Pagan cultures regarded the wreath as a symbol of rebirth after winter and used it as a symbol of importance and success to be worn on the heads of victorious athletes in the ancient Olympic Games or as crowns by Roman leaders. In modern times, however, the wreath is used as a Christmas decoration and...

Wreaths are a traditional part of Christmas decoration. This year, take them to the table in an innovative way! Try the delicious wreath-shaped bread with cranberries and pistachios or makes this easy cheese ring that can serve as a delicious cheese course for the Festive Season, especially when served with a delightful sweet wine such as...

Pork is a typically traditional Christmas dish and, although serving a whole suckling pig can look very festive, it is hardly something one would attempt at home. Pork is also very versatile and can be smoked and served hot or cold. try our recipe for pork belly – with its crisp and golden crackling, it...

Delicious and light to serve as a shared starter, this dish also works wonderfully for supper on a balmy evening. With La Motte being situated in the Franschhoek Valley, we suggest Franschhoek trout, but any firm fish can be used – fresh water trout, small mullets, yellow tail, etc. Curing fish is a very old tradition...

An impressive dessert is an integral part of Christmas tradition and we were inspired by the modern white beauty and the rich history of the Blanc Mange. This dessert has been written about in Europe from the middle ages. Initially a savoury dish setting white meat such as chicken in almond milk, it is the sweeter...

Pancakes are still one of the favourite traditional desserts. At school fêtes, street markets, public gatherings and sport events, the familiar sweet cinnamon smell of freshly cooked pancakes will lure you to the pancake stall, and many people take out the pancake pan at the first sign of the winter chills and rainy weather. During...

Every seventeenth-century cook at the Cape had a favourite recipe for boerewors (farmer’s sausage). During the twentieth century, many cooks began following recipes that predominantly used coriander and cloves seasoning. A possible reason for this preference might have been the Afrikaans cookbooks by Dijkman and D.J.H., which contain recipes with these spices as ingredients. It...

Passionate about heritage cuisine, food historian and La Motte Culinary Consultant, Hetta van Deventer-Terblanche shares her Ouma Malgas‘ recipe for a traditional raisin bread. Raisin Bread Recipe Preheat the oven to 180 ˚C and butter a bread tin. 1 ¼ k milk 30 ml butter (traditionally pork fat was used, and it stays my preference)...

Artichokes are part of the Cape Winelands culinary heritage, and as they are in season, we share this delightful recipe with fennel and spice. Although artichokes are notoriously difficult when it comes to finding a suitable wine match, the way they are cooked and served make all the difference. Acclaimed food and wine writer, Fiona Beckett:...

Waterblommetjies (Aponogeton distachyos), also known as Cape pondweed, are bulbous plants that thrive in slow- moving water dams, particularly in the Western Cape. The flowers or stems of these plants are used in traditional soups and stews (bredies). Sorrel is a natural accompaniment to waterblommetjies. Cultivated or wild sorrel can be used. If using cultivated...