Category: South Africa

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South African Night Sky

Southern Cross in South Africa's Night Sky!

The “Southern Cross” (CRUX) in South Africa’s night sky — if it is anything like Australia — should be fairly easy to see on a clear night. There are plenty of  internet programs  to show you where various  stars and constellations should be on any given night.

Karen posted  about the “Southern Cross” from her time in Cape town. I sometimes use these programs to see what the sky above people I know looks like… Iraq, Afghanistan, Hawaii and South Africa.

I feel closer to them somehow knowing about the heavens over them.

Roger Freberg

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Wine — where everyone has an opinion!

Wine for all occasions

Wine is a wonderful experience, whether it be for the daily glass at dinner or for a special bottle with special people. However, I have always smiled when I read about those wine buffs who lift their glass and condemn or praise this or that vintage because it was derived from an unfortunate year due to some volcanic eruption in some other part of the world that produced less sunlight and thus an inferior harvest.  blah blah hmmmmm

So too are so many opinions on wine. Sometimes, the opinions reflect nationalistic sentiments or the bias of the individual palate. In any event, good wines are everywhere now-a-days… great ones are still rare … but few disappoint at the average barbecue.

So, Here I am talking about  South African Wines  again… the latest great bargain since the invasion ofAustralian and New Zealand wines made the scene in America. Of course, for those who remember 30 years back or so… even French wines were relatively affordable ( some day I might write about my case of  Château Latour ’55  ( undeniably a great year!) or my fondness for  Château Margaux). As for South African wines, I am also showing above  Kumala and a wine that tells a ‘story’ on each bottle in chapters… aa probably affordably available somewhere near you.

Enjoy! … now if I could only buy Ostrich locally.

Roger Freberg

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Planning a South African Feast!

And Here Comes The Wine!

Well, I decided some time ago that I would prepare a South African style feast. I had purchased some wines from SOUTHERN WINES ( an excellent source) and found an interesting selection of inexpensive wines from South Africa at our local  BevMo. Three bottles of wine came to a mind boggling $ 30… hard to believe anyone can make any money at that price… but well worth trying out.

Simonsig’s  Chenin Blanc

Fleur du Cap’s  Chardonnay

Neli Ellis’s  Chardonnay

I am still working on the main dish… something with Ostrich no doubt. Stay Tuned!

Roger Freberg

 

 

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“Rainbow Cuisine” Cookbook from South Africa — Yummy!

Karen sent me on a nice journey to find this cookbook!

In our family, we all share an appreciation for the wonders of good food. That is the curse for what my  psychologist wife  refers to as  “super tasters”…  a physiological distinction where some people just experience more from their taste of food. I wouldn’t want to be any different.

This is why “Jenny Craig” comes in so handy at times!

However, during those times of planned indulgence, the right food can be fully appreciated! South African recipes and portions are quite in line with a healthy lifestyle. A particular  South African recipe book  was recommended to my daughter “Chef” Karen that — unfortunately — she couldn’t find anywhere in South Africa and was out of print, so she asked me to find one! Finally, after a bit of searching, I found one (and only one) in England and it’s on it’s way to me! I can’t wait! 

It all looks so good!

Roger Freberg

Karen has blogged about another one of the  author’s cook books  and here is a  LINK to Karen’s blog  on the subject.

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South African Maise and Chicken Recipes

interesting, mouth watering recipes!

Karen sent a package that contained many wonderful things… the ‘evil one’ also put in some recipe books of just the stuff I would like to have right now!

I seems that the folks in South Africa would fit into our family real well. The food and the recipes are wonderful!  Tydsroom  ( the Tyson of South Africa) Chicken producers have a couple that interest me: A Kabob with chicken, bell pepers and covered with a sweet chili sauce! Yum! Next, a “Rashers” sandwich of sliced chicken breast cheddar cheese, butter lettuce, tomato, Sourdough bread and a sunny side up fried egg…. answering the question which came first the chicken or the egg… both!

Corn is a product grown in South Africa and “Maise” is used in a variety of clever ways. My favorite of  “White Star”  collection is “lamb skewers with pepper & white star super maise meal fritters.” Tastes like down home to me.

Aaaah… I am making lists!

Roger Freberg