Category Archives: Granny Mouse

A wedding with a difference – I do BBQ for the South African Bride!

d2ee975e16ab21a1be14ceb332900299___1South African slang napkins(image courtesy of karoorosie.com) http://adenephotography.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/41.jpg

41____1Image courtesy of Adene Photography (http://adenephotography.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/41.jpg)

On 24 September, South African’s celebrate Heritage Day, a South African public holiday where all South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their culture, diversity of their beliefs and traditions. Possibly too many “South African”?

If you have chosen to tie the knot on this Public Holiday, then why not embrace a wedding with a difference by hosting a proudly South African wedding with dinner straight off the braai?

“We have seen many weddings hosted at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa and it is becoming more popular to try something different at one’s wedding. Being the Culinary Artist I have the responsibility of ensuring that the food is memorable and not only do I specialise in fine dining cuisine, I enjoy being behind the grills and adding my fine dining twist to standard braai meal options. When a bride and groom approach us with a specific request, we try our best to make it happen. I sit with the couple and we discuss the options that would fit within their budget or wedding package and then we take it from there, with the couple leaving it in our capable hands,” says Wayland Green.

When preparing the menu, Culinary Artist Wayland suggests some of the following options.

For starters one could include:

Meaty platter – platters of bacon, chicken & pineapple skewers; cocktail sausages with soy chilli sauce; sticky barbeque chicken drummettes, mini beef skewers with basil pesto.

Braai Broodjies – Variety of Toasted Braai Sandwiches with fillings like… mozzarella, slow roast tomato and basil; olive tapenade and anchovies; salami, pepperdew and rocket

Vegetable platter – Corn on the Cob; Mushroom, Red Onion and Mixed Pepper skewers; jalapeno poppers, aubergine, pepperdew and feta parcels; hummus, rocket and caramelised onion crostini ; mini vegetable skewers with sundried tomato pesto.

For a plated dish, the bridal couple should choose a selection that would appeal to all – that of a butternut soup off the braai, served in a potjie pot for added South African appeal.

Main options:

Spice rubbed Rump Steak or Barbeque Chicken served with warm potato salad, grilled vegetables, as well as a veggie option such as mixed brown, button and Portobello mushroom fricassee

Plated options could include Wood Grilled Beef Fillet (with ox liver stout jus, caramelised sweet potatoes, peppered baby corn & carrots); Prawn & Hake Sausage (wild fennel & corn cream, corn kernels & salsa verde garnish with verbens & wild fennel); Confit Garlic Mushroom (with sundried tomato & thyme pesto, crispy leeks, herb buttered crostini) or similar.

Dessert options:

Roasted marshmallow smores or a fun take on the ice cream cone with a sugar cone filled with marshmallow, chocolate chips, caramel and more, wrapped in tin foil and toasted on the braai until all is melted. This would make for a fun and social dessert recipe.

For a proudly South African dessert, why not opt for mini malva puddings and vanilla bean ice cream topped with nuts or ice cream and koeksisters.

Apart from the food, it is always best to carry a theme throughout the wedding, and more importantly, the décor. Incorporate South African accents into the wedding décor such as Protea centrepieces (the national flower), wedding runners, placemats or napkins with South African words or phrases (from all 11 official languages) printed onto it. Drinkware could boast tin cups and one could also incorporate beaded serviette holders.

The South African theme is extremely diverse, like that of it’s many cultures and languages, and with a country setting in the KZN Midlands your wedding is sure to be a “lekker” event for all.

To book your wedding at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa contact 033 234 4071

Skin rejuvenation for spring!

Like many South Africans you may be feeling as though your skin is dull and needing a boost after a relatively dry winter.

If a trip to the spa is not on your to do list, start prioritising and put yourself first for a change.

Book you next appointment and indulge in the many skin rejuvenating treatments available – whether it be a facial, detoxifying body wrap or massage treatment – the spa is your oyster.

“Although we do not offer any cosmetic procedures at our spa, we do offer gentle alternatives through the use of products that target specific needs for rejuvenation,” says Iska Bharath, the KZN Trainer and Operations Consultant for Camelot Spa, the management company for Granny Mouse Spa.

She continues that their products on offer, under Thalgo, are perfect to meet most skin rejuvenation needs.

Their offering includes in-house treatments such as the 60 minute Thalgo Classic Facial – a revitalizing skin treatment for all skin types; the 60 minute Thalgo Hydra Moist Facial – which is suitable for any skin type and features the Absolute Hydration range with marine ingredient Seve Marine, which combats signs of dehydration leaving the skin softer with improved skin texture.

Also on offer is the 60 minute Thalgo Hyaluronic Facial – a unique zone to zone anti-ageing treatment using Marine Hyaluronic acid molecules for a plumping, wrinkle-filling effect. These new generation patented extracts act in bio-affinity with the skin for controlled youthfulness and astounding results.

The fourth facial that combats skin rejuvenation is the 60 minute Thalgo Micronized Marine Algae Facial – an intense treatment for oily/combination skin. This facial is deep cleansing and purifying, promoting cleaner skin with a tighter skin surface and less visible pores. Apart from the treatments on offer they also sell products which any customer can purchase and use at home.

The Source Marine Range is a range which caters for the majority of skins concerns, during any time of the year. It has many products within its range to cater for one’s every skin need, as the concentrates within this range contain highly active ingredients.

The Absolute Radiance Concentrate, breathes life into dull, tired skin and instantly boosts your skins radiance. ‘This seven day programme is specially formulated to both detoxify and brighten the skin simultaneously.

The Hydra Marine 24H Cream is rich in minerals and trace elements, and traps and restores the water levels within your skin, whilst preventing the loss of water. It revitalises the skin, boosts the skin’s radiance, and rejuvenates the skin’s overall wellbeing.

To make an appointment contact 033 234 4071 or email spa@grannymouse.co.za. Bookings are essential.