - do join us on Facebook.

The food demo's that Janet and I did in George attracted the most delightful audiences. Thanks to those who were able to come.

I am sure most of you saw the movie 'My big fat Greek wedding'. We watched it again on DVD over the weekend and what great therapy, nothing like a belly laugh to ban the Winter Blues.

Best regards and good cooking.