For many, the Easter celebration is not complete without delicious food to bring the family together. There are also many food traditions associated with the Easter dinner such as tabling dishes using ham, chicken or lamb, but Granny Mouse Country House & Spa Culinary Artist, Kirstie du Toit says that this year she is going against the norm and creating a delightful Curry Fish dish for her Easter family get together.

She explains, “As the Chef in the family, I am always tasked with creating a spread for my family and this year I have opted for something slightly out of the ordinary that doesn’t take hours to cook”.

Here is how she is preparing her Curry Fish dish:

Ingredients

2kg                White Fish like hake, skin off and bones out, cut into large cubes

125ml           Cooking Oil

6                    Onions, Cut into Thin Rings

4                    Garlic Cloves, Crushed and Finely Chopped

750ml           White Vinegar

3Tbsp           Curry Powder

10ml             Turmeric

1tsp              Salt

5                    Star Anise

60ml             Fresh Ginger, Grated and Chopped Finely

375ml           White Sugar

100ml           Water

4                    Bay leaves

Method

1. In a large pot, sauté off the onions, garlic and ginger with the oil over a low heat. You don’t want to brown the onion mix.

2. Now you will add the curry powder, star anise and bay leaves and cook this out. Add a little water to ensure that your spices don’t burn. This will give it a bitter taste. (Allow about 2 minutes cooking time)

3. Then turn your attention to the fish. Coat the fish in the turmeric and add to the pot, give it a good stir so that all the ingredients are mixed well and the fish is coated.

4. Add the water, vinegar and sugar and turn up the heat so the liquid starts to boil. Let it boil until the fish is cooked through.

5. Add salt to taste.

6. Bottle the food when warm or keep in an airtight container until use.

7. If the mix is too watery for your liking you can add a mix of 2 Tbsp Corn flour and 3Tbsp water to the pot when the fish is fully cooked, but remember to stir it continuously to make sure that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

Enjoy with some fresh bread or crackers and enjoy! Happy Easter.

An old adage said often when giving a gift, states, “It’s the thought that counts”.

This February, bin the flowers and go with a gift that counts by not only thinking eco-friendly, but offering a gift that is long lasting with minimal upkeep – a living plant.This could symbolise a long relationship, as well as a living plant, representing a “life” together.

Besides gifting the physical plant, ensure you attach a little letter with information explaining why you have chosen it and what it means to you, to add a romantic effect.

Some common types of plants to gift include the Red Aglaonema, the Anthurium and Succulents, amongst others.

Red all about it: The Red Aglaonema

The Red Aglaonema, with its hue of red tinged leaves, provides not only a colourful sight, but it lasts a very long time and is said to be the easiest houseplant. This little beauty is able to grow in low light areas as well as bright rooms and only need watering ever so often, preferably when the potting soil is dry to the touch.

From the heart:  Anthurium

Also known as the flamingo flower, Anthurium is not only bright but it also possesses heart shaped leaves, and has a long life indoors if kept in brighter, humid-rich rooms.

Succulent Succulents

What has fast become a flower of trend – used for coffee table centrepieces, wedding gifts etc, the Succulent is relatively easy to care for if kept in a bright room, and if watered every two weeks – this is dependent on the condition of the soil. It must not be too wet.

According to the Granny Mouse Country House & Spa team in the KZN Midlands, who have not only grown these plants themselves, but have likewise seen them been given as wedding gifts on a few occasions, it is best to follow a few simple watering rules to keep your “love” alive. Avoid too much water, and water the same day every week and prune your little plant by removing yellow or dead leaves. With the plant being indoors, it is also likely that it may gather dust if not cleaned. So when watering, pour water over the plant as well.

Another unique gifting idea is to put seeds of a flower into an envelope enclosed with a letter about the seeds and their symbolism. Seeds symbolise life and growth. Once growing, the seeds could produce flowers which will bloom, which may be a representation of one’s relationship blooming.

This year, make Valentine’s Day one of life and love and give the gift of a potted plant or package of seed with the potential of growth.