Cooksister: 2020 on the fire
The best way to say goodbye, or voetsek, to 2020 is to light a fire... and start a braai.
True to 2020, everyone will be at home on New Years Eve and ushering in the New Year under lockdown Level 3 restrictions.
Although this has been a rough year, it doesn’t mean we still can’t welcome the new year with our huismense en jou Christmas leftovers.
There’s nothing like a family braai to lighten the mood and bring everyone together to reflect, laugh or even shed a tear about the year that was around the fire.
If you are heading out to do some essential shopping, get an extra pak wors, your chicken or chops to add to your leftovers for your New Year’s Eve menu.
Don’t forget that all-important marinade, which can be made ahead of time and stored until your vleis is ready.
The great thing about this sort of braai is that it won’t break your budget because it will just be you and your immediate family.
If, like me, you still have lots of leftovers in your freezer, then make sure you defrost those in time and create a lekker platter.
Die wyn het ook opgedroog and for those who still have a shot or two of your favourite dop left over, drink wisely and of course, responsibly.
Just because the sale of dop has been banned again, doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time.
A mocktail is the best way to celebrate the new year in the festive spirit minus the babalas.
2020 hasn’t been an easy year so when you’re lighting your fire this New Years Eve also light a candle in memory of our friends, family, neighbours and colleagues who we have lost to this dreaded virus.
Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Recipes
Leftover ideas:
Ham - Leftover ham is a great addition to a homemade pizza, especially when combined with cheese, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. You can also use your ham to make gourmet sandwiches, along with pickles, rocket and a good mayo. Or why not make up a platter of sliced ham with gherkins, caper berries, pickled onions and cranberry sauce - served with crusty bread.
Turkey /Chicken - Both are delicious in fried rice, as the meat absorbs the flavours of the sauce. Add a few fresh veggies and fresh coriander to completely re-invent the dish. You can also use up cold roast chicken and turkey by adding it to sandwiches or stir-fries. Toasted roast turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce is sublime.
Lamb, Beef or Pork - Turn leftover meat into South American empanadas. Cut circles from pre-made pastry and stuff them with a mix of chopped meat, sautéed onions, hardboiled egg and green olives. Seal them up like a little pie, add an egg wash and bake in the oven until brown and crispy. You can also use leftover meat to make a spicy filling for tacos, by shredding the meat and add to a spicy sauce, giving it plenty of time to soak up all the flavours. Serve with warm tortillas, sour cream and a punchy salsa.
Vegetables - Transform your leftover veggies into an egg-filled frittata. Leftover roast pumpkin or butternut is ideal in salads, especially when paired up with goats cheese, beetroot and baby spinach. Or make a simple roast vegetable lasagne to turn all your veggies into a delicious and filling meal to serve the next day.
Braai Chicken Marinade
By Farzana Kumandan @sprinklesandspicect
Ingredients
1-2kg chicken cleaned, rinsed and drained of all excess water
2 tbs Cajun chicken spice (or your favourite chicken spice)
1 grated clove garlic
1 cup Mrs Balls chutney
1 cup chicken braai or BBQ sauce
Method
*Marinade chicken for at least 2 hours.
Braai over medium hot coals.
This marinade is extra saucy, so you have enough sauce to baste your chicken with every turn. Lekker!
Braai Meat Marinade
Farzana Kumandan @sprinklesandspicect
Ingredients
1-2kg chops
Cleaned, rinsed and drained of all excess water
3 heaped tablespoons BBQ or steak and chops spice
(any brand you prefer)
1 grated clove garlic
1 teaspoon white pepper
4 tablespoons tomato sauce
½ cup Mrs balls chutney
Method
*Marinade meat for at least 2 hours
Braai over medium hot coals.
Party Punch
Rhodes Quality
Ingredients
2 x 1 lt. Rhodes Quality Apple and Cranberry Fruit Juice Blend
1 lt. ginger ale
65 ml (¼ cup) fresh lemon juice
ice
orange slices and fresh mint leaves
Method
Chill all the ingredients overnight.
Place the ice in a large punch bowl.
Stir in the Rhodes Quality Apple and Cranberry Fruit Juice Blend, ginger ale and lemon juice.
Garnish with orange slices and cranberries. Serve chilled.
Apple Cranberry Cocktail
Rhodes Quality
Ingredients
500 ml (2 cups) Rhodes Quality Apple and Cranberry 100 % Fruit Juice Blend, well chilled
250 ml (1 cup) sparkling lemon cool drink, well chilled (e.g. sprite or lemonade)
2 tots white rum (if using)
ice
to serve: frozen cranberries, sliced apple, lime slices, mint sprigs
Method
Mix together the Rhodes Quality Apple and Cranberry 100 % Fruit Juice Blend, the sparkling cool drink and the rum if using.
Stir to mix. Fill two cocktail glasses with ice and add the cranberries, apple slices, lime slices and mint sprigs. Pour the cocktail over the ice and serve.
megan.baadjies@inl.co.za
caption white: LEKKER LEFTOVERS: A cold meat platter for New Year’s Eve