This year, take your Christmas feast to new heights by adding modern flair to cherished festive dishes. Wayne Blake, Cluster General Manager at ANEW Hotels and Resorts, shares trendy and affordable ways to give traditional favourites a gourmet twist.

Appetisers with Flair

Chakalaka Hummus

Add a South African touch to classic hummus by blending chakalaka with chickpeas for a spicy, vibrant dip. Serve with crunchy pita chips and fresh veggies for a refreshing start to the meal.

Pap Cakes with Spicy Tomato Chutney

Transform leftover pap into crispy pap cakes filled with a tangy tomato-chilli chutney.

Chutney Recipe

• Ingredients:
  • 500g chopped onions
  • 1kg diced tomatoes
  • 5ml crushed chilli flakes
  • 2.5ml ginger powder
  • 1 tin crushed pineapple
  • 250g sugar
  • 150ml red wine vinegar

Method: Simmer ingredients for 45 minutes, spoon into pap cups, and bake until heated through.

Festive Mains with a Twist

Grilled Fish with Citrus Chilli Caramel

Opt for grilled fish over traditional gammon. Drizzle with citrus chilli caramel sauce for a refreshing summer flavour.

Citrus Chilli Caramel Recipe

• Heat 100g sugar until golden.
• Stir in juice from 2 limes, 2.5ml chilli flakes, and lime zest.
• Simmer until smooth and fragrant.

Cape Bobotie Ravioli

Use traditional bobotie as a ravioli filling and serve with a creamy coconut curry sauce.

Coconut Curry Sauce Recipe

• Sauté 500g onions with 10ml garlic, 5ml ginger, and 25ml curry paste.
• Add 1 tin chopped tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Blend until smooth, return to pan, and stir in 1 tin of coconut cream. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Gammon with Pineapple Chilli Salsa

For gammon lovers, pair it with a tropical pineapple chilli salsa.

Salsa Recipe

• Grill pineapple rings until caramelised, then dice.
• Combine with finely diced red onion, chopped coriander, sliced chillies, and honey.

Decadent Desserts

Pumpkin Spice Milk Tart

Infuse the traditional milk tart with a pumpkin spice blend for a festive warmth.

Pumpkin Spice Blend Recipe

• Mix ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Steep in the milk mixture during tart preparation for subtle spiced flavour.

Tropical Trifle

Swap canned fruit cocktail for fresh mango and passion fruit. Layer with crushed coconut biscuits and white chocolate whipped cream for a tropical indulgence. Add toasted coconut flakes and a hint of ginger or chilli for a unique twist.

Fried Lamington & Koe’sister Donuts with Hot Honey Sauce

Reimagine koe’sisters as deep-fried lamingtons, rolled in coconut and drizzled with hot honey sauce.

Hot Honey Sauce Recipe

• Combine 250ml honey, 10ml chilli flakes, and 10ml apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Heat gently until combined.

Dough Preparation

• Prepare koe’sister dough, shape into donuts, fry, and coat in hot honey sauce and desiccated coconut.

A Christmas Feast to Remember

These modern takes on traditional dishes are sure to wow your guests while staying true to the festive spirit. Enjoy a delicious celebration that blends bold flavours and local charm.

For more culinary inspiration, visit ANEW Hotels and Resorts.

Total Words: 486

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Social Media Post

Upgrade Your Christmas Feast!
Add gourmet flair to festive favourites with these easy and trendy recipes, including Chakalaka Hummus and Pumpkin Spice Milk Tart.

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