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Orange Cake
Orange Cake
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
This cake have a citrusy flavour and the sweet and sourness of the orange juice and the orange butter icing gives this cake an incredible taste. Absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Serves: 12
2 cups cake flour
½ teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
300g caster sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ teaspoons grated orange zest
Orange butter icing:
6 tablespoons butter, softened
250g icing sugar
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2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Method:
Preheat oven to 180° Celsius. Grease and flour two 20cm round cake tins.
In a measuring jug, combine milk, 125ml orange juice, oil, beaten eggs and
1½ teaspoons orange zest. Set aside.
Sift flour, salt and baking powder into a large bowl. Mix in sugar. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Divide cake mixture between the two prepared tins. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool.
To make Orange Butter Icing:
Cream butter until smooth. Gradually beat in icing sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 tablespoons orange juice to bring to spreading consistency. Stir in vanilla and 1 teaspoon orange zest. Spread over cooled cakes.
This recipe can also be made into 2 small loaves. Instead of covering the cake with buttercream drizzle the tops with some icing sugar mixed with orange juice.
Lamb Spinach
Lamb Spinach
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
This recipe is a good one for introducing spinach to children. They’ll get all the nutrients spinach has to offer without them knowing they eating it!
1kg lamb pieces (you may use with or deboned lamb pieces)
¼ cup cooking oil
2 large onions, peeled and chopped
2 tsps fresh grated ginger
2 tsps crushed garlic
1 – 2 tsps chilli powder (or to taste)
2 tsps salt (or to taste)
2 tsps garam masala
#capemalaycooking
500g fresh spinach, chopped
1 large red pepper, roughly chopped
3 green chillies, chopped (or to taste)
3 tbsp chopped fresh dhanya (coriander, cilantro)
1 ½ tbsp. lemon juice
1 lemon, cut into slices for garnishing
Water as needed
Heat the oil in a large heavy base saucepan / pot over medium heat. Add the onions and fry for about 10 minutes or until the onions are well browned. Add the lamb pieces, cook for about 5 minutes stirring frequently. Add the chilli powder, salt, garam masala, garlic and ginger. Stir to combine with the lamb.
Turn up the heat and pour in enough water to cover the meat and bring to the boil. As soon as it is boiling lower the heat. Cook over low to medium heat until the meat is tender about 30 – 35 minutes, depending on the type of meat. Stir often to prevent the meat from burning. Allow the water to cook away, the meat should be dry.
Add the chopped spinach and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, remove the lid to evaporate any excess water, the spinach will draw water so don’t be tempted to add more water.
Add the chopped red pepper, green chillies, cook for about 3 minutes. If you don’t like spicy food the green chillies can be omitted or you can serve the chillies in a separate plate and people can help themselves with extra chillies.
Dish the meat in a serving plate. Sprinkle with the lemon juice. Garnish with chopped dhanya and lemon slices. Serve immediately with white rice or naan.
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Ramadan Kareem!
Ramadan Kareem from my kitchen to yours
Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights – keeping our heritage alive
Ramadan – a brief explanation
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, a religious annual observance and month of fasting that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The time spent fasting is meant to be used for prayer, charity, spirituality, and for purifying the mind and body. The beginning and end of the month of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Muslims fast from before sunrise to sunset.
Dates & Mint Tea
Does Ramadan always start on the same day?
No. Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins about 10 days earlier each year. During a Muslim’s life, Ramadan will fall during winter months, when the days are short, and summer months, when the days are long.
Why is the month so significant?
Principally because it is the month that Allah revealed the Quran to the last Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Those who are not required to fast during Ramadan are young children, (those who did not reach puberty) the sick or those with mental illnesses, travellers, the elderly and women who are menstruating, pregnant, breast-feeding or have recently had a baby.
The month of Ramadan contains the most blessed of nights – known as Laylatul Qadr – about which Allah, subhana wa t’ala, says:
‘What will make you realize what the Night of Power is like?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Angels and the Spirit descend upon it with their Lord´s permission with every command;
There is peace that night until the coming of dawn.
(Quran: 97:1-5)
Traditions
Muslims break their at sunset with dates or water. Traditionally we, the Cape Malays, will have a starter consisting of soup, samosas, dhaltjies, fritters. More often than not after prayers we will have a main meal. During Ramadan plates of food are shared with neighbours. Little children can often be seen carrying plates of food to neighbours, etc… The best charity, the best Zakah, the best Sadaqah is in Ramadan. Feeding the poor and needy fasting people is highly recommended in Ramadan. The Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘Whoever feeds a fasting person, will get a reward like him.’ (Ahmad) He also said, ‘Protect yourself from the fire even by giving half of a date.’ (Agreed upon)
The benefits of Dates
The Prophet (pbuh) used to break his fasts by eating some dates before offering Maghrib prayer. Modern science has proved that dates are part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat and proteins, as well as important vitamins. Dates are also rich in natural fibres. They contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium. Dates and palms have been mentioned in the Holy Quran 20 times, thus showing their importance. The prophet likened a good Muslim to the date palm saying, “Among trees, there is a tree like a Muslim. It’s leaves do not fall.”
The Five Pillars of Islam include Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan, Hajj: a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life, Zakat: giving to the poor, Salah: five-time daily prayer, facing Mecca, including absolution prior to prayer, Shahada: declaration of belief in one true God.
May you have a blessed spiritual uplifting month, ameen
Here’s the link to some of my favourite Ramadan treats.
Pineapple Chicken
Pineapple Chicken
Sweet and tangy, flavourful tropical chicken for a quick and easy meal. Prepare beforehand and pop in the oven for a lovely alternative to Sunday roast.
Tropical Pineapple Chicken
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Ingredients:
1 chicken, skin off and cut into 8 pieces
1 tin canned pineapple rings (440g)
1 Tbsp brown sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp tomato sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
½ – 1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt or to taste
1 Tbsp cooking oil
Fresh chopped dhanya/coriander/cilantro
#capemalaycooking
Method:
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, juice of canned pineapple, tomato sauce, garlic, ginger, chilli powder, paprika and salt . Reserve a quarter of the sauce and set aside.
Using a Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine the sauce mixture and chicken. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator, turning the bag occasionally.
Combine the pineapple rings and brown sugar.
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.
Transfer the chicken, with the marinade, into an oven proof dish. Cook the chicken, uncovered, for about 45 minutes turning half way through. Pour the remaining reserved sauce and arrange the pineapple rings on top of the chicken. Return to the oven and grill for about 5 – 10 minutes until the pineapple rings are light golden in colour.
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped dhanya. Serve with a fresh green salad.
Cook’s Tip
Use fresh pineapple and half a cup of pineapple juice instead of the canned pineapple rings.
BBQ (braai) the chicken pieces instead of cooking in the oven.
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Tripe Curry
Tripe Curry (Pens Kerrie) – Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
A traditional South African delicacy that remains a favourite in many homes. You either love it or don’t like it.
Tripe Curry / Pens Kerrie
Ingredients:
1 kg clean tripe
1 tsp salt
3 bay leaves
3 large onions, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, grated
2 tsp garlic
1 ½ tsp turmeric/borrie
1 ½ tsp coriander/koljana
1 green chilli, chopped
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp leaf masala
Method:
Boil the tripe with one teaspoon salt, bay leaves and enough water to cover until soft, about 2 hours. Drain and reserve the water. Allow the tripe to cool down before cutting it into strips. Set aside whilst making the sauce.
Fry the onions in a large pot until transparent and soft. Stir in the grated tomatoes, garlic, turmeric, coriander, green chillies, chilli powder, salt and the leaf masala. Simmer over low heat until the gravy is well blended and cooked through, this should take about 20 minutes to get a nice thick gravy. Add from the reserved water if needed. Add the strips of tripe and cook a further 15 minutes stirring every now and then, adding water if necessary. Serve with boiled white rice. Serves 6
Variation:
Add soft boiled sugar beans when adding the tripe
Add 1 cup of steamed gram dhal when adding the tripe.
Click here for details of where to by the NEW Cape Malay & Other Delights Cookbook
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Coffee Cake
Love coffee? Then you will love this soft and moist coffee cake . Relax and enjoy a slice of coffee cake with your favourite mug of coffee. Makes 1 x 20cm round cake.
Coffee Cake
Coffee Cake
Ingredients:
3/4 cup caster sugar
150g butter
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cup self raising flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons hot water
2 tablespoons instant coffee
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For the icing:
225g icing sugar
100g butter
1 1/2 tablespoons instant coffee
1 tablespoon hot water
Method:
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius, and grease two equally sized sandwich tine. Add the sugar and the butter to a bowl and whisk until very fluffy and a pale cream.
Whisk the eggs in a mug with a fork and then add them gradually to the mixture with 1 tablespoon of flour each time. Make sure you don’t use all the flour.
Add the rest of the flour and the baking powder to the mixture and fold it in gently.
Dissolve the coffee in the boiling water and add to the mixture still folding. Divide into the sandwich tins and cook for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile cream the butter and the icing sugar until light and fluffy. Dissolve the coffee in boiling water, making sure you don’t add too much water or the icing will be runny and add it to the butter and icing sugar. Whisk and leave in the fridge until the cake is done.
Once the cakes are done and cooled completely sandwich together with half of the icing. Spread the remaining icing on top of the cake. Decorate with cherries, walnuts, grated chocolate, etc.
Chocolate Fudge
As the season of sharing gifts is nearing here is another great idea for homemade treats to give as a gift. Ideal for gifting to the person that has everything 😉
Makes approximately 60 pieces of soft chocolate fudge.
Chocolate Fudge
Ingredients:
400g dark or milk chocolate
1 can condensed milk (497g)
1 Tbsp butter
1 cup icing sugar
55g chopped nuts, optional
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Method:
Using a heavy based saucepan, break or chop the chocolate into small pieces. Add the condensed milk and butter. Heat over low heat, stirring until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Beat the icing sugar into the mixture until combined. Press the fudge into a 20cm square tin, lined with greaseproof paper, smooth the top and press nuts into the surface. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours. Cut into squares. Alternatively pour the fudge into silicone moulds and leave to set in the refrigerator until set.
Homemade Chocolate Fudge
Here’s the link of how to fold the napkin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M2t0SN5NuY
Click here for details of where to purchase the Cape Malay & Other Delights Cookbook
Homemade Fudge
Homemade Fudge
Here is an easy recipe for fudge. Get all you ingredients / equipment ready beforehand and make sure you won’t be disturbed for 30 – 45 minutes whilst making this fudge as it needs your constant attention. These fudge are perfect for gifting.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups white sugar
4 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 can condensed milk (497g)
1/4 cup cold water
Method:
Place all the ingredients in a heavy bottom saucepan. Melt on a low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil. Turn up the heat slightly, low – medium, and allow the mixture to cook for 10 minutes, still stirring all the time to prevent it from burning. It will burn very quickly if the heat is too high. Remove the mixture tone it urns to a light caramel colour. Beat until thick. Pour into a square baking tin lined with greaseproof paper or silicone moulds. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares or removing it from the silicone moulds. Serve plain or decorate with melted chocolate. Store in an airtight container. Makes 64 when made in the moulds.
Cook’s tip:
To make caramel fudge substitute the vanilla essence with caramel essence and the condensed milk with caramel.
Homemade Fudge
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Chocolate Cake
This is my favourite go to recipe when making a chocolate cake. It is so easy to make, very versatile, taste good and can be decorated as simply or elaborately as you wish. This recipe makes a 20cm two layer round cake and can be doubled if a larger cake is required. Taste good with plain butter cream, whipped fresh cream, ganache or just about any frosting.
Ingredients:
3 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup oil
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup cake flour
In a large mixing bowl and using an electric beater mix together the egg yolk, sugar, water and oil until the sugar has dissolved.
Add the dry ingredients and fold it into the wet ingredients.
Use a clean, dry bowl and whisk, whip the egg whites until stiff. Fold the stiff egg whites into the cake mixture. Divide into 2 well greased round (20cm) baking tins and bake in a preheated oven at 180C for approximately 15-20 minutes. Decorate with cream, butter cream, icing sugar, etc…
How To Make Ganache
200g good-quality dark chocolate , about 60% cocoa solids
284ml fresh cream
Method:
Pour the cream into a pan and heat until it is about to boil.
Take off the heat and pour it over the chocolate.
Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow ganache to cool before pouring over cakes as a glaze.
Please click here for details of where to buy the NEW Cape Malay & Other Delights Cookbook
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Chocolate Trifle
For this trifle I used the left over chocolate cake I made for my granddaughter’s first birthday. You can also use plain chocolate muffins or even chocolate chip muffins for an even richer trifle.
Chocolate Trifle
Ingredients:
Chocolate cake slices
Or
6 chocolate muffins, sliced
1 litre milk
2 Tbsp custard powder
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
2 – 3 Tbsp sugar
1 cup fresh cream
Grated chocolate
Raspberries or fresh cherries for decorating
In a large bowl suitable for use in the microwave, mix the custard, cocoa and sugar with one cup of milk until the sugar and cocoa has dissolved.
Add the rest of the milk, stir and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir
Return the bowl to the microwave for about 10 minutes, giving the mixture a good stir every 2 minutes.
Remove from the microwave, cover the top of the custard with cling film to prevent a skin forming. Cool completely.
Layer chocolate cake in a glass bowl. Pour the cooled custard on top of the cake. Add another layer of cake followed by the custard.
Whisk the fresh cream and pipe or spread it over the custard.
Garnish with fresh raspberries or cherries. Grate chocolate over and enjoy. This trifle can also be made the day before.
Chocolate Trifle
Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights - Salwaa Smith 
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