We are very proud to announce the 'birth' of our latest mini cookbook. I can truly say it is a little girl! The title of the book is Cakes and Desserts and we have used pinks and pale mauves as the predominant colour scheme. The final proofs will be going to the printer this week and we should have stock available at the Development Kitchen by the 20th September. The book is packed with lovely visuals and, needless to say, thoroughly tested recipes that will delight you and your guests. I truly believe that baking is one of the most rewarding hobbies, because it makes everyone happy!

Our Menu this month celebrates the beginning of Spring and the Braai season.

In our competition we are giving away 5 hampers which include 2 lovely Spier Wines, a gift pack of our new Stock Concentrates and a signed copy of Cakes and Desserts. One of the 5 winners will also win a Le Creuset Soup Tureen! Enter here ...

Do try the delicious Gourmet Beef Burgers, the correct techniques are demonstrated on video - you will hardly be tempted to buy ready-made burgers ever again. Remember our Beef Stock Concentrate, added, undiluted, will vastly improve any mince dish. The Strawberry Salad with Baby Spinach dressed with Balsamic Vinaigrette is delicious. End the meal with a good cup of coffee and morish little Chocolate Cookies topped with Malted Chocolate Balls.

I doubled the recipe and served 'Ina's Choice', Mussel Risotto, at a Sunday lunch for 12 as a fish course and had rave reviews. They all wanted the recipe!

Two events to diarise this month:

1. Riaan van Heerden is interviewing me on Kyknet on Sunday 26th September at 7:30pm (Channel 111). He is an absolutely charming and polished host.
2. Gauteng subscribers can taste our new Liquid Stocks at the Johannesburg Good Food and Wine Show from 23rd to 26th September at the Coca-Cola Dome in Gauteng. We are selling the stocks and our new Cakes and Desserts Book at a special show price of R20.00.

Spring is such a delightful time of the year. The garden is waking up to it's full glory, one really feel inspired to stop and smell the Jasmine and admire the Clivias and Azaleas.

Warm regards and good cooking!

PS : If you'd like to know which of our recipes are on video, please use our new VIDEO LIBRARY drop down menu at the top of our Homepage