WP - Jou Lekker Ding!

Another beautiful Cape Town weekend.

Friday: Pottered around the house after a 9km run and baked.

Saturday: Spent the morning in the library which was not overly exciting but at least it was satisfying. In the afternoon I went to my friend Julia's house for a pre-rugby braai (BBQ for non-South Africans) where we had amazing ostrich burgers and vegetable skewers followed by meringue that I made the previous night (recipe in previous entry). We ate so much that the walk to the Newlands Stadium was a little unpleasant... jeans do NOT stretch 'that' far!

We (Western Province) had a decisive win over the Free State Cheetahs (31 - 7) so it wasn't really a nail-biter but none the less it was fun to chant "WP - Jou Lekker Ding!" I sound like a real fan! Uh huh!

Then we headed to another friend's house for a few more beverages (you can't drink in the stadium - weird!) and then Julia and I headed out for some post Rocking the Daisies goodness at a night club "The Assembly". It was the venue of our first night in CT all those months ago - so was good to go back and get our groove on.

Highlight: At the bar, after being in the club for about 5 mins, a girl turns in my direction, projectile spews on my leg and then turns and continues her conversation... um, gross! I was amazed at my calmness considering my OCD issues with cleanliness - 20 mins later I finally washed my leg, but not before a well needed double vodka :) After so sweet music and quality bopping we headed home at the ripe hour of 2:30. Obviously bacon and noodles were a good idea at this time of night!

The next morning, as a response to the bacon, I swam a kilometre at UCT pool which is my new favourite 'quiet time' place. After then scoffing 5 pieces of toast with salmon mousse (see, health regime in full swing!) with Stefan we then headed to the glorious sunshine at Camps Bay for some vitamin D.

I cooked laksa when I got home. Was delish!

xxx

Chocolate Layered Meringue and my 26th Birthday

I am not 26 years old. Not really sure what category this age group belongs to except the F.U.N one.

I saw in my new year with a rooftop Moroccan-inspired dinner cooked by my wonderful Capetownian friends followed by drinks in town the following evening at Cape to Cuba in the city.

We ventured 1.5 hrs North the following day for a long weekend of music and dancing shenanigans at what one likes to call "Rocking the Daisies." The Team was out in force and it was simply a magical weekend - a good start to the new year.


The recipe below is one from my beautiful friend and bride-to-be Julia. She kindly send through this via text message so I could make it over here in Cape Town.

Chocolate Layered Meringue

MERINGUE

4 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp white vinegar
1/4 C almond meal

Preheat oven to 160 degrees celcius.

Line and grease 3 trays on which to spread 3 x 20cm diameter 1 - 2 cm thick meringues.

Beat the egg whites with vanilla and vinegar and gradually add the sugar. Whip until stiff peaks are formed and then gently fold in the almond meal.

Spread the mixture on the greased paper to make three layers. Cook for 20 mins.

GANACHE

125 mls cream
400 g dark/milk chocolate
1 tsp instant coffee

Melt ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Combine till a ganache is formed and allow to cool completely.

CREAM

125 ml cream

Whip until stiff (be careful not to over beat as it will turn to butter!)

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER - make sure all elements are cool!

Place one meringue on a plate and cover with chocolate mixture and then a layer of whipped cream. Place the second meringue carefully on top and repeat the process finishing with a layer of cream.

Finish with a dusting of coco.

MIND BLOWING!

Inertia possesses a momentum all of its own

It has been nearly a year since I wrote for this blog, suggesting that either:

a) I have been too busy

b) I have been having so much fun

c) I am lazy

d) Blogs make me cringe at times

e) All of the above

I decided that if I am ever to be a good writer (in any capacity) then the only way is to practice. This is a lesson I have seen in practice by my beautiful flat-mate Brooke. Very proud! So after nearly a year of not writing (or at least not a consistent effort) I have decided to start again and see where it takes me.

I am sitting at a cafe, in Claremont, for the first time since I arrived here in Cape Town - one of my favourite things to do.

Behind me is a young couple, early 20's I would say. It is his birthday. He exclaims 'I know, I will get my mommy to take me to the aquarium.'

I didn't realise that young men still enjoyed such activities - aquariums or their mother's company. And I smiled. There are nice boys out there.

I currently have 3 assignments to do. I am 5 weeks onto International Protection of Human Rights and International Disputes and the Use of Force - that's why I am here, doing my readings after going for a run earlier around Rondebosch Commons and going to the soccer with some Capetownians tonight.

The thing that I am quietly contemplating is whether or not to ask if I can redesign the cafe's menu. It is simple and well designed but, in my opinion, boring and completely lacking originality. I would like to suggest some ideas without getting my head beaten in. Something I have never done before.

I also have two dessert recipes that I would like to show them. OMG I am excited! Maybe I will start with the desserts before I pull apart their menu. Foot in the door. Best approach I think.

* 2 day interval*

My house mate/land lord Liz is having a braai tonight so I can meet her daughters. I have a lot of work to do still but I am currently baking. No surprises there.

x jnn