Author: Damaris Gatwiri

Spur-style onion rings are known for their crispy coating and slightly sweet onion taste, making them a popular side dish or snack. They’re surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. Here’s how to make spur onion rings. Ingredients You’ll Need 2 large onions 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor) 1 cup milk 1 egg Oil for frying Prepare the Onions Choose large onions for thicker rings and a sweeter taste. Cut the onions into…

Spring rolls are a delicious, crispy snack filled with a variety of vegetables, meats, or even noodles. Making them at home is simple, and you can customize the filling to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer them fried or fresh, here’s how to make spring rolls. Ingredients You’ll Need Spring roll wrappers (about 10–12 pieces) 1 cup cabbage, shredded 1/2 cup carrots, julienned 1/2 cup bean sprouts (optional) 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork, shredded (optional) 2–3 green onions, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon soy sauce Salt and pepper, to…

Soup mixes are a convenient way to make a warm, hearty meal. These pre-packaged mixes often contain a blend of dried beans, lentils, barley, and seasonings. Making soup from a soup mix is easy, and you can add vegetables, spices, or meats to customize it to your taste. Here’s a guide on how to make soup with soup mix. Ingredients 1 cup soup mix (or follow the package’s suggested amount) 6–8 cups water or broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef) 1 onion, chopped 2–3 cloves garlic, minced 1–2 carrots, diced 1–2 celery stalks, diced Salt and pepper, to taste Optional add-ins:…

Adding curls to short hair is a great way to create volume, texture, and a fresh look. There are various methods to achieve curls on short hair, ranging from using a curling iron to trying heatless techniques that are gentler on your strands. Here’s a guide on how to make short hair curly. Choose Your Curling Method First, decide whether you want to use heat-based or heat-free techniques for curling. Each has its own benefits: Heat Styling: A curling iron, flat iron, or hot rollers can give quick and long-lasting curls. Heatless Methods: Braid curls, twist curls, or using foam…

Scones made with amasi (a traditional fermented milk popular in Southern Africa) are soft, slightly tangy, and absolutely delicious. The amasi adds a unique richness and tenderness to the scones, making them perfect for breakfast, tea, or a quick snack. Here’s how to make scones with amasi. Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed 3/4 cup amasi (or substitute with buttermilk if unavailable) 1 large egg Extra flour for dusting Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or grated cheese for extra flavor Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your…

Samp and beans is a comforting, traditional South African dish made from dried corn kernels (samp) and dried beans. This hearty and filling meal is easy to prepare, although it does require some soaking and cooking time. Here’s how to make samp and beans. Ingredients 1 cup samp 1 cup dried beans (sugar beans or any beans you prefer) 4–6 cups water Salt, to taste Optional: onion, garlic, and seasonings for extra flavor Soak the Samp and Beans Samp and beans need to be soaked to reduce cooking time and make them tender. Rinse the samp and beans under cold…

Sago, a starchy treat made from sago palm or tapioca pearls, is a popular ingredient in desserts and drinks. Known for its chewy, jelly-like texture, sago is simple to prepare and can be enjoyed with coconut milk, sweetened syrup, or as part of a larger dish. Here’s how to make sago at home. Ingredients You’ll Need 1 cup sago pearls (tapioca pearls can also be used) 4–5 cups water Sweetener (optional), such as sugar or honey Coconut milk or evaporated milk (optional, for serving) Rinse the Sago Pearls Start by rinsing the sago pearls to remove any surface starch. Place…

Rosemary tea is a fragrant, herbal tea made from fresh or dried rosemary leaves. Known for its calming and digestive benefits, rosemary tea can be enjoyed hot or cold and is easy to prepare at home. Here’s how to make rosemary tea. Ingredients You’ll Need 1–2 teaspoons dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary) 1 cup of water Optional: honey, lemon, or mint for extra flavor Boil the Water Start by boiling water for the tea. Fresh, filtered water will give the tea a cleaner taste. Use about 1 cup of water per serving. If making multiple servings, adjust the…

Rose water, known for its delicate fragrance and beneficial properties, is a versatile ingredient used in skincare, cooking, and wellness routines. Making rose water at home is simple and allows you to enjoy a pure and natural product. Here’s how to make rose water. Ingredients You’ll Need 1–2 cups fresh rose petals (or 1/2 cup dried rose petals) Distilled water (enough to cover petals, about 2 cups) A clean jar or bottle for storage A small pot with a lid Strainer or cheesecloth Select the Right Roses For the best quality rose water, choose organic roses that are free from…

Adding a ribbon bow to a gift instantly elevates its look, making it feel special and thoughtfully wrapped. Making ribbon bows is simple and allows for creativity, as you can adjust the size, color, and style to suit any occasion. Here’s a guide on how to make ribbon bows for gifts. Materials Ribbon (satin, grosgrain, or wired ribbon works well) Scissors Double-sided tape or glue (optional, for securing) Extra embellishments like small flowers, beads, or twine (optional) Cut the Ribbon Start by cutting the ribbon to the desired length for your bow. The length you need depends on the size…

Pronutro is a popular, nutritious South African breakfast cereal made from wheat and soy. Known for its rich vitamins, minerals, and protein content, Pronutro can be enjoyed as a warm or cold cereal. With just a few steps, you can prepare a delicious bowl of Pronutro at home for a satisfying, energy-packed meal. Here’s how to make pronutro! Ingredients 1/2 cup Pronutro cereal (any flavor) 1 cup milk (or water, or a milk alternative like almond or soy milk) Sugar or honey to taste (optional) Fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds for toppings (optional) Choose Your Liquid Start by deciding whether…

Potjiekos, a traditional South African stew, is a flavorful dish made with layers of meat, vegetables, and spices, all slow-cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open fire. Known for its rich flavors and comforting taste, potjiekos is perfect for gatherings and outdoor cooking. Here’s how to make potjiekos. Ingredients 1 kg (2 lbs) meat (beef, lamb, chicken, or oxtail) 2 tablespoons cooking oil 1 large onion, chopped 2–3 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper, to taste 1 teaspoon paprika or curry powder (optional for extra flavor) 4–5 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, green beans, and baby corn) 1–2 cups…

Pork belly is a delicious cut of meat with rich layers of fat that turns crispy and tender when cooked properly. Whether you want a perfectly crispy skin or tender, juicy meat, cooking pork belly is straightforward if you follow a few essential steps. Here’s how to make pork belly. Ingredients 1-2 pounds pork belly, skin on 1 tablespoon sea salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil Optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor Prepare the Pork Belly To achieve a crispy skin and tender meat, begin by preparing the pork belly carefully: Use…

Poached eggs are a delicious addition to many dishes, and making them in the microwave is fast and easy. With just a mug of water, an egg, and a microwave, you can create a perfectly poached egg in minutes. Here’s how to make poached eggs in microwave. Ingredients You’ll Need 1 large egg 1/2 cup water 1/4 teaspoon vinegar (optional, helps egg whites set) Prepare the Mug or Bowl Start by selecting a microwave-safe mug or small bowl. Make sure it’s deep enough to hold at least half a cup of water without spilling. Pour 1/2 cup of water into…

Peppermint Crisp tart is a beloved South African dessert that combines creamy caramel, whipped cream, chocolate, and mint for a delightful, no-bake treat. With only a few ingredients, you can quickly prepare this layered dessert for gatherings or to enjoy as a sweet treat at home. Here’s how to make peppermint crisp tart! Ingredients 2 cans (380g each) of caramel treat or dulce de leche 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1–2 packs of Tennis biscuits (or other coconut-flavored tea biscuits) 3–4 Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars, crushed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) Whip the Cream Start by preparing the cream filling,…