Book: Recipes from the Hearth

Book: Recipes from the Hearth

Authors: Francois Ferreira and Gwynne Conlyn

Publisher: Jacana Media

Reviewer: Doreen Zimbizi

I love The Arch. I love him even more now that I know he can cook up a storm. I will try out his Tutu chicken for Christmas lunch. It sounds simple enough, even for amateur cooks like myself. The ingredients are affordable and the instructions easy to follow.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is one of several South African icons whose recipes are included in this mouth-watering book. They range from Raymond Ackerman's apple and berry pudding, Yvonne Chaka Chaka's chicken and mushroom to Vanya Mangaliso's tropical fruit kebabs. Basetsana Kumalo's peri peri prawns and Gary Player's pear and goat's cheese jostle for attention with Francois Pienaar's grilled herb-marinated Portabella mushrooms with gorgonzola. Lillian Dube's sardines are time savers and there is no way you can mess that up.

I love Ina Paarman's butter bean and roast vegetable salad for its simplicity. You can actually taste Gavin Rajah's The Raj's decadent chocolate cake. This cake is so rich, there's no need for frosting.

You can choose any recipe - from starters to main course - and you will treat your family to an iconic feast. It will feel like you are sharing dinner with one of these prominent South Africans.