We did a short trip to the Delta area in Botswana over the Easter period and I came back totally inspired, cooking strictly according to the seasons and in the big, bold masculine style of Africa. Abundant use of seasonal fresh produce, spices, sweet and sour contrasts and strong flavours.

Winter is the time to re-discover Venison. To get the best out of all game meats one needs to take a little extra care, unless you are cooking fillets. Because they are so tender, just briefly pan-fry or braai.

When making a venison pie or stew, using the tougher cuts, consider the following:

• Choose flavour marriages carefully - port and red wine are good choices. Bacon and dried fruit works well, onions are a must, etc.
• Cook slowly to melt down the connective tissue and to tenderise the meat. If you find the gamey flavour a little too strong add some lamb shank to the venison. It adds fat and gives a milder flavour.
• I prefer not to add the wine in the beginning as it can 'take over' completely. Cook the meat in a good flavourful stock, like our liquid Beef Stock, remove it with a slotted spoon when tender. Add the port or wine to the sauce and reduce it out over high heat. Finally return the venison and other flavour ingredients to the sauce.

Do enter our competition this month - 5 winners will each receive a deluxe Ina Paarman hamper with utility knife, apron and signed mini cookbook and a bottle of 2006 Cheviot Syrah.

CAN SHOP-BOUGHT PASTRY BE AS GOOD AS HOME-MADE? We have found nothing beats the buttery flavour and light texture of sour cream pastry - but it is okay to use shop bought pastry in an emergency. UNSUNG HERO IN OUR BAKE-MIX RANGE Have you tried our Crunchies? They are divine and so good for you. For our Father's Day menu we spruced them up with pecan nuts*, orange rind and juice. Finally we drizzled them with dark chocolate. Watch the video to see just how easy it is! *Pecan nuts seem to be in short supply, the price has doubled and many of the nuts in stores are rancid - substitute with almonds or cashew nuts. TIP OF THE MONTH: CALMING DOWN RAW ONIONS If using onions raw, in a salad or salsa, rinse them first under cold running water for a few seconds to wash away the strong sulphur flavours that are released when onions are sliced or chopped. The rinsed onions will taste much sweeter and not overpower other ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, olives, etc.

Good food adds immensely to one's quality of life. Enjoy the bounty of winter produce such as broccoli, butternut, spinach, cabbage, avocado, citrus fruits, etc., and at the same time boost your resistance to winter colds and flu.

Warm regards and good cooking.