Three course dinner for 4 1/2, the half is my son. So we had friends over for late lunch/ early dinner, who we have not seen since their wedding 3 months ago. I was really looking forward to seeing them again.
But obviously nothing is simple , although ‘Pap ‘n vleis'( stiff porridge and meat)’ would still be nice, I’m aiming to impress 🙂 But as always, there’s a curve ball with my dinner, one of the guests is Jewish- so no pork, no shellfish!
You actually don’t realize how much you cook with a certain product until it’s taken away from you. Prawns or shrimp would’ve been nice for a starter but all shelled fish is completely off the table. And my go to when you need extra flavour; bacon, also not allowed. This will either turnout very bad or superbly amazing, I want the latter!
The Canapés

when you’re hosting people, it’s always nice to have some nibbles out, while awaiting dinner. Chips/crisps, biltong, nuts work very well but I Needed something extra. Simple, so it doesn’t take you away from the more important stuff but has to be eeffective.
Ok here we go: Salt crackers, cream cheese( I love the spring onion and chives flavoured), grated; cucumber, apple and diced cherry tomatoes. And just assemble and Bob’s your uncle! Unless you’re Zulu, then Sipho is your uncle! Ha ha ha, Ok, sorry couldn’t help it.

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THE STARTER
Smoked Salmon rolls stuffed with ushatini(salsa), pan-fried haddock and a rocket salad
What to do?
– salmon trout ribbons( this is actually the salmon you usually get at the supermarket).
– haddock- fry in a pan with margarine until skin brown and turn it around for 3 min. This fish is delicate so be gentle.
– For Ushatini- finely chop red onions and cherry tomatoes, grated cucumber and apple, 1tsp on lime juice, 1 tsp of olive oil, pepper and aromat. I’m not sure if there’s any other versions of aromat in other countries but it is mostly salt with a slightly cheesy flavour.
– Then assemble, stuffing ushatini into the salmon ribbon, rolled. Haddock, then rocket salad and a few cherry tomatoes.
Starter is served, Bon Appetit!!
mbs