The Cocktail a.k.a "The Pink Drink"?

What is it about the cocktail that makes you believe that you're far away on holiday? No responsibilities and not a care in the world. I suspect the answer lies somewhere between their exotic mien and their overly intoxicating nature. They are deliciously alcoholic and often very fruity if not just sweet.

However, in deciding upon a welcome drink for our daughter's upcoming 21st birthday dinner, I have come to realise that they're not very masculine. When I say masculine, I mean the typically mans man kind that makes you think of oil rigs and civil engineering feats of the most dramatic kind like a Carling Black Label advert with men glistening with sweat after a hard day's work who's thirst can only be quenched by, you guessed it, a Carling Black Label. In fact, most cocktails are, I dare say, quite "girly"! Pink, umbrellas, stylish glassware and fruity. So when my daughter asked me what type of cocktail we'd be serving for the men, I was left befuddled. Steelworks! We both declared, enthusiastically, that surely counts as a cocktail and it's really manly. The name says it all. But..... this would leave all the ladies decidedly weak in the knees and the men feeling, well, manly. A Steelworks has a couple of drops of bitters, whilst your average Cosmopolitan/Watermelon Cooler/Mojito/Sangria is a true cocktail brimming with flowery, fruity notes laced with lashings of alcohol.

So, while contemplating this and ranting to you, I quietly sit listening to the birds and sipping my own cocktail concoction/sudo white sangria!

Ingredients (whatever I could find in the kitchen)

750ml Zonnebloem Chardonnay

50ml Sky Vodka

1 cinnamon stick

5 strawberries (pulverised with an immersion blender)

1 Mandarin (sliced)

1 apple (sliced and cut into stars)

1 handful of mint leaves (slightly bruised by rolling between my two hands)

100ml simple syrup (100ml water + 100ml xylitol)

Loads of ice

Combine and .....

Enjoy!!

P.S. I've googled several recipes, nothing is exciting me yet or screaming "I'm a Man"! I'll have to play in the kitchen, do lots of sampling and will get back to you with a result!

Small, but authentic!

On a recent trip to Europe, I was overwhelmed by the number of small retailers and producers in their cities. Paris, in particular, bore this concept like a crowned jewel and so they should. The smell of freshly baked baguettes and croissants wafting out of boulangerie doors on every corner; fruit and veg stands heaving with fresh, colourful produce and fishmongers' displays enticing with fruits of sea. I also recently discovered, courtesy of Rachel Khoo, that they have zoning laws prohibiting large chain supermarkets within a particular distance of the city thereby ensuring the existence of these authentic plyers (real word? Yes?) of the culinary trade. I know the supermarket is a necessary part of our lives but I really love the idea of getting to know your local producer who manufactures his product himself or knows exactly where and how it was grown. Supermarkets can be quite impersonal and I love personal. Popping in at Braeside butchery in Parkhurst is one of my favourite outings, they're always so willing to offer advise and have a conversation (when they don't have a million customers all waiting to be served). They know where their meat has come from and how it was slaughtered, this is important to lots of consumers who are conscious about animal well being and the quality of the food we eat.

The resurgence of producers and retailers like this gives me hope that we can get to a place where I no longer have to travel significant distances (which I do not actually mind) to get good, well made food products.

That's why I'm really glad that the Eat Out Zonnebloem Produce Awards is happening again this year. In their 5th year now, these awards recognise and honour outstanding, independent South African producers, food markets and outlets for their innovation, passion, integrity and care for the environment - to paraphrase the organisers.

With recognising these leaders of the food movement in South Africa, comes growth of the industry making good food more readily available to us, the consumers.

Nominations for these awards are now open, so make yourself heard and let us all know about the amazing food heroes you've encountered recently and reward them for their efforts.

Nominations  can be made at http://www.eatout.co.za/article/2014-eat-zonnebloem-produce-awards-nominations/ and close on 12 March to the general public.

The following categories are available;

• Best new product
• Best small producer: grocery/condiment

• Best small producer: dairy (cheese)

• Best small producer: dairy (other)

• Best small producer: paddock (fresh)
• Best small producer: paddock (cured)
• Best small producer: earth
• Best small producer: seafood
• Best small producer: confectionery
• Best small producer: bread or baked goods
• Best organic or free-range producer
• South African food heritage award
• Outstanding markets: South; East & North
• Outstanding outlets: South; East & North
• Best local food blog

Winners will be announced on 12 April 2014 at the Stellenbosch Slow Market at Oude Libertas Estate in Stellenbosch.  

The Western Cape tends to clean up at these awards and I'm hoping that with recent developments in Joburg, we'll be well represented this year! Good luck to all of you who strive to bring us good, wholesome and delicious food!