How to make nut milks

How to make Blended Nut Milks and Creams

Soy milk is the go-to alternative to dairy but sadly almost all commercially farmed soybeans come from genetically modified crops making it far from being a healthy alternative. Unfermented soy also disrupts our hormone levels. Another popular alternative, rice milk, offers few nutritional benefits and typically contains many additives to improve its texture. So I stay clear of the stuff.

Then there’s almond milk in all its creamy deliciousness. It’s sweet and subtle tasting and is gentle on the stomach making it a great substitute for cow’s milk for those people who are sensitive to dairy (that’s me). Its mild taste allows for it to be used in sweet and savory dishes alike. Continue Reading

Peach salad

Chef Matt from Fresh Menu Planner

Meet  Matt Kearns from the  Google + Food Bloggers community that I belong to – our little Food Blogging global village comprising of  over 2500 food bloggers around the world.

Matt is the mastermind behind The Fresh Menu Planner , a website where he shares Dairy Free and Gluten Free recipes.  He is also the co founder of The Main Dish, a concept in Calgary, Alberta that focuses on Healthy Eating in a convenient way.  Here his customers are able to order freshly prepared healthy meals, that they can heat up and enjoy in the comfort of their own homes. Or they can go into his restaurant and get healthy breakfast, lunches and dinners from a hot counter . Continue Reading

The Old Biscuit Mill

The Neighbourgoods Market at The Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town

The Old Biscuit Mill is a little village in the heart of Woodstock, Cape Town.  Here South Africa’s most talented, innovative designers, artists, photographers, and connoisseurs of fine taste and décor come together to share their passion.  The Mill is home to day and night markets with the addition of offices, designer stores, great restaurants,  festivals and productions. Continue Reading

Bee sting cupcakes

Bee Sting Cupcakes

Recently I was invited for tea, and there in all its glory was the most beautiful Bee Sting Cake.  Its been a long time since I have seen a Bee Sting Cake, let alone eat one.   They were all the craze in the 80’s but like clothing, food also goes in and out of fashion, so I am hoping there is going to be a revival of this amazing cake. I decided to try it out as a cupcake.  Its always nice to have your own little cake – then its a standard size and you don’t look like you are being greedy by taking the largest slice of cake that is cut  (which is what I always do. ) I am not that person who says “Oooh that piece is far to big for me, please cut it in half”  Really why do you say that?   We all know you want the whole piece, so just take it and enjoy. Continue Reading

How to make Pesto like a real Italian Mamma

How to make Pesto like a real Italian Mamma

If there is one thing I have learned from my many trips to Italy, its that to make the perfect pesto you need great fresh ingredients.  Traditional Italian pesto is made from the sweetest young basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, and the finest extra virgin olive oil.  If you’ve ever tasted pesto in Italy you will immediately taste the freshness of the ingredients, unlike store bought pestos around the world.

Michelle and I were so lucky to have a once in a lifetime cooking experience in the culinary school at the beautiful 1000 year old abbey, Badia a Coltibuono in Italy, belonging to the famous cook and cookbook author  Lorenza de Medici, who has been named  one of the world’s most famous cooks. Continue Reading

The perfect Ragu

The Perfect Ragú – a sauce to savour

A rich ragú forms the basis of many classic dishes. I am not kidding you, once you have made this you will never again make boring old savoury mince.  This recipe is a keeper – make it in large quantities and store in the freezer. If you are planning on making a ragú, give yourself some time, because it  needs to cook slowly for two hours for the mince  to soften and absorb the flavours of the sauce. The time spent now will reward you with a half cooked meal just waiting to be added to your favourite dishes. Continue Reading

2 years of shades of cinnamon

2 Years of Shades of Cinnamon

A collection of my recipes and posts over the second year of Shades of Cinnamon. If you have missed any of these click on the hi-lighted Recipe Names below.  Or PIN one of the images to save the page for easy reference when you need them. I hope you have enjoyed some of these recipes and that you will carry on following Shades of Cinnamon. Continue Reading

The Chilli Pepper

The Chilli Pepper

by Marilina Lewis – Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach

Crispy Clean & Chilly……but sometimes rather ‘hot’ too !

That describes our gorgeous South African winter at the moment….but it also describes a very useful and healthy little vegetable!

The CHILLI…. Continue Reading

Frilled wedding cake

Frilled Wedding Cake

I have never made a wedding cake before so when Michelle asked me to make the cake for her special day, I was terrified, to say the least.  I said there was absolutely no way I was going to make the cake, it was far too much pressure, and I wasn’t sure I could even pull it off.  But of course I eventually gave in, because how can a mother say no to her  daughter – especially when she is as beautiful as this,  both inside and out. Continue Reading

Leek and pancetta pasta

Leek and Pancetta Fettucini

Home made pasta is hard to beat – combine it with some diced pancetta and leeks and you have a combination made in heaven.  This week I found diced pancetta in Woolworths, and was so excited because I have only ever seen it overseas.  They also had the most beautiful baby leeks, which turned out to be a perfect addition to my Sunday pasta lunch. Continue Reading