As I was having my first cup of Milo (a treat which I reserve for only the cold part of the year) of the season, I got to thinking about how we each have little things that we enjoy about every time of the year. Whether it be Christmas trees and ice cream, or camp fires and mosquito repellent, there is usually something special we associate with every season or at least our favourite season of the year. I thought I would share some of mine.

1. Obviously the delicious warm chocolatey-ness of a cup of Milo. Some people make it with milk, I however, being slightly sensitive to dairy products, make it like you would a cup of instant coffee. First you add three heaped spoons of the Milo powder and then, if you’re terribly unhealthy as I am, you add some sugar, stir in some milk and add boiling water. A comfort drink of note and if you’re feeling lavish, maybe add a dollop of whipped cream on top, or just some mini marshmallows!
2. My kind of famous Butternut Soup!! I have made this at many a soup night I have hosted and people are always raving about how tasty it is. I wish I could remember where I found the recipe because I can’t take full credit- someone else came up with it and I’m just very good at making it. So you have 2 -3 butternuts, chop ‘em up into cubes, chuck ‘em in a pot (I use my “stoom pot”), add water so that it only just covers all the butternut. Chop up an onion and a red bell pepper and add to the mix. Cook on the stove until everything is soft. I use a masher to get a better consistency of the ingredients. Then lastly you add 250 ml of cream- it is very important that this has to be full cream as it is the only fat that goes into the recipe. Spice to your taste- I love to add some cayenne pepper for that very slight kick!
3. Muscadel – I was first introduced to this delicious treat at my 21^st birthday as someone gave me a bottle as a gift. I fell in love, it is basically an extremely sweet sherry. To me it’s almost like you can taste the warmth while you drink it- best consumed in small portions to avoid it becoming too sweet or you becoming too sweet if you know what I mean…Lovely to consume while camping on a nice chilly weekend or just chilling around the fire place on a lovely night in. Some people might prefer something like an Old Brown Sherry if they’re not that into sweet drinks though, has the same effect.
4. Melk Kos – I tend to describe this as liquid pancakes (South African pancakes- American pancakes are the equivalent of our flapjacks). I haven’t had this in a very long time and I saw a recipe using condensed milk for it the other day. It always makes me nostalgic when I enjoy some Melk Kos- it takes me back to a simpler time. Melk Kos directly translates into “milk food”. So the main ingredient…you guessed it = MILK!!! I won’t say more on this as I will be making the recipe that has the condensed milk in as part of my Authentically South African series, so keep an eye out for that if you would like the recipe.

I hope my list of favourite winter treats has made you remember some of yours and perhaps inspired you to enjoy an old favourite.

Much Love, Jo XO

 

Jo’s 3 Take Aways

1. Consider the less fortunate this winter season
2. Make warm memories
3. Be inspiring!