Groot Constantia Pinotage 2019 I always think of Groot Constantia Wine Estate as the cradle of the wine industry in South Africa. Simon van der Stel was first granted the Estate in 1685. It was Hendrik Cloete, owner in the late 18th Century who, with his Constantia Wines, made for a ‘golden era’ of Cape
Oldenburg Grenache Noir 2016, a gem of a wine recently released from the Oldenburg Vineyard's Library. A stunning expression of the Grape...
Oldenburg Vineyards Per Se Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Oldenburg Vineyards is in the cooler part of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation, The Banghoek Valley. Surrounded by mountain reaching up to the sky, there is an enchanting little hillock known as Rondekop. Made up of ferricrete soils, vines grown here have roots set deep down which extract much
Merlot is gaining popularity as producers like Oldenburg and Delaire Graff on the cooler side of Stellenbosch take the grape seriously...
Groot Constantia Merlot 2018, from a fine estate with a much awarded Winemaker in Boela Gerber, and Vineyardist Floricious Beukes...
De Grendel Op die Berg Chardonnay 2021, is born in the Witzenberg where snow covers the vineyards in Winter...
Perdeberg Rex Equus 2019, a fine expression of a Bordeaux style blend from the Paarl Wine Appellation, a tribute to 80 years of winemaking excellence...
Mr Borio, Italian specialist in cement and tank building, honoured by Simonsig Wine Estate in Stellenbosch with Mr Borio's Shiraz 2017...
Bellevue Estate Eselgraf Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2020, is a fine example of the grape by a premium Stellenosch Wine Estate...
Simonsig Chardonnay 2018, celebrate International Chardonnay Day with this fine expression of the Chardonnay Grape...
Delaire Graff Coastal Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2020, with a dollop of Semillon, makes a fine refresher and is a great food wine...
Journey’s End, three stunners which are much awarded, utterly delicious wines from the Eastern part of the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation...
Landskroon Paul Hugo Red 2019, a charming sipping wine, great on its own and perfect with food. Do chill it....
Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve The Promenade Pinotage 2016, a fine expression of this South African Grape by Wilhelm Coetzee...
Fort Simon Wines from the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation, serious, variety specific, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz of the 2016 Vintage...
Lozärn Kay’s Legacy 2017, a fine blend which contains Carménère, a favoured red of Salome Buys Vermeulen, Lozärn Winemaker...
Oldenburg Vineyards Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, a great expression of the grape. from the cooler side of Stellenbosch...
Spier Secret Sparkling Rosé, the perfect Valentine's Day Wine, undertow of Muscat, beautiful pink colour, perfect with cake...
Simonsig Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc 2020, a fine expression of a Stellenbosch Sauvignon, Cellarmaster Johan Malan 2020 Diners Club Winemaker of the year...
De Toren Z 2016, this is the kind of wine people talk about when referring to a fine red wine. It lingers in your memory for a long time...
Bellingham, The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage 2017, a gem of a wine made from Stellenbosch grapes from a 43 year old vineyard...
Haute Cabrière's Pierre Jourdan Tranquille is a non vintage wine, a sublime blend of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir paying homage to the base wine of Cap Classique...
We celebrate the end of Pinotage month with Dirk van Zyl's Saxenburg Private Collection Pinotage 2017, grapes from a single Vineyard...
De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay, described by Robert Parker, retired American Wine Writer, as being better than 99% of unwooded Chardonnays he has tasted...
Nederburg The Winemaster’s Pinotage 2018, made by Samuel Venter, a celebration of Pinotage for Pinotage Day on October 12th...
Ernie Els Wines Big Easy Red Blend 2017, from Stellenbosch with a splash of Perdeberg Cinsault, utterly delicious, great food wine...
De Wetshof Bateleur Chardonnay 2018, one of the finest examples of a beautifully oaked Chardonnay in the country...
Delaire Graff Shiraz 2018, a fine expression of the grape in the final year of the worst drought in living memory...
Boschendal Vin d’Or, a gem in the Boschendal Crown, a Noble Late Harvest Wine in celebration of Heritage Day...
Fantini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. A classic Italian Wine grape, turned into a classic Italian wine. Availble in South Africa...
International Cabernet Sauvignon Day gives us an opportunity each year to celebrate this most noble of red wine grapes...
Hazendal Pinot Noir 2017, a sublime wine from the southern tip of Africa, paired with Dianne Bibby's Lamb Tagine from the northern coast of the continent...
Three great wines, from three Wine Appellations, each one different from the other and perfect for drinking with a good dish of Beef from Dianne Bibby...
Creation Chardonnay 2018, a fine expression of Chardonnay from the cool marine climes of the Walker Bay Wine Appellation...
Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2017, a fine red blend of 'Bordeaux' varieties, from one of Stellenbosch's premier wine estates...
Douglas Green Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Award Winner at Concours Mondiale du Sauvignon in 2019, a bright vibrant glass of luciousness...
Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2018, a perfect cool climate Constantia Chardonnay, grapes by Floricius Beukes and wine made by Boela Gerber...
Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2018, follows in the footsteps of its Award Winning predecessors, a great expression of this fine grape by Boela Gerber...
Bellingham The Homestead Series Shiraz 2017, described by Winemaker Richard Duckitt as "I rate it higher than 2015, possibly even as good as 2009,"...
Lozärn Carménère Rosé 2019 Salóme Buys-Vermeulen, the winemaker at Doornbosch, home of Lozärn Wines in the Robertson Wine Valley, after tasting a fine Chilean Carménère, decided to plant Carménère on the Estate. Once planted, it was thought at the time to be the only single vineyard Carménère in the winelands. Salóme Buys-Vermeulen & friend in
Simonsig The Garland 2015, a perfect expression of a fine Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon from a single vineyard on the slopes of the Simonsberg...
De Grendel Merlot 2018, a great expression at the time of drought, dry, sappy fruited and such a versatile wine, from a glass on its own to being partnered with well prepared food...
Douglas Green Merlot 2019, made in the Swartland & Breedekloof and then taken to the Douglas Green Cellars in Wellington for blending & bottling...
The Old Road Wine Company Anemos, grapes from a single 35 year old bush vine unirrigated vineyard...
De Wetshof Limestone Hill 2019, is an unoaked Chardonnay from the De Wet Family in the Robertson Wine Valley, great expression of the grape...
My Top Drop #23, is a delicious Southern France style blend called The Old Road Wine Company French Corner 2017, a fine red wine by Ryan Puttick...
Durbanville Hills Collector’s Reserve The Promenade Pinotage 2017, part of a range of premium wines with labels by Theo Vorster...
Vergelegen Special Reserve Merlot 2015, an utter gem of a wine, a truly great experience drinking a wine like this, not something you forget...
Two grapes of Bordeaux origin in an unusual blend, the Douglas Green Merlot Malbec 2019, is a sapy fruity wine for a glass on its own & with food...
Boschendal Demi Sec, a non vintage Méthode Cap Classique, made from Chardonnay & Pinot Noir...
De Wetshof Edeloes 2006, a fine Riesling Noble Late Harvest from the Robertson Wine Appellation, excellent Easter Wine...
Pierre Jourdan Ratafia, today's hidden gem on #sawinelockdown, a unique drink made in Franschhoek, none other like it in the country...
Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2019, a fine expression of a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc by Flo Beukes, Vineyardist and Boela Gerber Winemaker...
Oldenburg Vineyards Series Chenin Blanc 2019, a perfect expression of South Africa's most planted wine grape, gently oaked by Nic van Aarde...
Landskroon Chardonnay Unwooded 2019, an enchanting glass, so perfect for the end of summer sunset sipping and great with food...
Always fun finding books for mid-Summer reading and use in the kitchen, and for reading to grandchildren...
Groot Constantia Pinotage 2018, a superb example of a wine made from the first South African Grape created in the 1920s, so eminently drinkable...
Simonsig Chenin Blanc Pinotage 2019, a wine especially made for Woolworths, a great contribution to elegant Summer food...
The Alto Shiraz 2016, a fine red from the Estate high up on the Helderberg in the Stellenbosch Appellation and benefiting from its maritime climate...
Delaire Graff Cabernet Franc Rosé made from one of the noble grapes which has its ancestry in Bordeaux, a delicious fresh crisp any time wine...
Bellingham, is the Phoenix risen from ashes in the 1940s still going strong. Perfect example of the quality of wine is The Homestead Series Sauvignon Blanc 2019...
Pierre Jourdan Belle Nectar, a non-vintage MCC, a very welcome addition to the Haute Cabrière Wines, deliciously fruit and demi sec in nature...
The Butcher and Cleaver 2015, a fabulous Cape Blend with Shiraz, Pinotage and Mourvèdre, lovely full rich dry flavours, and perfect with meat...
Alto Rouge 2017, a classic from Bertho van der Westhuizen,Alto"s Winemaker, 5th winemaker in 100 years of Alto's existence...
Compagniesdrift Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2018 and The Meerlust Workers Trust are supporting The Breast Health Foundation with a stunner of a wine...
Part of The Old Road Wine Company's Elite Range, the Anemos Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2017, is made from 35 year old Franschhoek Vineyards...
International Sherry Week starts today and lasts till 11th November, start your week off with Douglas Green Spanish Sherry No 3...
Oldenburg Vineyards Rondekop Rhodium 2016, named for Rondekop Hill on the farm and a precious metal is a right bank Bordeaux blend...
Welgegund Heritage Wines, The Cinsault 2017 and the Grenache Noir 2017 hit the high scores in the Tim Atkin South African Report 2019…
Following in the footsteps, the Coffee Pinotage and the Carpe Diem Pinotage Reserve, The Diemersfontein The Prodigy Pinotage 2018 pops up on the scene...
Groot Constantia Constantia Rood 2017 is an 8 way blend of red wine grapes by Boela Gerber and his team, a sum that is greater than its parts...
The Asara The Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2016 is a Cape Blend, an unusual one which contains a good dollop of Malbec, the 'forgotten grape' of Bordeaux...
Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc 2018, a fine expression of the grape, the largest planted wine grape in South Africa...
Part of the Estate's selection of single variety wines, the Asara The Vineyard Collection Merlot 2017, is a great fingerprint of the vintage & Merlot...
My Asara #10 The Bell Tower 2013 is a fine blend of Bordeaux wine grape varieties, aged in a selection of 225 litre French oak barrels...
De Grendel Rubaiyat 2015, the flagship red blend of this Durbanville Wine Estate, made by Charles Hopkins in the Bordeaux style...
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2017, the latest and very welcome addition to the fabulous range of Methode Cap Classique Kaapse...
Overgaauw Tria Corda, one of the earlier traditional Bordeaux blends produced by the pioneering van Velden family in Stellenbosch...
Reigning Queen of Glen Carlou's sublime wines, the Quartz Stone Chardonnay 2017part oak and part concrete egg matured...
Tant Sannie – tradisionele Poeding in a glass, the perfect Milk Tart, brings back all the memories of growing up on a farm, heritage flavours...
Landskroon Paul de Villiers Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, one of a range of Landskroon Flagship wines named after the 5 generation of Pauls...
From a vineyard in Robertson producing award winning wines, Mont Blois Pomphuis White Muscadel 2016, took Platinum at Muskadel SA...
Chenin Blanc finds a great expression in the Glen Carlou The Welder 2016, a sublime natural sweet wine...
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar 2017, continues the Kaapse Vonkel innovation going on Simonsig with Francois & Johan Malan...
Part of the sublime The Glass Collection range of wines, the Glenelly The Glass Collection Syrah 2017 is a gem, and a perfect food wine...
Asara #10 The Vineyard Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2018, part of my series of visiting Asara Wines with Dianne Bibby's recipes...
From a family known for its classy Chardonnays, here's a pretty classy Sauvignon Blanc, the De Wetshof Sauvignon Blanc 2018...
Made from grapes from vines up to 29 years old, the sublime Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2018 is a classic Constantia Appellation wine...
My Asara #8 in my series of Asara Wines, The Vineyard Collection Cape Fusion 2015, great with Dianne Bibby's Pasta...
Malanot Vino Café Pinotage 2016 If you are one of the so-called ‘coffee flavoured’ wines, like me and you have tasted a number of them, you will know that there is no coffee used in the making of these wines. Carefully toasted oak barrels, judiciously used, combines its flavours with the berry fruits in Pinotage.
My Asara #7 Asara Méthode Cap Classique Brut 2015, is a fine example of a delicate anytime wine, as a refresher and also good with food...
Christo Pienaar, the winemaker at Nuy Winery and his team, have produced some truly sublime wines, here are three for you pleasure...
Made from Africa's most southerly vineyard in Africa's most southerly winery, First Sighting Sauvignon Blanc 2018, is a perfect match for Dianne Bibby's Salmon...
A local artisanal Rum, a lively MCC and a serious red blend are on my final Advent Calendar #24 2018...
Wines from the Deep South for my Advent Calendar #18 2018, the Overberg Highlands Wine...
One of the finest in the Cape, Charles Hopkins's De Grendel Méthode Cap Classique Brut 2015, a classical Chardonnay Pinot Noir blend...
Advent Calendar #5 2018...
Celebrate International Merlot Day with a bottle of Asara The Vineyard Collection Merlot 2017 and a stunning Bobotie...
Crisp, dry, refreshing and fruity, the Asara Vineyard Collection Pinotage Rosé 2018 is a perfect wine for summer salads....
Expertly blended by Tetley's Master Blender, Jonathan Kelsey, Tetley's Flavoured Green Teas are a hit in South Africa.
Made from South Africa's most planted wine grape, Delaire Graff Swartland Reserve Chenin Blanc 2017 is a fine expression of Chenin.
Noble Late Harvest is one of our most special wines, The Asara Carillon 2014 is one of them. Made solely from Chenin Blanc, it partners food perfectly.
The sublime Asara The Vineyard Collection Chenin Blanc 2017 is Asara#1 in my series on Asara Wines with food by Dianne Bibby...
Glenelly Lady May 2012 is a fine blend of main Cabernet Sauvignon in the Bordeaux style, perfect food wine. Accessible now and perfect for a couple of years of cellaring.
Landskroon Merlot 2016, living up to the renewed interest in this grape of Bordeaux heritage. Often used for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon, it stands alone here....
From one of The Cape's oldest Wine Estates comes a regal blend, the Groot Constantia Goeverneurs Reserve 2015. A fine example of a Constantia Wine...
A premium Chenin Blanc, the Perdeberg Endura is made from Swartland grapes from a single vineyard. Masterful Winemaker Albertus Louw has created a gem. Perfect food wine, goes with any white meat, fish or vegetarian main courses - loves chicken.
In Romeo and Juliet, she says, 'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet'. While the P word is not allowed, the Groot Constantia Cape Ruby 2016 weighs in better than many others. Made from the traditional Port variety of Touriga Naçional, it is as good with Blue Cheese as it is with Chocolate...
Simonsig Malan Family Selection Redhill Pinotage 2015, the Estate's Flagship Pinotage. Matured for 15 months in French and American White oak barrels it is a fabulous glass on its own and just so perfect as a food wine.
Landskroon Paul de Villiers Shiraz 2015, a fine expression of Shiraz from Paul de Villiers, 5th generation Cellarmaster of this well known family owned Paarl Wine Estate
A delicious Dry Summery Rosé made from the noble Bordeaux grape Merlot. From cool climate grapes grown in the Durbanville Hills.
Landskroon's Paul Hugo White 2017 & Paul Hugo Red 2017, two wines for easy entertaining, food wines and sipping wines.
Sublime and delicately oaked, the Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is named for a Royal Navy Battleship which took part in The Battle of Muizenberg 1785...
Carrol Boyes, doyenne of South African Design Carrol Boyes, the well-known South African designer, has partnered with her brother, farmer and financier John Boyes, to create a unique range of limited edition premium wine. I recently had to opportunity to taste two of them, and while the bottles have amusing and typical Carrol Boyes labels, the
Steenberg 1682 Brut Chardonnay JD Pretorius, award winning winemaker at Steenberg in the Constantia Wine Appellation, produces a range of Cap Classique and sparkling wines of which the non-vintage Steenberg 1682 Brut Chardonnay is one. Made from a selection of Chardonnay grapes from three other Wine Appellations, Robertson, Bonnievale and Darling. The vines from which
Mulderbosch, home of 3 Single Vineyard Chenin Blancs Adam Mason, Winemaker at Mulderbosch Vineyards, makes a range of Chenin Blancs called The Single Vineyard Block. Grapes from three different vineyards are treated in exactly the same way in the vineyard and during elevation in the cellar. The three blocks are harvested in the same way
Groot Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 I well remember the queues of cars which parked outside the sales room at Groot Constantia in the mid 1970s lining up on Wednesdays and Saturdays to buy the scarce wines of the Estate. Groot Constantia and Cabernet Sauvignon fit together like hand in glove. Viticulturist Floricius Beukes, who has
The Perdeberg The Vineyard Collection Pinot Noir MCC, an any time wine. Made from a noble variety with second fermentation in the bottle.....
During these lazy, hazy, what-day-is-it, days between Christmas and New Year when lunch time comes around all too quickly and all you are looking for is a glass of meaningful pink to refresh you and go with a delicious little cold lunch time snack, Peter Falke Blanc de Noir 2017 is just the answer.
Steenberg's MCCs, two any time wines, made in the classical way with a second fermentation in the bottle. So good with food...
The Durbanville Hills Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, fun bubbles from two fine winemakers, Martin Moore and Wilhelm Coetzee from a cool climate valley overlooking Table Bay.
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2015, a superb expression of a fine Methode Cap Classique, excellent with seafood and this delicious dessert...
Sublime Mulderbosch Chardonnay 2017 from Adam Mason, using a variety of Stellenbosch Appellation sites. Perfect with Dianne Bibby's Cumin Lamb Kofta Phyllo Pastries...
Constantia Rood 2015, a superb blend of reds from the Groot Constantia Vineyards. Honoured by Dianne Bibby's Greek version of a well known Italian dish.
A fine Rosé, the Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2017. Purpose grown grapes, creating a lovely zesty bright fruited wine. Just add Dianne Bibby's Aubergine dish - perfect match.
Asara MCC Brut 2014 is a crisp, refreshing delicate bubbly. Excellent on its own and also as an aperitif. Perfect food wine....
Perdeberg The Dry Land Collection Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2017. A great partner for Dianne Bibby's Roast Aubergines with Miso & Pomelo.
The Perdeberg The Dryland Collection Conqueror Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, a modern expression of the Variety. Serve it with Dianne Bibby's Red Wine Ragu with Rigatoni.
Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc, a cool climate Sauvignon from Constantia. Perfectly paired with Dianne Bibby's Taglietelle.
Groot Constantia Grand Constance, a wine of which legends have been made. Serve with Dianne Bibby's Milk Tart Pancake Mille Feuille.
A perfect expression of dryland bush vine Shiraz. Lovely partner in Dianne Bibby's Chinese Mandarin Chicken Tray Bake.
Another cracker of a wine by Johan Malan and his team. Beautiful soft round fruited red blend. Perfect with Dianne Bibby's Stuffed Cabbage with Freekah Meatballs.
Perdeberg The Dryland Collection Chenin Blanc 2015 Not for nothing is Perdeberg Cellar known as the Home of Chenin Blanc. The Winemaking Team under Albertus Louw has so much experience in dealing with the fine grapes the Vineyard Team bring to the cellar. Dylan Dowell Ellis Perdeberg's White Winemaker Perdeberg’s wine grape producers have dryland,
Flagstone Free Run Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Exciting wines coming from Flagstone with Gerhard Swart in charge of the winemaking team. For me the Flagstone Wines are so food friendly, you can almost imagine different dishes while drinking them. The Flagstone Free Run Sauvignon Blanc 2016 is a unique Sauvignon Blanc made with grapes from the
Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2014 The grapes for the Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2014 come from prime vineyard sites in the Stellenbosch, Elgin and Swartland Wine Appellations, each component especially selected to bring a unique attribute to the final blending. Richard Duckitt in Boschendal's Red Wine Barrel Cellar Vineyard management techniques were practiced. Shoots were thinned in
Delaire Graff Shiraz 2015 Morné Vrey, the winemaker at Delaire Graff Estate at the top of the Helshoogte Pass in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation, not only has his own grapes to use in winemaking, but also those of contracted vineyards which are nursed by the Delaire viticulturist, Kallie Fernhout. Morné Vrey & assistant Bethwell Sombhuza
Simonsig Chardonnay 2016 When you have grown up in the wine business, as I did, and time passes, I forget how long we have actually had Chardonnay vines planted in the winelands. Simonsig Wine Estate, under its founder, Frans Malan, was amongst the early planters of Chardonnay in the mid 1970s, releasing their first Chardonnay in
Groot Constantia Constantia Rood 2015 Groot Constantia’s Cellarmaster, Boela Gerber, has created a delicious blend with his Groot Constantia Constantia Rood 2015. Taking the best of Bordeaux and blended in Pinotage and Shiraz, a blend unique to the Estate. Boela Gerber Groot Constantia's Cellarmaster Grown on four different soil types, Glenrosa, Clovelly, Hutton and Cartref,
Boland Cellar Flutterby Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Boland Cellar was founded in 1941 and uses the grapes of several producers, from a variety of microclimatic conditions. Anything they bottle is done with great care, careful elevation in the cellar and the fine art of blending before it finds its way to the supermarket and wine specialist
Asara MCC Brut 2014 One of the joys of going to Asara Wine Estate and Hotel is tasting the wines with the winemaking team in the cellar and watching the wines improve over weeks. Chardonnay grapes arriving at the Cellar The Asara MCC Brut 2014 is one such wine. Made in the classical Champagne style
Mulderbosch 1000 Miles Sauvignon Blanc 2015 When you are drawing grapes from such distant [from each other] wine appellations and Adam Mason Mulderbosch Winemaker and his viticultural team drive huge distances to get from one to other, put your tongue in your cheek and call your wine Mulderbosch 1000 Miles Sauvignon Blanc 2015. Selecting grapes
Durbanville Hills Shiraz 2014 There is magic in the Hills of Durbanville, a unique little wine appellation, a valley running up from the sea into the immediate interior. My parents were wine farmers in Durbanville and many of the 9 wine farms which supply the Durbanville Hills Winery, I knew as a child as I
DeWaal Young Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2016 De Waal Wines has such a great history in Cape wines. Pinotage being the focus as not only was the first maker in 1941 of a barrel of Pinotage Charl Theron de Waal born in the Estate’s Uiterwyk Manor House, but also, the Estate is home to the oldest
Fable Mountain Vineyards Belle Flower 2015 As always, the wines from Fable Mountain, continue to delight. The Fable Mountain Belle Flower Rosé 2015 is on the shelves at the moment and you really should try and land bottle. Preferably two or three. A blend of 57% Grenache Noir and 43% Syrah, the grapes come from the
Chakalaka marinated Roast Chicken – Dianne Bibby Dianne says: “Roast chicken remains top of the most searched recipes on Google. I mean, who doesn’t love a succulent chicken roast? Chicken is also one of the easiest proteins to cook. There’s no guessing as to its doneness, like say red meat or duck. Rare, medium rare,
The everything-in vegetable soup – Dianne Bibby Dianne says: "This is literally the easiest soup I’ve ever made. It’s a bang everything in, simmer, blitz and serve recipe. As simple as that. There’s no fancy knife skills or ‘cheffiness’ to it. You can virtually close one eye and have a glass of wine while cooking
Roast leg of lamb with sweet onion marmalade – Dianne Bibby Dianne says: "The combination of savoury and sweet is a familiar concept to most South Africans. Fresh and dried fruits have been mainstays to many local favourites for centuries, often appearing in lamb, chicken and beef recipes. Rather than the traditional use of fruit,
Dianne Bibby's Slow Braised Red Wine Oxtail Dianne says: "As anyone who’s made oxtail knows, it’s hardly challenging, needing only a few ingredients but heaps of patience. Oxtail is a waiting game. The oven does all the work, slowly eliciting mouthwatering gelatinous flavours. If you’re ravenously hungry, as a winter belly tends to be, the
Dianne Bibby's Milk Soak Chocolate Sheet Cake Dianne says: “Sheet cake. Simple, honest and ‘un-floppable’. Not surprisingly, this Milk-soak chocolate sheet cake is one the 5 most requested cakes in the Bibby kitchen. This is the kind of chocolate cake where things can get a little out of control. Let’s take a moment. It starts
Dianne Bibby's Chicken Pastilla with Freekeh & Almonds Dianne gives us a word on Freekeh: "Freekeh is harvested and roasted while the grain is still green. This ensures that nutrient values remain at their optimum. With impressive percentages of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, freekeh is set to be the new #graintofollow. The name comes
Dianne Bibby's Oven Roasted Chicken Satays Dianne says: "What’s for supper? This glorious (virtual bells ringing), oven-roasted chicken satays cheat-sheet. Marinated in peanut butter, curry paste and coconut milk, these chicken satays are everything you’d expect from your best Thai take-out and more. And then there’s the salty peanuts to consider… Extra crunch and flavour
Dianne Bibby's Shepherds Pie Dianne says: "In my cooking classes, I’m often asked what’s the difference between Shepherd’s pie and Cottage Pie. These two British classics hang comfortably with the likes of Bangers & mash and Fish & chips. Growing up however, I was only familiar with cottage pie and a shepherd was some solitary
Dianne Bibby's s slow-roast lamb shawarma Lamb is traditional at Easter - the pascal lamb. Dianne says: "This year, rather than a roast leg of lamb, I’ve settled on lamb shanks. It does away with bothersome carving and allows everyone to jump right in and help themselves. The recipe however is suitable for both cuts
Dianne Bibby's Butternut flatbreads with beets & goat's cheese truffles Dianne says: "This riotously colourful vegetarian feast will hopefully debunk any existing theories that meatless meals are flavourless drudgery. Buttery flatbreads piled high with the inseparably successful vegetable duo of butternut and beetroot. The ratio of yum per bite is off the hook! But the
Luxe Chocolate Cake with glossy Ganache & Chocolate Macaroons Dianne says: "Undoubtedly, there are quite a few steps involved in making this cake, but it is definitely a special occasion chocolate cake that will elicit a few ooh’s and aah’s. The cake itself is more dense than a traditional sponge with the texture probably closer
Prawn bake with feta & fennel-chilli butter – Dianne Bibby Dianne says: "Often the combination of the most unlikely ingredients can turn out to be surprisingly good. Conventional food rules tell us that fish and cheese shouldn’t be seen keeping company on the same plate. Prepare to be charmed by this Prawn bake with crumbly
Dianne Bibby's Pork & Shallot Casserole with Sage & Mushrooms Dianne says: “There’s something completely homely about the word ‘casserole’. Rolling lazily off the tongue, encouraging an informality that permits elbows on the table, bowl mopping and casual end of day banter. It’s also the kind of dish that welcomes new neighbours to the street
Diane Bibby's Roasted Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Dianne says: "Mac and cheese, a sure-fire crowd feeder and pleaser. It’s one of those, more bang for your buck success stories. I have several versions, this being one of my family’s favourites. While the Mac and cheese recipe is my own, the idea to do a sheet
Dianne Bibby's Skinny Chicken Cacciatore Chicken Cacciatore, a classic Tuscan dish also known as Hunter’s stew, gets a quick remake and is on the table in less than 30 minutes. Traditionally made using pigeon, guinea fowl, rabbit or chicken, all depending on the catch of the day. Slow cooked in a heavy cauldron, hung over a smouldering
Dianne Bibby's Chicken & Leek Casserole Dianne says: "Tonight is a no-fluff kind of story in that there’s really no explanation needed. It is as you see it – a gather and feast, help yourself supper. What I really love about this creamy chicken and leek casserole is the simplicity of ingredients. Nothing wild or
Dianne Bibby's Knobbly Fudged Rocky Road Diane says: "A knobble-topped rocky road to crumble resistances and weaken the knees. You don’t see this amount of sweet temptation everyday, but then again it is the season to be jolly and this is ridiculously jovial. It’s caution to the wind and full steam ahead with sultry dark
Spanish meatballs by Dianne Bibby Dianne says: "The Spanish are masters of the spice route. Warm, earthy aromas of cumin, coriander, chilli, paprika and oregano mingle with a gutsy red wine to deliver bang-on Spanish flavours that’ll not disappoint. This post was completely unplanned but it turned out so delicious that I thought I’d quickly
Dianne Bibby's Portable Tapas Bar Dianne says: "We have King Alfonso of Spain to thank for tapas. Under his reign, it was decided that no tavern would be permitted to sell wine or alcohol without a complimentary snack or small portion of food served alongside to curb drunkenness and disorderly behaviour. This practice was free
Dianne Bibby's Ginger & Oat Shortbread Dianne says: "Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la…… Yes, it’s that time of year again when the aroma of Christmas foods pervade the air and beckon us into the kitchen. And what could be more Christmassy than shortbread and ginger. Gather ye ingredients,
Dianne Bibby's Mrs Ball's Curried Apricot Chicken Dianne says: "A deliciously sticky and convenient tray roast dinner – Mrs Ball’s curried apricot chicken. With a spicy ginger and chutney marinade, plump apricots and caramelised onions, it’s no surprise that this South African classic remains a firm favourite." Mrs Ball’s Curried Apricot Chicken Ingredients Marinade 2 Tbs
Quinoa, chard & halloumi salad by Dianne Bibby Dianne says, "Clean and uncomplicated. Brimming with nutritional super-powers, this textural quinoa salad bowl is given a flavour boost with pan-seared halloumi. Light and fresh, yet completely satisfying. Made with equal quantities red and white quinoa, flash-fried chard, roasted pumpkin seeds and of course, everyone’s favourite cheese,
Dianne Bibby's Buckwheat blinis with beetroot & feta pâté, smoked salmon ribbons & caviar Step up your game plan this festive season and venture into new territories with these ever so elegant and slightly avant-garde canapés. Luminous pink beetroot pâté, topped with translucently-orange salmon ribbons and salty seaweed caviart. Think Nordic thoughts, mixed with Liberace, all dressed up
Dianne Bibby's Watermelon, berry, feta salad with balsamic beads & roasted pumpkin seeds I have been waiting all winter to put this recipe up. Now that watermelons are back in season, I hope you enjoy Dianne Bibby's version, a riff on the ubiquitous watermelon and feta salad. She adds so much of flavour to this
Dianne Bibby's Saffron risotto stuffed tomatoes Dianne says, "For these saffron risotto stuffed tomatoes, it’s advisable to use ripe but still firm skinned tomatoes which makes scooping the inner flesh out more manageable. For the pasta filling I’ve combined arborio rice with sweet peppers, which incidentally are a close relation to the tomato – no
Dianne Bibby's Fudgy Chocolate Banana Bread Not often that I have an occasion to use one of Dianne Bibby’s stunning bakes, but here is a great opportunity. Such fudgy chocolatey deliciousness, she had me at fudgy. Fudgy chocolate banana bread with dark chocolate & coconut cream Ganache Makes 1 x 20cm loaf 80g (1/3 cup)
Dianne Bibbys Best marinated Rib Eye Steak Dianne says, "When meat is the hero of the dish, it’s so important to choose the best quality you can afford. It’s worthwhile to source free-range, grass-fed beef as the taste is without a doubt superior. The fat or marbling will look slightly more yellow that white, which
Dianne Bibby's Rosemary & Paprika Roast Chicken White wine with Chicken? Yes. Red wine with Chicken? Absolutely. Especially when you have Dianne Bibby in your kitchen, or one of her recipes, especially this one so packed with colour, aroma and flavour. Rosemary & Paprika Roast Chicken Serves 4-6 For the marinade 1 garlic clove, bruised
Dianne Bibby's Chicken, quinoa & fresh courgette salad with honey crunch apples, feta & toasted pecan nuts Dianne says, "A food blogger’s body is for the most part, quite adaptable, adventurous and very forgiving. It requires you to cook, taste and test all manner of foods at the oddest of hours. Take breakfast for example,
Dianne Bibbys Prosciutto Strawberry & Feta Salad Dianne says, "Everyone has a secret place, a quiet corner where the world slows and life makes a little more sense. My solace is beneath a jasmine covered gazebo in the back garden. Under the dappled leafy shade of this perfumed arch stands a wonky legged vintage table,
Dianne Bibby's Greek Chicken Kebabs In perfect time for Thursday – Heritage Day, also known as National Braai Day, Dianne says, “The secret to a great chicken kebab is undoubtedly the marinade, as too the correct choice of meat. I prefer to use chicken thighs as they’re superior to white meat in flavour and won’t
Korean beef & egg noodle stir-fry Dianne says, “This is obviously a Korean beef stir-fry, but is also suitable as a vegetarian option. Swap the meat out for tofu or add some baby corn, bok choi or even aubergines. Chicken, pork tenderloin or prawns also make a tasty alternative. AND, for all the Banters out
Dianne Bibbys Oyster Sauce Chicken Spring Rolls Dianne says, “Truth be told, making spring rolls requires a little patience, but once you get the knack of folding and rolling, you can churn them out by the dozen. If you can fold a napkin, you’re in. Fortunately ‘Mrs Fatima’ made the pastry for us, for which
Dianne Bibby's Gourmet Beef Burger Dianne Bibby is guaranteed to provide the perfect dish for a wine. For the Fable Mountain Syrah 2012 - a lusty wine from Tulbagh, her Gourmet Beef Burgers are just the thing. Gourmet Beef Burgers Preparation time: 25 min Cooking time: 50 min Ingredients For the beef patties
Dianne Bibby's Spiced lentil & vegetable soup with halloumi flatbreads Dianne says, “After 2 weeks of soup classes, I thought I would’ve had my fill, but here I am again with the soup. As winter draws to an end, I find myself making a last and furious attempt to eat as many soups
Dianne Bibby's Fillet of beef whisky Stroganoff & lemon parsley pesto Of course there’s nothing stopping you from serving this beef Stroganoff with butter-coated tagliatelle or fluffy mashed potatoes, but for today, it’s coming to the table carb-less! Unfortunately I don’t have an inherited stroganoff recipe as a reference, but I do recall
Dianne Bibby's Vichyssoise Soup with bacon & Parmesan crumble Dianne says, "Soup is the quintessential winter, meal in a bowl. Add to this a crusty baguette, crunchy toppings and supper is sorted. Crumbly croutons are to soup what streusel is to a muffin – an irresistible textural topping! As the soup is quite
Dianne Bibby's blueberry & semolina tea loaf with lemony crème fraiche drizzle Dianne says,"At the risk of sounding dramatic, this is one TOP CLASS semolina cake! A rich, buttery tea loaf, stained with bursts of crimson blueberries and glossed over with a lemony crème fraîche drizzle. Cake Friday is looking like, very delicious
Dianne Bibby's Chocolate-Date Truffles with coconut & cranberries Dianne says, "Truffling early in the week is considered quite unacceptable and indulgent, but these are the good for you kind of truffle that’ll have you rolling and coating, repeatedly. Sweetened with sticky medjool dates and honey, healthy and super delicious meld into a guilt-free
Dianne Bibby's Ravioli pasta bake with arrabbiatta Napolitana sauce Dianne says, "Tonight is all about half and half. Half the dish is made from scratch by you. The other half, which is equally important, is not made by you, but expertly assembled by WW (SA, you know where to go for this). As I’ve
Pear Brie & Leek Soup - Dianne Bibby Should you start your evening with a glass of sherry style wine, this would be the perfect first course of your meal to match with Monis Pale Dry. Dianne Bibby always has such brilliant combination of flavours, and with both pears and leeks in full
Dianne Bibby's red wine & rosemary beef hot-pot with Gruyere potato gratin Dianne Bibby can always be relied on to come up with some stonking great dish to go with one of my wine recommendations. Here is a lovely hearty lusty cold weather dish for the most perfect of cold weather wines, The
Dianne Bibby's Roast Butternut, Swiss Chard & Barley Risotto Dianne Bibby is a star at vegetarian food. She is such an inspiration to me as she makes her dishes look beautiful, aromatic, and punchy full with flavour. As a result, they are so easy to match with wines of equal 'weight' in terms
Dianne Bibby's North African 'cheats' lamb tagine with chickpeas & apricots Dianne says,"You might want to consider making a lamb roast for this weekends Sunday lunch, with the intent purpose of leftovers. For my ‘cheats’ tagine, leftovers become the hero of the dish and proves once again that frugality can give rise to
Dianne Bibby's Chicken Pesto Pastawith Parmesan & Pine Nuts Dianne says. "Ticking all the boxes for a midweek supper is rather hopeful, if not slightly ambitious. If however you see words like chicken, pesto, pasta, pine nuts and Parmesan all in one sentence, you can rest assured that something good is in the
Dianne Bibby's North African Chermoula Meatballs Dianne Bibby always provides the answer when I look at her dishes. This wonderfully spicy dish from North Africa, goes so well with this wine from the other end of the continent. Serves 4 For the meatballs 500g free-range lean mince meat 2 slices white bread, crusts
Dianne Bibby's Asian Fried Ricewith five-spice Chicken and red peppers Dianne Bibby appeared on Expresso TV recently during a trip to Cape Town. I love her food, it is always so colourful, aromatic and just bursts with flavour. Her Asian Fried Rice with five-spice Chicken works well with the recently launched Morgenster Italian
Dianne Bibby's Salted Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Not often that I scrabble round looking for a suitable sweet something to go with a sweet wine. And all I really need to do is to go to Dianne Bibby’s website bibbyskitchenat36.com and I find the perfect fit for the Ratafia. At the very end
Dianne Bibby's Ultra smooth hummuswith a spicy harissa pine nut oil & pita breads Dianne Bibby says, "Life is full of firsts. Surprisingly, I can still recall my first day of school, a first love and undoubtedly, the excitement and nervous anticipation of my first born. And then, of course, there’s the first
Dianne Bibby's Sun-dried tomato & basil pesto chicken with Marsala cream sauce When looking for a dish to go with a wine like the Hermanuspietersfontein No 7 Sauvignon Blanc, you look for a dish with equal weight, equal punch, colourful, lovely aromas rising, and delicious full flavours. Dianne Bibby does it again with
Dianne Bibby's Paprika & coriander spiced chicken kebabswith carrot & nut bulgur wheat salad Dianne says, "Whether you grill the kebabs over the open coals for that deep, smoky flavour or cook them on the stove-top, they are - oh, yes, that’s been taken, ok then, lip-smackingly, gorgeous! I serve them with an
Dianne Bibby's Spicy Mexican meat & Manchego cheese plaitwith poppy seed puff pastry crust Dianne says, "Stop the bus! Tonight we’re having pie and yes, it involves a spicy meat and sweet pepper filling generously spiked with Manchego cheese, all wrapped up nice and snug in a buttery puff pastry crust. Clearly, you’re
Dianne Bibby's Brown butter risottowith exotic marsala mushrooms & chorizo pangrattato crumbs I love Dianne Bibby's food - so aromatic, so colourful and such punchy flavours. This dish of Brown butter risotto with exotic marsala mushrooms & chorizo pangrattato crumbs is the bizz and its full flavours meet Gottfried Mocke's Chamonix Chardonnay Unoaked
Dianne Bibby's Honey & soy glazed salmonwith cucumber spaghetti salad & poppy seed dressing Serves 4 For the cucumber spaghetti salad 1/2 cucumber, either finely julienned or spaghetti stripped 1 small sweet red pepper, cut into tiny jewel sized pieces 2 scallions, finely diced several pink radishes, cut into wafer-thin rounds Dressing 1
Dianne Bibby's Black rice & black bean salad with balsamic beets, roast butternut, feta & toasted pumpkin seeds Dianne Bibby says, "Some things are just best together, like Sonny and Cher or basil and tomato. Clamouring for a spot is butternut and beetroot. These two have become quite inseparable, like BFF’s. No surprises here.
Dianne Bibby's Beetroot, crunchy vegetables & salted peanut-crush rice paper rollswith a citrussy soy & sesame dipping sauce Dianne Bibby has created the perfect textural full flavoured oriental snack which is a perfect partner to an unwooded Chardonnay. Makes 12 generous handful rice (vermicelli) noodles, 2 – 3 cooked beets, sliced into thin