You’ve been served! Serving dishes certainly aren’t limited to fancy affairs. Plate up in style to turn every meal into a special occasion with these items from @home and home.co.za. Plus, MyKitchen magazine readers get an exclusive discount when buying selected editor’s choice products online when using the voucher code in your latest copy of MK. 

1. S&P Palais Footed Cake Stand

2. Rialheim Small Grey BLTG Curved Plate

3. Madeira Raw Wood Round Platter

4. S&P Opal Platter

5. Madeira Round Dip Platter

6. S&P Matte Black Square Platter Bowl

The post Become the ultimate host with these serving dishes appeared first on MyKitchen.

This festive season, Find everything you need to entertain in style this festive season! Be the host of the season with kitchenware gifts from @home. Plus, MyKitchen magazine readers get an exclusive discount when buying selected editor’s choice products online when using the voucher code in your latest copy of MK. 

1. Yves Gold Cutlery Set

2. Maxwell Williams Caviar Bowl

3. Saigon Dinnerware

4. The Cook’s Altelier

5. Flavour Union Truffle Salt

6. Rio Largo Balsamic Vinegar

7. S&P Matte Madeira Paddle

8. Curved Bone Salad Servers

9. Le Creuset Signature Round Casserole

Shop all products at @home and home.co.za.

The post Gift guide: Gorgeous kitchenware gifts from @home appeared first on MyKitchen.

The sun is beating down and the kids are splashing in the pool, the last thing you want to do is slave away in a hot kitchen, prepping dinner for the guests coming over tonight. Here are the basics you need to know to host during summer without breaking a sweat!

By Jana du Plessis

1. Pack it up
Forget the glass bowls and heavy cutlery, Wrap dishes such as sandwiches and wraps in wax paper, and secure each one with a piece of twine for a bit of rustic flair. And don’t be afraid to use pretty plastic containers for salads or dips. Not only will you avoid the possibility of breaking glass, but the party will be portable. Hello, beachside picnic!

2. Reuse fabrics
A picnic blanket is the best way to keep grass away from food, and stains away from clothes. Instead of going out of buy an expensive one that will just get messy from spills and being on the ground, use an old tablecloth that may have discoloured slightly or doesn’t quite fit your table or decor anymore. It’s a cheap and quirky way to lay out your picnic.

3. Ditch the heat
Keep cool by staying away from grilling or roasting foods. Use a vegetable peeler to cut thin ribbons from veg like cucumber, asparagus, carrots and baby marrow. Drizzle them with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and seasoning for a fresh take on salad.

4. Bring and share
Take the load off your shoulders by inviting guests to each bring a dish. Let them know which course you’d like them to bring, and if it must be sweet or savoury, meaty or vegetarian. You can fill out the rest of the menu with side dishes, snacks and desserts if need be.

5. Buffet-style
A summer party is a relaxing affair, so don’t make too much of it. Go for buffet-style dishes where everyone can help themselves. All you need to do is clear all the empty bowls and serving platters when the meal is done. Easy as pie!

The post Summertime entertaining 101 appeared first on MyKitchen.

Treat your friend to a new experience this festive season with an olive oil tasting.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

1. A selection of three good extra-virgin olive oils, and one low-quality olive oil as a matter of comparison.
2. Cups or glasses for each guest. They should be able to fit comfortably in each guests’ hand.
3. A bottle of chilled rosé or slices of green apple to act as palate cleansers.

HOW TO TASTE

Step 1: Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into a tasting cup. Heat up the cup by holding the bowl in your hand while covering the top to trap the aromas.
Step 2: Sniff
Step 3: Take note of the colour. A good-quality olive oil can range from dark green to pale yellow.
Step 4: Slurp it. That’s right, let some air flow into your mouth.
Step 5: Cleanse your palate before and in between each tasting. Oil isn’t water soluble, which  makes rosé the best option for this.

FLAVOUR NOTES

Appearance
1. Is the oil clear or cloudy?
2. Is it green, gold or straw-coloured?

Aroma
1. Can you identify any aromas? Common scents are artichoke, freshly-cut grass, citrus and apple.
2. Are there any scents to indicate the oil is defective, such as alcohol (wine in particular), nail polish, crayons, vinegar or putty.

Taste
Positive attributes: Fruity flavours such as almond, apple, green leaves hay or olives, and a bitter or pungent taste (that isn’t too harsh) are all indicators of a good olive oil.
Negative attributes: If it tastes flat, it may have lost its characteristic aroma. If it tastes metallic or it may have taken on the flavour of the container it has been stored in. A wine or vinegary taste shows an oil with too-high an acid content.

The post How to host an olive oil tasting party appeared first on MyKitchen.

Are you looking for a great way to spend a night indoors with your friends? Why not throw a spectacular movie night with our fun and festive decor and food tips.

1. Send an old-fashioned ticket invitation via email for guests to diarise easily.

2. Place badges of classic movie stars on seating cards as a gift.

3. Use black and white movie posters as a tablecloth for a milkshake station, and treat your guests to some delicious Oreo shakes. Or kick it up a notch and prepare our decadent Milo milkshakes.

4. Use movie ticket stubs as a great template for flavour labels at a popcorn bar.

5. Set up a snack and refreshment station using vintage wooden crates packed with popcorn cones and cooldrinks.

The post Host your own movie night: 5 ways how appeared first on MyKitchen.