HomeCOMPETITIONSDesirables to get us through the last of Winter

Desirables to get us through the last of Winter

Pack up a picnic
Winter’s not only about sitting around the fire on the sofa, with chocolate cake and a hot toddy (not, we rush to point out, that there’s anything wrong with that at all!). But when the sun shines, and it’s warm outdoors, pack up a picnic blanket and a flask of coffee and enjoy an al fresco lunch. In Foolproof Picnic, Marina Filippelli has given five dozen delicious recipes, many of which are perfect for a winter picnic. Let’s be honest, not much beats a perfect ploughman’s with a classic scotch egg on the side (she’s included those suggestions), but there are also options, like Leek and stilton quiche with walnut pastry, a blueberry and raspberry loaf cake, lovely cheesy courgette scones, and a giant couscous salad with saffron-toasted tomatoes and beetroot. All very easy, completely delish and loads of tips – what to pack, games to play, and so on. Hardie Grant Books, R270

 

A stroll through a small market led to us discovering the brilliant Earthmade – and these wonderful hand-crafted Coco Bowls, repurposed from wasted coconut shells. Each shell is reclaimed, cut, cleaned, polished and packed by hand … use for smoothies, snacks, or decor. And since they’re all about doing good, a percentage of the profits is donated to carefully selected programmes in SA, from planting trees to saving the rhinos to protecting the oceans. R150 from earthmade.co.za, and watch out for new products in the pipeline … think coco candles, bamboo straws, coconut cups, wooden cutlery. Local and unique … made by earth, repurposed by you. Brilliant!

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Mattifying and hydrating in one step. This new Clarins Skin Illusion Velvet foundation is a mattifying liquid foundation that gives a bare skin effect! It instantly enhances your complexion, controls shine and blurs imperfections, is lightweight, silky and leaves an invisible veil with a barely-there feel. What’s more, it’s bursting with skincare ingredients and is truly a nourishing beauty cocktail for the skin. R585 from clarins.co.za

Giorgio Armani’s new fragrance, Stronger With You OUD, has been created for men and women and will be a hot fave with those who fancy oriental woody scents. Powerful oud, along with lavender and vanilla … it’s powerful and sensual, all wrapped up in a show-me-off bottle. You’ll find it at Edgars, Truworths, Woolworths, Foschini & ARC stores for R1560.

 

Embrace the versatility of Port-style wines … and win!

We tend to think Port, and Port-style wines, of a drink for mature drinkers, to enjoy with a cheese board or dessert. But it really is one of the most versatile drinks … working well with cocktails and with main dish pairings – think soups, curries, and read meat dishes like steak. Try these this winter …

The De Krans Premium Cape Ruby … Go ahead and add it generously to your potjie or any meat dish in a slow cooker – guaranteed to take your meat dish to that next level. The Cape Ruby also pairs well with traditional Cape bobotie, waterblommetjie –bredie, rustic pastas and hearty soups. R99.
The De Krans Cape Vintage pairs beautifully with a baked dessert like chocolate fondant or a piece of dark chocolate, and is sublime with well matured cheese. You can also serve this excellent value-for-money port-style wine with Karoo lamb potjie, venison pie or roasted vegetable lasagna. R129.

Of all the different options, the De Krans Cape Tawny Limited Release, which spends an average of eight years ageing in an oak barrel, is probably the most unique and different. It’s an excellent alternative to sherry and best enjoyed slightly chilled. It not only pairs well with baked winter puddings like malva pudding and Crème Brûlée, as well as baked cheese with drizzled honey, nuts and rosemary, but will also elevate dishes like brown onion soup, loin of pork stuffed with dried fruit, or prawns prepared in a light Malaysian style. R240.
The De Krans Cape Vintage Reserve, the flagship at De Krans, is truly something special. And to truly experience and appreciate the quality of this exceptional wine, it is best enjoyed on its own. Alternatively, it pairs well with matured cheese. And if you’re looking for an excellent gift … it makes a jolly thoughtful one as it can be stored and matured for up to 40 years (in favourable cool conditions, with the bottles lying down). R375.
You can order all online on dekrans.co.za. And you can win a pack of Port-style wines, too.

We’re giving one reader a three-bottle carry pack. Head over to our IG page @getitnationalmagazines before August 25. Cheers!

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