Every family has at least one recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s that one dish that always makes an appearance at family celebrations, with a secret ingredient known only to the inner circle! But the big question is – are family recipes sacred or can they be tweaked?

“Family recipes and sharing in food is a wonderful way for families to connect, and to pass down traditions through the generations,” notes Candice Sessions, Laager Rooibos Marketing Manager. “While these recipes often form a big part of our childhood memories, they can sometimes be impractical for our modern-day lives. Over time, tastes evolve, diets change, and new ingredients and cooking aids emerge that could simplify that recipe or take it to the next level.”

Sessions said they wanted to find out if putting a modern twist on family recipes is viewed favourably or seen as taboo. To answer this question, the team called on South African twin chefs, @withlovefromthetwins Lebo and Tebo Ndala, whose love for some of their own family recipes has inspired their incredible culinary success.

Lebo explained: “Family recipes mean a lot to us because it’s a legacy. Some meals keep us in touch with our roots and culture, while some recipes remind us of loved ones who have since departed. They are more than just recipes, they are our history as well.”

Tebo continued: “While we definitely draw on family recipes for heritage and inspiration, we do like to put a healthy twist on some of these recipes because we’ve become health conscious and honestly body conscious as well. We don’t want to lose our culture, so we try to stay true to ourselves while still taking good care of our health.

“Our mom used to make a delicious pasta salad when we were kids which was really smart of her because it was bulky and could fill all four kids up quickly - but it had a lot of mayonnaise. So, our twist is making a green goddess sauce for the salad which reduces the mayonnaise by half and replaces it with Greek yoghurt blended with fresh herbs!”

Another family favourite that Lebo and Tebo have put their own spin on is whipped banana oatmeal. Their version uses Laager Rooibos and almond milk to dial up the health benefits.

@withlovefromthetwins Creamy Whipped Banana & Laager Rooibos Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw oats
• 1/2 cup banana, overripe (mashed)
• 1 ¼ cups almond milk
• 2 Laager Pure Rooibos teabags
• ½ Tbls coconut oil
• ½ Tbls peanut butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbs maple syrup

Method:

1. In a small saucepan, boil the Laager Rooibos teabags in almond milk for 2-3 minutes.
2. Take the tea bags out, stir in the oats, and bring the oats and almond milk to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Once the mixture is cooked and thick, turn off the heat.
5. Add in the mashed banana, coconut oil, maple syrup, peanut butter, and salt.
6. Use a fork to whisk and mix it up.
7. Serve hot in a bowl. Add toppings of choice. Serve immediately.

For more recipe ideas and health tips, follow @withlovefromthetwins and @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram.