Magwinya, also known as vetkoek, has a long history in South Africa and is a popular dish among many South Africans. Over time, magwinya became a staple food for many people in South Africa, particularly those in townships and rural areas. It was a cheap and easy food to make, and could be filled with various fillings, making it a versatile meal. Today, magwinya can be found in many roadside stalls sold by the most amazing ladies, doing the best they can to gain traction to their small business.

Magwinyas are so tasty because of its crispy, golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The dough is made with flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, which is then fried in hot oil until it is cooked through and crispy on the outside. The dough is also versatile, allowing for a variety of fillings, from savoury options such as curried mince or cheese and bacon, to sweet fillings like jam or chocolate spread. The combination of the crispy exterior, soft and fluffy interior, and flavourful fillings make magwinya a delicious and satisfying meal or snack for many South Africans.

Here’s a simple recipe to make it:

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (10g) instant dry yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Slowly add the lukewarm water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Leave it to rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a tennis ball.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot. Once the oil is hot, gently place the dough balls into the oil and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. Remove the magwinya from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
7. Serve the magwinya hot, filled with your favorited filling, such as minced meat, cheese, or jam.

Enjoy your homemade South African Magwinya!!

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I am ashamed to say that I am not a reader, and the other day, as we finished installing tons of bookshelves in our apartment, my husband remarked how few books the both of us have as compared to our two-year-old. She loves books and even insists on sleeping with her books. And while restoration (at least for me) is also about being non-judgemental (even that needs a rest). I think there is power in reading and not being in front of our computers or televisions each night. So I have slowly started reading, and I find myself enjoying it. 

I have an abundance of cooking books. These are the only books currently taking up space on our bookshelves, and I must say I am proud of my collection of cooking books. As I find that cooking and trying new recipes also brings me a sense of calm and happiness that reading a book does. This is why it only makes sense that some of the books in my cart are cookbooks. So without further ado, here are six books currently in my cart that I look forward to pressing the “Buy” option soon. 

1. Salad freak: Recipes to feed a health obsession by Jess Damuck: As someone who is always hesitant to eat or even make a salad. This upcoming cookbook that I have been seeing all over my usual Instagram feeds, and social pages has me excited to get outside my box. Especially as summer approaches and lighter meals will be necessary. 
2. Modern comfort food: A barefoot contessa cookbook by Ina Garten: I am ashamed to say I own zero cookbooks by this home cook legend Ina Garten. And I want to change that with her latest release, which has over 14 000 five star book reviews. 
3. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates: One thing that happens when you start diving into the world of books and reading is that you come across books that every book reader and their mother loves. This is one such book that I am looking forward to making my way through this summer. 
4. The invisible man by Ralph Ellison: Another classic and supposed must-read is this one. And I, for one, am interested to see what all the fuss is about. 
5. Comme un million de papillons noirs by Laura Nsafou: I am anything consistent and, as my husband likes to tell me, a feeder of our two-year-old book addiction. That is why this French bestseller which translated means “Like a million black butterflies” taken from a line written by acclaimed African American writer and poet Toni Morrison. This book talks about bullying and race, an important subject and story for our daughter to learn as a brown girl living in France to a black African mother and white French father. 
6. She’s come undone by Wally Lamb: After reading about this book on Oprah’s book club, I was drawn to the description and quickly added it to my cart. It will probably be the first book I read after finishing my current and first read in years. 

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As a self proclaimed meat lover. If someone had told me years ago that I would even consider cutting out meat during the week, I would not have believed them. In part because growing up, a meal always consisted of 3 things; Meat, starch and vegetables. Which is why when I got older, i almost always applied the same formula. But as someone who actually doesn’t love red meat all that much. And with a toddler who likes eating everything I eat, I decided to change things up a bit.

Which is when my husband and I decided to go meat free during the week. Whilst this move is in no way revolutionary. It did change the way we saw food and actually (gasp) made me not miss meat as much. So much so that now we are finding ourselves with a freezer full of meat that we need to eat soon. And whilst I try stick by this rule as much as I can. I am not too strict and use it as a way to simplify our lives and model eating vegetables to our daughter. Since then however, I have noticed that when I do practice eating less meat, I often find that I have more energy. My bowl movements are more regular (sorry, TMI) and my body and skin look and feel better.

And whilst this way of eating may not work for everyone. It is worth a try, even if it’s one day a week. In part because I realized as I started to eat and cook more vegetables that there was a world of possibilities that I had not seen before where meals could be tasty and healthy all at once. Furthermore, I realized that I actually didn’t need or really crave meat or feel like I was missing out on something. And lastly, with several friends who are vegetarian or vegan. Having them over for meals has become a breeze as I have an arsenal of recipes to turn to that are tasty and veggie packed.

The biggest and best change however is seeing how much my daughter has taken to vegetables. Whilst often reserved or pushed to the side at meals. When there is no other option (aka meat) and tons of care, time and flavor, veggies can be as exciting and tasty as any other food group. So if you are looking to up your nutritional intake, get healthier, or simply try something new. I would highly recommend giving this eating habit (or something that suits you and your family best) a try.

On top of that as meat is hellishly expensive in France. Which means that we save so much money when we eat less meat. Which is motivation enough to keep going. Would you consider this type of eating style or habits?

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Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking by Toni Tipton-Martin – This James beard award winning cookbook is worth the hype and then some. Filled with a few southern classics like fried chicken and corn bread to orange biscuits. This is a must for any home cook interested in creating flavorful meals steeped in African American history.

Magnolia table:  A collection of recipes for gathering by Joanna Gaines – This is a great easy weeknight recipe book for family gatherings or tasty weekend gatherings. If you are a fan of abundance then this is the cookbook for you.

Simple:  Ottolenghi – If you haven’t heard of this cookbook then you have been hiding under a rock. Not only does Ottolenghi offer delicious recipes. Unlike some of his other cookbooks this one is filled with easy to follow recipes that anyone can make. From roasted asparagus with almonds, capers and dill to the more filling and equally tasty lamb and feta meatballs.

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