Kale Parmesan Chips

Crunch is the ultimate texture in my world. I find it utterly satisfying. I used to be obsessed with crisps that are unhealthy, oily and didn't offer any nutritional value. Once I figured out that it was the crunch I was after, I started to shift what I saw as a snack. I decided to rather go after tasty, crunchy snacks that are high in nutritional value and don't leave me with guilt after eating empty calories. A nutritional snack will also leave you satiated rather than hungry 20 minutes later. Making mindful decisions on snacking has been one of the best things I have done to support my decision in leading a healthier lifestyle. 

These kale chips are easy to make and are a fun way to use the dark green leaf. You can play around with toppings. If you are vegan why not try mixing them with some toasted pumpkin seeds and hummus for dipping? 

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*Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, stalks removed 
• 2 - 3 teaspoons coconut oil
• salt
• ¼ cup parmesan, finely grated

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Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Tear the kale leaves into bite sized portions and place them onto a roasting tray. Massage all the leaves with coconut oil until they are evenly coated. Spread them evenly on the roasting tray and crack some salt over the top.

If the roasting tray is full, rather spread the kale between two trays to give the leaves space to roast without steaming, otherwise, they’ll get soggy rather than crispy. Pop them into the oven and roast for ten minutes tossing them at the halfway point. Once ready, sprinkle with some grated parmesan and serve.

Food Tip:

Parmesan is the ultimate umami flavour and a light sprinkling can help to elevate a dish. After all, umami means yummy!

-Melissa 

Staying at The Old Rectory Plettenberg Bay

Picture walking into a historic building dating back to 1777 that has been fully refurbished with a timeless decor, original fireplace and stone walls. 

A stone’s throw away from world famous serene beaches that are home to the pretty pansy shell welcome to The Old Rectory, the latest addition to the exquisite Rare Earth collection. 

The property is situated in the picturesque town of Plettenberg Bay. A six-hour drive from Cape Town out on the N2 highway along the famous garden route. It's a gorgeous drive that show cases South African country side at its best. Passing towns that have some of the most breathtaking views and neat little restaurants and shops, it’s definitely a pilgrimage that you need to do at least once. I recommend tackling the 6-hour drive over two days with an overnight in Swellendam so you are able to soak up as much of the trip as possible. 
Each coastal town offers something unique and is worth exploring. 

The hotel's heritage building dates back to 1777 and was used as a rectory by the Anglican church until the current rectory was built in 1939. It has been restored to its former glory paying homage to the old with sections of the original stone walls exposed beneath glass panels, and a breath of fresh air in the modern interior design. The hotel still uses the original fireplace where you can sit and enjoy a glass of red wine while the fire crackles away. 

For the more festively inclined, there is a gorgeous bar area where you can enjoy cocktail hour on the perfectly appointed chesterfield couches. 
The patio has a wrap around deck and a pristine swimming pool that looked very inviting, albeit it winter.
The main affair happens to be the dining hall. This is the property’s heritage building and there is a strong sense of times gone by in the air. 

The rooms are well thought out with great attention to detail. Each room has a mini bar, coffee and tea station, tv and a king size bed. The bathroom is a gorgeous design feature that has under floor heating and a huge open shower accentuated by bright blue walls and cement floors. The interior is sleek with a neutral palette and perfect pops of colour. 

Dining at The Old Rectory is a classy affair. The food is simple and well-executed. The menu has something for everyone and is vegetarian-friendly. If you find yourself eating there - do try the gnocchi, it was my favourite paired with a glass of crisp white wine! 

Breakfast was delicious and some of the best-scrambled eggs that I have ever had! The offerings included stewed fruits and a preserve selection that was utterly delicious along with freshly baked home made bread (which no sane human could resist) 

The area is full of activities on offer, whether wine tasting is your thing (if so stop at Kay and Monty) or your preference is hiking and whale watching. Plettenberg Bay has several animal sanctuaries that are wonderful to visit. They have rescued many animals from circuses and zoos and have given them a home that is much more humane and a lot wilder than what the animals have experienced before. It is also home to one of the biggest bird aviaries in the southern hemisphere. 

If exploring isn't your thing and you would rather stay in then don't be shy, there is a Spa on site that will take care of all your relaxation needs.

The question isn't should I visit The Old Rectory, the question is simply, how long for?

-Melissa 

p.s press play below to view my first youtube video. A huge thank you to Lauren-Leigh Livesey for your collaboration! 

*This blog post is sponsored by Rare Earth Properties. All opinions are my own. 

Vanilla bean and Buttermilk Panna Cotta with a Berry compote

This dessert is a lot of fun because it is so easy to make and if you use coconut sugar it is refined sugar-free. Topped with the berries which are high in anti oxidants it ranks high up on my guilt free dessert list. This recipe is a great example of how you can substitute unhealthy refined sugar with healthier coconut sugar and that you do not have to go without your precious sweet treats! Next time you find yourself baking and using sugar, remember that you don't have to use such a large amount and that if you lessen the amount in a recipe (it won't affect the recipe and the sweetness) or find a healthier substitute, your body will thank you. Consuming empty calories isn't a way of 'treating' your body. If you can change your mindset on that, you can invite healthier alternatives into your life that will nourish you rather than leaving you with horrible guilt and a nasty sugar crash! 

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Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons cold water 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavoured gelatin 
• 2 cups heavy cream (divided) 
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar (normal castor sugar will also work) 
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 
• 1 vanilla pod, halved and seeds removed 

Berry compote: 

• 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (you can use frozen) 
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar  (normal castor sugar will also work)
• Fresh mint leaves to serve 

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Instructions:

Bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over cold water. I use a glass of ice water and measure my water from there to ensure it very cold. If the water isn't cold you can get lumpy panna cotta. 

Add the vanilla bean scraping, 1 cup of heavy cream and the sugar to a small pot and dissolve the sugar over a medium heat.

Once dissolved whisk in the rest of the heavy cream and buttermilk. 

Remove from the heat and whisk in the gelatin. 

Pour the mixture into tumbler glasses, cover with cling film and place in the fridge to set overnight. 

Before serving: 

Add all the ingredients for the berry compote into a small pot over a medium heat. Stir the berries and let the mixture reduce. Once you reach a syrup consistency, remove from the heat. Let the berries cool before serving. 

Serve with a dollop of berries and a sprig of mint! 

A day of luxury at the One&Only

The Only&Only is one of the ultimate luxury hotels in Cape Town. 

Surrounded by water canals and the vista that is Table Mountain, the One&Only is a stone's throw from the city center of Cape Town and borders the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This establishment engulfs you in the lap of luxury. 

I was lucky enough to spend the day exploring the hotel and all it has to offer. The day started off right with bubbles and a feast at the well know Reuben's. This restaurant is his first urban restaurant and showcases local flavours and produce while honouring heritage and culture. Reuben and his head Chef Chris Mare have partnered up with sommelier Luvo Ntezo who has paired top quality food with some of the best local wines to take you on a taste journey that will leave you wanting for more. 

If you find yourself at the One&Only and needing the ultimate relaxation then why not book yourself into their spa? The spa is fully equipped, the treatments are professional and elaborate with qualified therapists ready to tailor make an experience to suit your unique needs. If you are having a massage, then definitely add in the hot stone therapy to work out the tension. 

Once you are finished and wrapped in a spa cocoon (aka spa gown) you will be treated to a variety of healthy snacks, a swim in their glorious pool that wouldn't find itself out of place in a Bond caper.

If you are yearning for more "me time" why not visit the saunas and hot tub for that extra needed R&R?

Treat Yo Self. 

Ending off the day with the sunset over the ocean and the clouds dancing like fire in the sky, I sat over looking the canals at cocktail hour with a flavorsome cocktail in one hand and a devil-may-care attitude in the other.

The mixologist focuses on less processed sugary cocktails and rather uses real food flavoring such as citrus peel and rose petals. Ask for the Moscow mule, you won't regret it. The perfect combination of flavors with frozen gooseberries and dried grapefruit is, in my opinion, a close 10. 

After sundowners, I enjoyed a world class experience at Nobu Restaurant. With Asian inspired dishes the food was simply delicious. 

You can try the full a la carte menu or the lighter tapas menu. Each dish was unique and well thought out with the perfect execution. Coupled with a few litchi martinis I was indeed a very happy girl!  

The One&Only offers an experience that makes you feel truly considered. Friendly, helpful staff with a magnificent location, spectacular food and all the amenities you could want for. 

It stands up to some of the top international hotels I have experienced and offers that extra special something that only South Africa can.  

-Melissa 

Homage 1862

Life is one of those crazy beautiful things. One day you think things are going to be a certain way and the next, everything has been turned upside down. 

A close friend of mine bought herself a lovely home here in Cape Town and was settled in with her partner playing house. 

Next thing you know; he gets an exciting job offer in Boston and within three months time, she will be off to go place house in the states. Wild to say the least. 

So when the opportunity came up to go for a sneaky week day lunch at the Homage 1862

 I couldn't resist. Time together is priceless and life is short. 

(that, plus I will find any excuse to go for lunch!)

Homage is located on Loop street in Cape Town CBD. It is a gorgeous building that has history flowing out of every corner. The beautiful old Victorian structure dates back to 1862. 

The decor is framed by natures greens complimented by the earthy tones of the exposed rough brick and raw wood. My favourite part, of course, is a number of lush plants scattered around to play off the teal velvet cushions. The interior designer did the space justice. There are well-placed textures giving it a rustic feel with subtle pops of colour. 

Homage has a lovely upstairs area that can accommodate cocktail-hour loving visitors on the balcony whilst they listen to the cool music selection for the night in the lounge. 

The main feature in the downstairs dining room is a large wood fire encased in glass. The wood fire flavours carry through into the dishes which mirror the earthiness of the interior. The fire is of course also very welcome on colder days here in Cape Town. 

This spot is wonderful for vegetarians and vegans who are looking for vegetables that are glorified in all the right ways and salads that aren't stuck in the 80's. 

I highly recommend the earth plate as I am a sucker for a charred sweet potato that has been left to caramelize within itself. Served with smoky eggplant and charred sweet corn you will be left wanting more! 

If you are in the mood for something meatier, then I can wholeheartedly vouch for the salmon.  Buttery, sweet and utterly delicious accompanied with charred broccoli for that extra crunch, it's definitely one that I will be returning for.

I finished off with a chocolate fondant and I can only say it delivered with all the gooeyness and chocolate feels. Your spend would be roughly R150 per head minus drinks. 

The service was laid back and friendly and the staff's

knowledge of dishes was good and their recommendations were spot on! 

I know that I'll miss my friend while she goes off to seek adventures with her partner, but there will be places like Homage here to fill any melancholy that is likely to arise when the distance feels too great.

To book here are the details:

+27 21 422 0900

-Melissa