prawn and litchi cocktail

it was right after new years that aaron (this is mekarl's brother-in-law) told us that his mum was having a dinner for everyone and needless to say, it was an amazing occasion for food! this amazing dish is a twist on the traditional prawn cocktail. considering the fruit we durbanites get in summer, it was amazing idea aaron's mum had to make this sumptuous starter.

with help and artistic direction from the wonderfully pregnant janita, everything came out just perfectly and was the most fitting cold starter for a clammy durban night!

getting ready for serving

the chefs! janita (left) and aunty dora (right)

finished off with sliced avocado, coriander and a sprinkle of paprika

this post would not be complete without mention of the DELICIOUS sheep head curry! i know to some of you this may seem revolting, but you have not lived until you have tasted aunty dora's sheep head! the only time i ate sheep head was when i mistook it for mutton curry. this time, however, it was voluntary and damn, i'd like to make that choice again! haha :)

xo

♥

wok fried sesame steak

i have made this recipe on countless occasions and it is a sure way to cure those after work blues when you come home from a long day and are not in the mood to get in the kitchen :)

it takes a quick 15 minutes to make and you'll be smiling contentedly in no time!

INGREDIENTS:

• 150g steak (marinade in salt, white pepper, soy sauce, sesame oil, peri peri & garlic)
• any vegetables that you like - i used carrots, green and yellow peppers.
• garlic and ginger
• sesame seeds

METHOD:
after marinating the beef for as long as possible, stir fry to seal the meat in a hot wok with some sunflower or vegetable oil. it is a good idea to use an oil with no real taste as it wont marr the flavour of the stir fry. olive oil tends to be a very powerful smelling oil that doesn't marry all that well with asian flavours. remove the steak and then add a tablespoon of ginger and garlic (crushed) and then go in with your vegetables. remember to cut all your veggies around the same size for even cooking time. add in your beef and stir fry again for a few seconds. add in more soy sauce and sesame oil. be careful with the sesame oil as it has a very strong flavour! finish with fresh coriander and sesame seeds:)

and don't forget to enjoy!

it's been a while

hey everyone :)

well i have finally got some access to a laptop and it's been a good 3 months since i blogged. i am happy to say, however, that i am back! with a long list of recipes and exciting stories that io wish i had the time to blog about before!

i really missed it but the last few months were really eye opening not just on a culinary level but also on an emotional level. my parents and brother have moved to johannesburg (and this is where i'm blogging from now:)) and i am still in durban. it's a new start for my life and my blog!

happy days friends and stay tuned!

peace and love :)
may
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