(Gluten-Free + Make It South African or Canadian!) A Hug in a Bowl 🇿🇦 + 🇨🇦 Since being back from all the wedding magic Karoo mornings, lamb kofta in Istanbul, and all the family hugs in between. Life has been lifing (well, for a while now, actually a few years, lol). A lot has changed,ContinueContinue reading “Creamy Chicken, Bacon & Broccoli Alfredo Pasta”
Author Archives: Jen Lu
10 Hours in Istanbul: A Whirlwind of Chai, Kofta & That Turkish Magic
After our dreamy mini-moon at Drie Kuilen, we spent a few more days soaking up family time in Cape Town—eating our way through every last moment, and buying all the South African snacks and spices we could fit in our bags. But before heading back to Toronto, we made one final stop. We had purposelyContinueContinue reading “10 Hours in Istanbul: A Whirlwind of Chai, Kofta & That Turkish Magic”
Mini-Moon in the Karoo: Food, Nature & Quiet at Drie Kuilen
So, a few weeks before the big day, we booked a couple of nights at a private nature reserve, just two hours outside of Cape Town. Secluded, scenic, and beautifully still, it felt like the perfect mix of luxury and simplicity. A quiet escape to be together, surrounded by nature, stars, and the comfort ofContinueContinue reading “Mini-Moon in the Karoo: Food, Nature & Quiet at Drie Kuilen”
Love, Lekker Food & Laughter: Our South African Wedding Feast
Hi there—it’s been a while (okay, a long while). Life got wonderfully chaotic, and I pressed pause to soak it all in. Since my last post, I became a first-time mom. Now I’m the beautifully exhausted mama of a snack-loving, belly-laughing toddler who keeps us on our toes—and out of snacks. Between toddler wrangling, theContinueContinue reading “Love, Lekker Food & Laughter: Our South African Wedding Feast”
Hot Chocolate Sauce
Nothing warms up a Toronto winter evening quite like hot chocolate, but for me, it also comes with a dash of South African café nostalgia. I first learned to make this decadent chocolate sauce back in my barista days in South Africa. We used it in hot chocolates and mochas, and to this day it’sContinueContinue reading “Hot Chocolate Sauce”
Carrot Slaw
Recently made this recipe, wanted to make a coleslaw to add to some delicious fish tacos, but ran out of cabbage so just decided to make a slaw without the cabbage and mayonnaise and then jazz it up with freshness. Straightforward, easy, refreshing, and tasty. Try it! INGREDIENTS • 3 large carrots• Cilantro (a handfulContinueContinue reading “Carrot Slaw”
Vegetable bake “warm salad”
This one comes straight from my mom’s kitchen in Cape Town. It’s her recipe, a fun, easy way to jazz up veggies and turn them into something comforting. Whenever I visit South Africa, she always makes it for me, and honestly? I can eat a whole plate on my own. It’s simple but magical, justContinueContinue reading “Vegetable bake “warm salad””
Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon
Crispy bacon was never really my thing, but ever since I moved to Toronto. I’ve accepted and now appreciate the crispy side of the bacon life (and by the way maple flavoured bacon, is life!). Instead of frying it up in the pan or skillet, let’s crisp it up in the oven. Still the sameContinueContinue reading “Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon”
Cheese, Spinach & Mushroom Omelet
I’ve made this recipe from time to time, not quite the traditional omelet, but this is surely a filling and delicious one. You can make it an omelet or scrambled egg version*; it all depends on what you fancy for breakfast or brunch. It can be served with some crispy bacon or your choice ofContinueContinue reading “Cheese, Spinach & Mushroom Omelet”
Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs
Some weeknights just call for something easy, delicious, and a little bit feel-good. These yogurt-marinated chicken thighs are exactly that, it’s tender, juicy, and quietly healthy, with warm spices and a lemony lift. Serve them with a simple salad, roasted veg, or tucked into a warm pita with a sa7ce driizled over it, now that’sContinueContinue reading “Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs”
CocoaGirlinToronto 