From marvellous mums to boss babes, August is all about celebrating the power and purpose of the sisterhood. It’s the perfect time to give up all thoughts of everything in moderation and pamper the gals – eat the cake, drink the gin, and buy the shoes! Throw caution to the wind and revel in everything we love – chocolate and coffee, fine wine, gorgeous sunsets and great hair days. After all, being a woman really is a superpower.
We’ve put together a few scrumptiously indulgent ideas to celebrate the women who make
up the Lowveld community, the movers and shakers, leading ladies and solid-as-a-rock stalwarts; the bakers, the cooks, the charity workers, nurses, mothers, business owners and CEOs. Starting with a chocolate extravaganza, spoil yourself with our decadent chocolate indulgences, from cake to mousse. Whether you make them yourself (get a few friends over, pour large G and Ts and bake!) or order from one of the expert local bakers, these confections will make your day, after all – who doesn’t love chocolate?
Chocolate tart
Ingredients
• 1½ cups of biscuit crumbs • 6 tbsp of unsalted butter, melted • 1½ cups of heavy cream • 280g of semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped • 2 tbsp of granulated sugar • ¼ tsp of salt • 1 tsp of vanilla extract Optional toppings: whipped cream, fresh berries, or chocolate shavings
Method
Preheat your oven to 175°C. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan, forming an even layer. Make sure to press firmly to create a solid crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until it sets. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat. Add the finely chopped
semi-sweet chocolate to the hot cream and let it sit for a minute to allow the chocolate
to soften. Then, stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Add the granulated sugar, salt and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled tart shell, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2-3 hours, or until the filling is set and firm. Once the tart is chilled and set, you can garnish it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or chocolate shavings, if desired. Slice the chocolate tart into wedges and serve.
Fondant
Ingredients
• 200g dark chocolate, chopped • 200g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing • 200g granulated sugar • 4 large eggs • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour • Cocoa powder, for dusting
Method
Preheat your oven to 200°C. Grease 4 small ramekins or moulds with butter and dust them with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess. In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together. You can use a microwave or a double boiler for this. If using a microwave,
heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until well combined. Gradually pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the sugar and eggs, whisking continuously. Make sure the mixture is well combined. Sift the flour into the chocolate mixture and fold it in gently until you have a smooth batter. Divide it evenly
among the prepared ramekins, filling them about ¾ of the way. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centres will still be soft. Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two. Carefully run a knife around the edges of the fondants to loosen them, then turn them out onto serving plates. Serve the chocolate fondants immediately while they are still warm. You can
dust them with powdered sugar, top with whipped cream, or serve with a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
Chocolate cake
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 cups granulated sugar • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1½ tsp baking powder • 1½ tsp baking soda • 1 tsp salt • 2 large eggs • 1 cup milk • ½ cup vegetable oil • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup boiling water
Method
Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly combined. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the dry ingredient mixture. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until the batter is well blended. Reduce the mixer speed to low and carefully pour in the boiling water. Mix until the water is fully incorporated into the batter. It will be thin, but that’s normal. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cakes are completely cooled, you can frost them with your favourite
frosting, such as chocolate buttercream or cream cheese. Enjoy your home-made chocolate cake!
Note: You can also add chocolate chips, nuts or other additions to the batter for extra flavour and texture if desired.
There are so many ways to spoil yourself. Try an extravagantly luxurious spa spoil, a swoonworthy massage, or an evening of sensational sushi with a few sublime cocktails thrown in to sip on as the sun goes down.
Aniska Skin & Art
Treating yourself to smooth skin is the ideal investment that lasts a lifetime. What better way than with laser hair removal? A medical-grade laser easily removes hair from the facial area, bikini line, underarms and legs, allowing you freedom from waxing, shaving, plucking
and electrolysis. Book your consultation with Aniska Skin & Art today. Proven results since 2001. Details: 082 686 6295
Face to the Wind
Our services include facials, peels, dermaplaning, reflexology, lymph drainage, massages and full-body waxing for men and women. Feel sun-kissed with spraytan or relax on the sunbed. Spoil yourself at our Nele nail bar and pedicure station. Bring this coupon and receive a free skin analysis or 10% discount on facial or body treatments. Details: 072 480 6688
Orchid Farm Stall
Spoil yourself with a trip out of town to the Orchid Farm Stall, enjoying the beautiful sights of the Lowveld as you pass fragrant citrus farms and stunning indigenous scenery. Orchid Farm Stall invites all women to enjoy a deliciously frothy cappuccino and freshly baked, scrumptious carrot cake (all for R65). And don’t be surprised if you leave with a few gorgeous orchids in tow! Details: 082 454 2348
Mopani Fresh Café
Mopani Fresh Café is the perfect spot for a quick business lunch or cup of great coffee between shopping. We offer freshly made meals, smoothies, frappés, speciality teas and delicious home-baked sweet treats! Life is busy, so if you can’t stay, our freshly made on-the-go goods are perfect. With the best baristas in town, you can’t afford not to pay a visit to any of our coffee shops. Details: 013 755 5500
Nadine’s at Lavender-Blue Coffee Shoppe
A visit to Nadine’s coffee shop is a treat for the senses. Indulge in mouthwatering cakes, toasted sandwiches, filled croissants, delicious teas, coffees and more. For those special
celebrations, we also bake and cook to order. With ample parking available, Nadine’s is the perfect place to catch your breath and relax. Details: 082 870 6767
Gin & Co
A gin tasting at Gin & Co is a must for every gin lover, and indeed anyone who wants an experience to remember. The swirling flavours of juniper infused with Dollie Gin’s signature essences come together perfectly, from heady aromas to the final splash of tonic and
aromatic accompaniments that make each sip a taste explosion. Visit Gin & Co today, and discover the joys of releasing the serpent. Details: 013 750 1696
Mediterranean
After 25 years of service, and 13 years at i’langa Mall, Mediterranean knows a thing or two about good food. With hearty portions and delicious fare, this restaurant is the perfect choice for memorable occasions. Delectable prawns served in Mediterranean’s sauce, heavenly sushi and freshly prepared fish are all part of the feast you can expect. Come in and spoil yourself this Women’s Month! Details: 013 742 2235, and 067 320 7721 (takeaways)
