Issue 11 - July 2012
Aspen Classic
Lion Cubs at Aspen
Let’s Go All Natural Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AspenNatureEstate)
The Winter Edition
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framless showers - Grohe mixers - Whirlpool appliances - porcelain tiles stainless steel balustrading - solar geysers - granite tops
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(011) 432 3001 | info@aspennature.co.za www.aspennature.co.za | www.dpd.co.za Aspen Nature Estate
TIME
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FACIAL
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
An Editors Note “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” - Edith Sitwell We all seem to “hibernate” in winter, choosing to stay in doors with our family and friends rather than venturing outdoors and experiencing our beautiful country during the winter. Why not try something different this winter and go explore the more unusual parts of the country, you will be very suprised with what you might find. Don’t let the winter chills get you down, take some time to lounge in the afternoon sun, to warm the body and lift your spirits or book yourself a nice massage to calm those frazzeled nerves and rejuvenate the mind.
Important
Numbers D&D Tactical Control Room Backup number Gate Gaurd House
011 432 6050 078 893 8957 011 432 5907
Aspen Hills Security Liaison Officer Sean 071 681 0899 Estate Manager Lionel Brocklebank 083 253 5032 Leoni van Straten 011 432 5906 Stewart Harron 011 432 2866
Why not try a good deed this winter? There are many charities out there that always struggle during this time of year. Get all your familiy and friends involved by picking a charity and donating your time or essential items like food, clothing and blankets to those less fortunate than yourselves.
AHOA Admin Mike Mills 011 432 3001 mikemi@telkomsa.net
In this issue we also have great tips to help you in your garden, and don’t forget that your children love any opportunity to get dirty; so get them involved in all your gardening activities.
Aspen Hills Development Company Ltd Michael Stylianou Michael Mills Rory Sheahan
Rea Akermanidis Visit our website: www.aspennature.co.za or find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AspenNatureEstate
Let us know what you think of this Issue
And who knows you may find your story in the next issue! frosso@aspennature.co.za
Marketing Department Frosso Moustakis 083 573 7879 Design Team Akimbo Designs
082 751 5522
Aspen Hills Nature Estate Sales 011 432 3001 Aspen Hills Approved Architects Ettiene Corauwcamp 083 294 5662 Glen Brydges 083 417 6444 Pietman Lategan 082 336 2732 Rudi Opperman 082 878 2707 (Architect & Engineer)
AHOA Board Members Michael Stylianou Dudley Scott Michael Mills Nathan Molapo Rory Sheahan Wayne van Rensburg
* The opinions expressed in this publication are not those of the publisher or of the AHOA. No responsibility will be taken for any decision made by the reader as a result of such opinions.
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What’s inside this issue
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Estate Matters
4
Lion Cub Day At Aspen
6
Sandra’s Training Academy At Aspen
8
Aspen Social Network
10
Green Pages - Solar water heating makes “cents”
11
The Affect of Sugar on our Bodies
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Aspen Residents | Feature - Pieter & Nareen Oosthuizen
20
Aspen Classic
22
Back to Basics
26
The Garden Diaries - Let’s go natural
32
Birds in Aspen
38
Yummy Recipes
42
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Estate Matters Welcome to all new residents. AHOA would like to extend a very warm welcome to everyone who has recently moved into Aspen Hills Nature Estate. We trust that you will all enjoy the unique experience of life in the estate.
Trees in Aspen
General
Clearing of Stands
AHOA requires a copy of the lease and copies of the ID documents of the new tenants. The lease is also to contain the necessary clauses binding the tenants to the rules and regulations in the same way as required by the owners.
Thank you for your cooperation, and should you require our assistance at any time please do not hesitate to contact the office on 011 432 3001.
Please be advised that the AHOA needs to be informed prior to owners leasing out houses to third parties.
Aspen Nature Estate Magazine
Please be aware that we have a bi-monthly in-house magazine. This magazine serves as a communication vehicle between residents and the management, so do make the effort to read it as it holds valuable information regarding the estate matters. We also invite you to submit your own personal contributuons and ideas, as we strive to promote relationships among the people of our community.
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Please be advised non indigenous trees and palms are NOT permitted in the estate.
Grass is to be cut and maintained on all vacant stands. The AHOA will perform this service and the costs will be recovered from the registered owner, should the registered owner not comply with these requirements.
Levies & Levy Payments
A reminder of the new levy tariff. Levies are now charged at R1.75 per m2. When making levy payments via EFT, please use your name, surname and stand number as reference. This will avoid confusion and simplify admin work. For any other information required, kindly contact Mike Mills on 011 432 3001
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Aspen Nature Estate
Dimension property group www.dpd.co.za +27 (11) 467 4477
www.aspennature.co.za | info@aspennature.co.za (011) 432 3001
COLLEEN 083 226 2255
BERKELEY 082 450 4005
ERIC 082 781 4592
LINDA 083 949 8662
Lion Cubs At Aspen Adorable, is one of the many words that spring to mind when thinking of lion cubs and on the 12th May, Aspen Nature proudly hosted an educational Lion Cub Day organised by Aspen Estates. Three times slots were available on the day whereby a presentation was done educating everyone about these amazing animals. After the presentation everyone got their picture taken with a cub! The day was filled with laughter, fun and excitement, and it was undoubtedly a ROARING success! Contact Berkeley on 082 450 4005 to collect your pictures.
SANDRA’S TRAINING ACADEMY AT ASPEN GRADING/GASHU-KU and Family Fun Day
SKC dojo recently held a successful grading/ gashu-ku and family fun day at the Aspen Hills Estate Clubhouse. The day kicked off with over 100 students attending the gashu-ku (karate course) in the outdoors instructed by the master herself along with her dynamic group of black belt instructors. The gashu-ku consisted of different obstacle courses, basics moves for kata and kumite accompanied with sunny weather and loads of fun with all the surrounding activities i.e. jumping castles, water slides, sand pits, soccer etc. All the spectators and parents joined in by cheering on the students while enjoying delicious chicken or prego rolls that were sizzling on the braai. The SKC shop was at the event selling a variety of clothing, karate suits, belts, shoes along with a wellstocked yummy tuck shop. After spending a few hours outside with the gashu-ku, it was then time to get more serious with the Grading for all the students who were eligible to grade. The grading started with the adorable tiny tots white belts and then ended with the grading of the different colour belts which saw two students (Chad Carlson and Themba Khewsa) achieving their 1st Dan. Sensei Sandra would like to thank the SKC team for all their hard work and dedication on the day and an even bigger thank you to all the parents and spectators who supported this event. A special thanks also goes out to Steven, for organizing the clubhouse and making sure that all was in place for the day. The academy is located in Aspen Village Shopping Centre on the 2nd floor at the entrance of the estate. Sandra Louw has been teaching karate in the South for over 35 years and is still the only WKF World All Styles Champion in South Africa and Africa. She has 18 world championships titles which makes her one of the highest ranked karate-ka in the world. Her experience and expertise is without any doubt thanks to hard work, dedication and perseverance in a profession that she was born to follow. Sensei Sandra’s karate career has
been the only one that she has followed for the past +40 years and almost at the age of 50, she can positively affirm that this is what she was born to do. She has taught over thousands of students and will still teach a further thousand more. It has not been easy though, especially when you are involved in a profession that is still so strongly dominated by males, but this is no challenge for Sensei Sandra! Her full focus is now is on her students success not only for the karate but with life in general. She instils good morals and discipline in all her classes to help every student be a better person within themselves. Her son Ryan Louw is one of Sensei Sandra’s greatest admirers. He did karate for 20 years and is now excelling as a long driver golfer and is currently ranked 4th in the World.
Sensei Sandra’s message to the world has also been: “It was never my dream to be famous. I never competed to be a star. I started in the Dojo and my desire was to improve in the art of karate and gain as much knowledge to pass onto my students and followers. Use your talent to its fullest and remember that your dreams become your destiny…always strive to be better.” The classes at the Academy run from Mondays through to Saturdays and include: Adult and kiddies karate; ladies self defense/kickboxing classes; and private classes for the exclusive and serious members. The academy is located in the Aspen Village Shopping Centre. If you are interested, please contact Sandra on 082 416 4115 or skc@iburst.co.za. website: www.sandrakarateclub.co.za
Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Aspen Social Club The Aspen Social Club was launched on the 1st of July 2012 at the Equestrian Event. This network will offer a supportive service offering various extra activities and programmes with-in the Estate. The bookings and information will be accessible from the Aspen Social Club web site (www.aspensocialclub.co.za) • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Recycling Service Dog training school Boot Camp Sports therapy Hip Hop Classes Walking Club Hiking Club Kiddies Cycling Club4 Mountain Biking Equestrian Sushi and whisky evenings Extra lessons Wireless internet
We are looking for residents to help start the following activities: If interested in starting one of the bellow activities please contact Tamryn Mills • • • • • •
Book Club Remote control racing Photography club Kumon Maths Kids Arts & Crafts classes Art classes for Adults
Contact Tamryn Mills (076 558 2585) tamryn@net1.co.za and Katherine Jutronich (071 4964 834) katherinejut@gmail.com for more information
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Looking for a way to excersise both your mind and your body? Yoga Junction is a friendly, relaxed and genuine place to study and practice yoga. We look forward to welcoming you soon. Classes from : 8am Classes 4:30 – 5:30 (Hot flow Yoga) 6:30 – 7:30 (Hot flow Yoga) 3:30 Wednesdays (kiddies yoga)
*If you are interested in subletting out the studio for other exercise activities during the week call Colleen 082 599 0862 or email colleen@yogajunction.co.za
Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
Aspen Hills Retail Estate
Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Green Pages Solar water heating makes “cents” By now it is a well known fact that a normal electric geyser can cost thousands in electricity costs during its lifetime, and substantial savings can be made by using an alternative means to heat water. Many homeowners already have, or are in the process of doing research about alternative water heating products and technologies that promise to save money and the environment. Brought to you by: Nupower Solar Water Heating For many this will be a very intimidating process, with different types of technologies available from many suppliers, each claiming to be the best value for money. The two most prominent technologies available today are solar geysers, and heat pumps. Both technologies have been around for many years, and offer substantial savings on water heating costs.
when it is cold outside, and more efficient when it is hot outside. A heat pump needs electricity to work, and where an electrical element in a conventional geyser uses 1kW hr to produce 1kW hr of heat, a heat pump uses 1kW hr to produce 3kW hr of heat. A good heat pump from a reputable supplier will last approximately 8-15 years.
A solar water heater has a collector which heats up and in turn heats the water when exposed to sunshine. The heated water is then stored in a geyser, from where it can be used. All solar geysers have back-up elements to heat water when there is little or no sunshine. A good solar water heater from a reputable supplier should last anything between 15 – 25years, and will pay for itself many times over. A heat pump looks like the outside unit of an air-conditioner. It also works much like an airconditioner; however in reverse – instead of cooling air a heat pump heats water. Heat pumps use the ambient air temperature (which is heated by the sun) to extract heat energy from, and are subsequently less efficient
Which is better?
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Heat pumps are generally less expensive than a solar water heater; however it costs more to run since it still uses electricity. Below some advantages and disadvantages for both technologies:
Solar water heater advantages:
• Quality units have 10yr warrantees • Expected lifetime of 15 – 25 years • When correctly sized it will use little electricity (taken out “or no”)
Aspen Estate - Issue 11
• Higher initial cost • Collector must face north and not be shadowed
pump outperformed the same solar system when the two system’s usage were increased by 50% (300 liter usage).
Heat Pump advantages:
Heat Pump disadvantages:
• Will still use electricity • Needs annual servicing • Best heat pump warrantee - 5 yr To get the real answer for which technology is better than the other, they were compared side by side under different conditions. The results were astounding; each technology outperformed the other in different consumption vs capacity tests. A 200 Liter solar system with usage of 200 Liter or less per day far outperformed a 200 liter heat pump system with the same usage when it came to total cost (installed cost + running cost over 5 years). However, the heat
37500
35000
35000
32500
32500
30000
30000 27500
27500 Rand Amount
• Lower initial cost • Installation not influenced by roof orientation or shade • 15 year life span
Solar vs heatpump system usage 300L / day
Solar vs heatpump system usage 200L / day 37500
25000
Heat Pump Solar
22500
Rand Amount
Solar water heater disadvantages:
25000
Heat Pump Solar
22500
20000
20000
17500
17500
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15000 12500
12500
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10000 Year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
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Year 2
Year 3
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The conclusion that can be made is that solar water heating will be a better choice in the long run, provided that it is correctly sized to match the daily usage. Solar water heating systems also has the advantage that they can last 25 years on average, compared to heat pumps that will only last an average of 15 years. Because solar water heaters need to be replaced less often than heat pumps, the CO2 emitted associated with manufacturing and transportation is almost half that of heat pumps.
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LET’S RECYCLE! Recycling is essentially the process of collecting and sorting waste materials, and then processing these materials into brand new products. The Recycling process reduces the consumption of our resources. Recycling reduces our carbon footprint and prolongs the life of our planet. APMC in association with Globerite Recycling have made Recycling for the residents of Aspen Hills Nature Estate easy with our Three Colour Bag System. Every household will receive 6 colour-coded bags per week, 2 of each colour, in which the relevant recyclable material can be placed. The coloured bags will be collected weekly from each household’s pavement and replacement bags provided.
Doing your little bit does a lot collectively. Contact Tamryn Mills (076 558 2585) tamryn@net1.co.za for more information
Aspen Social Club Calling all residents that would like to participate in the Aspen Social Club! Various clubs will be forming in the near future and we would like your assistance and expertise in running them. Kindly email Tamryn Mills at tamryn@net1.co.za if you are interested in being on any of the below committees: Aspen Equestrian Club | Soccer Club Remote Control Car Club | Remote Control Boat Club Recycling Club | Wine & Whisky Tasting Club | Book club Bird Watching Club and many more to come‌
Picture Perfect We’re calling on all residents with a good eye for photography to send their pictures taken from in and around the Estate. By submitting your pictures you stand a chance of getting them published in our very own Aspen Magazine. Send your pictures to frosso@aspennature.co.za with your name and short description
Aspen Estate - Issue 11
The affect of sugar on our bodies “The sugar industry is not in decline and obesity is on the increase. Sugar is a major culprit in the case against obesity. For obese individuals, consuming even a teaspoon of sugar a day would cause metabolic imbalances that contribute to obesity. Sugar is to be avoided, not only by the obese but by healthy individuals.” – www. natural news.com Written By: Katherine Jutronich The body changes sugar into 2 to 5 times more fat in the bloodstream than it does starch. With several proven reasons why sugar is bad for us, is there perhaps one single reason as to why we might need it? The only interesting thing about sugar is that it tastes good and makes us temporarily feel good. This is an area worth exploring. We go about eating throughout the day thinking we are doing the right thing or say “ah this amount of sugar won’t harm me” and if you had to write down exactly what you are consuming you would be horrified, the amount of sugar you have consumed in one day! We actually underestimate this amount just for example let’s talk about an average persons daily activities:
Midmorning: might have more coffee or tea another 2tsp Lunch time: maybe 3 tsp all depends what’s on the menu Snack time: around 2/4 tsp Driving home from work: stop at garage sugary drink plus a sweet that’s around min 6 Plus +Dinner: Glass of wine before you eat then dinner +-2 Snacking after dinner: another cup of coffee 2tsp or sweets Now this is just a rough estimate on the minimal intake not even considering extra sugar found in fruit and other food!
Wake up: one of the 1st things we do is have a cup of tea or coffee 2 tsp sugar
26 tsp of sugar without even blinking an eye!
Breakfast: +- 2 tsp could be having cereal etc At work: another cup of coffee/tea 2tsp sugar on average
So how does sugar harm our bodies? • Sugar feeds cancer • Sugar increases cholesterol
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
• Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children • Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein • Sugar causes food allergies • Sugar contributes to diabetes • Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease • Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children • Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection (infectious diseases) • Sugar contributes to osteoporosis To me this is just alarming enough to know that we don’t need it and should only have it in moderation. We need six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, astringent, bitter and pungent to stimulate the taste buds on our tongue at main meals, in order to experience satiety. Satiety and cravings are the result of imbalances in brain chemistry and have nothing to do with fullness of the stomach. When foods hit our tongue, our taste buds relay the bio-chemical information to the brain, stimulating various parts of the hypothalamus – the ‘satiety centre’. The tongue is also a mini representation of the body, just like in reflexology, and contains points that stimulate all the organs in the body. Avoiding sweetness would be unnatural and unnecessary, as this will inevitably lead to imbalances and sweet cravings. This is why people have such a hard time giving up sugar; it is almost impossible to get children to stay away from it never mind adults. But remember everything in moderation. So be careful of your consumption of just pure sugar, fructose, glucose, maltose and lactose so you could be saying oh no I don’t have much sugar mmmmh becareful. The ones we think are healthy are high in sugar and they can be hidden. Jam contains concentrated juice, which is high in fruit sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, palm sugar (traditionally used in macrobiotic cooking), and the very deceiving organic brown sugar, which is not all that different from white sugar. Even alcohol is a sugar. All of these sugars are problematic in many different ways. When a person is in metabolic balance they do not crave sugar. If they do, it is a sign of a metabolic imbalance and it can be corrected without having to consume sugar. We need to understand that we don’t really need all the sugar we are actually giving our bodies.
completely natural and have been proven not only safe but beneficial for our well-be. There are many benefits of using Xylitol/stevia as a sugar substitute: • Glycemic index of 7 (sucrose is 60) • Minimal effect on blood sugar and insulin levels • Inhibits yeast, including Candida Albicans (It actually helps fight candida) • Inhibits plaque and dental cavities by 80% (Dentists use it and recommend xylitol toothpaste) • Retards demineralization, and promotes re-mineralization, of tooth enamel. They look, feel and taste exactly like sugar - though that is where the similarity ends! While sugar wreaks havoc on the body, Xylitol heals and repairs. It also builds immunity. While sugar does the opposite when sick it only brings down the immune system. The closing fact about sugar is we don’t really need it, it was brought into the market to only enhance flavors, but as we all know there is no way for us to really give it all up because sugar is practically in everything we eat. But know how to read off your food labels, keep coffee and tea at 2 cups per day, stay clear of refined foods (they are only packed with unnecessary sugar), and be careful of sauces they have major hidden fats and sugar we can at least control the amount that enters our bodies. The most important thing you can leave with this article is that everything consumed in moderation is healthy for you and your body and be aware of what’s going into your body. If you are keeping your body in balance and having your piece of chocolate every now and again there is nothing wrong with that. When you consume the whole slab and keep that up you are asking for trouble. The thing that you can do is try your best to keep your body in balance so that you don’t go dashing for sugary products because there is nothing else round. Plan your days eating, know what’s in your food and say do I really need this? See sugar as a treat rather than I have to have it! Because no you don’t! Further information about this article email me on katherinejut@gmail.com
There are two natural, organic sugar alternatives that are sweet, easy to use and cook with – Stevia and Xylitol. They may sound like chemicals but they are
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Aspen Residents | Feature
dimsum
Pieter & Nareen Oosthuizen Pieter, Nareen and their two children have been residents of Aspen Hills Nature Estate for some time now. Taking great pride in the Estate, they are also very much involved in the Aspen Equestrian Club.
sushi
connoisseur will enjoy. Furthermore, a trolley bearing the finest malt whiskies and cognacs will cater to the most sophisticated pallet. Visit www.thai-africa.co.za/ oyo for more info.
Ventpro sponsored the jump for joy poles on ground asian grill tapas sushi • dim sum • bar and manufactured some of the equestrian jumps for
The Oosthuizen’s business, Ventpro, started in the • • with him • early 1990 by Pieter; Nareen later joined forces in 1999. Ventpro main line of business is in stainless steel and they manufacturer commercial and industrial kitchen extraction systems; more details can be seen on the website: www.ventpro.co.za. The dynamic couple are also partners in oyo restaurant in Bedfordview Shopping Centre. Oyo is part of the Thai Africa group which includes Wangthai on Nelson Mandela Square, Lekgotla , so yum, kong roast and also Orient restaurant in Melrose arch.
the, Aspen Classic event. Their generosity did not end there; they also sponsored money and Lady Gaga tickets to the winner of the 1.1m class. Bambi stables and Ventpro jointly sponsored the trophies and medals on the day and oyo sponsored 6 complimentary meal vouchers for winners!
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A very big thank you goes out to the Oosthuizen family for all their help!
Oyo serves a multi-dimensional blend of Asian and Western grills, dim sum, tapas, sushi, seafood, as well as the finest steaks selected from Sandton’s renowned Butcher Shop, oyo’s menu is a veritable feast. Oyo also boasts an exotic cocktail menu, as well as a carefully constructed wine list which every avid wine
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Coming Soon
at Aspen
ASPEN CLASSIC
is in a class of its own! The Aspen Classic was an absolute EQUESTRIAN DELIGHT! Held at the picturesque, Aspen Hills Nature Estate on warm Sunday 1 July, both competitors and spectators alike enjoyed a day filled with activity and fun. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the freshly made bacon and egg rolls were but a few of the many delicious foods that waited to welcome everybody to the second Aspen Classic show jumping event. The event brought in over 250 entries with some families travelling 600kms to be a part of this prestigious day. Experienced competitors showed off their jumping skills in the new fibre / sand arena while the younger and less experiences riders rode in the grass arena. Winner of the 1.1meter championship class, Carina Lingerfelder commented on the the new fibre/river sand arena saying that the going was superb. The Aspen Hills Estate Developer, Michael Stylianou and Aspen Estates resident Conrad Fick are striving to enhance and further promote the sport of horse riding in the South of Johannesburg by continual upgrading the facilities. The Estate now boasts two warm up sand arenas, a grass arena plus the Main Fibre/Sand Arena. The newly built judges box was used for the first time, adding to the professionalism of this venue. Phase two is now complete. The 1st of July was also the launch date of Aspen’s very own, Aspen Social Club, which debuted two of its clubs; a 5km kiddies Cycle (Cycle Club) and a 5km walk (walking Club). The lovely Miss Earth contestants were eagerly waiting to congratulate all who crossed the finish line. Both residents and outsiders joined in on the fun and the proceeds of the registration fee went to two charities; Ladies of Pearl and to ABBA Care
Homes. Many also showed their support by donating clothes, blankets etc to the charities. Other activities enjoyed on the day were a dog agility show put on by Duke’s Academy for Dogs and pony ride. The lovely Miss Earth contestants also assisted in giving out the prizes to the value of R50 000 to many of the day’s winners. Aspen Classic organiser Terry Collins, extends a huge thank you to all sponsors especially Nashua Mobile and Ventpro.
Aspen Hills Estates hope to see you all at the next event!
HAIR & BEAUTY @ ASPEN The Shopping centre at the entrance of the estate. The salon owner, Francene Fick, ran the National Technical / Education department for Wella South Africa until mid-March 2012. Her expertise, including a Wella Master Colour qualification, will be offered in the salon. Francene is a colour specialist who is highly skilled in colour correction, colour coding and makeovers. Not to mention her qualifications in afro hair. Her team includes: Maria who was trained and qualified in Portugal and is very new to South Africa. Rene is a highly skilled stylist with years of experience behind her qualification. With a full team of highly skilled and trained stylists, we will be able to attend your
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Back to Basics Do we actually realize the potential of the plants we often take for granted and many of them we pull out and discard as weeds? We are fortunate to be living in such beautiful surroundings in our Estate, with natural, indigenous plants everywhere in our gardens and also growing wild in the vacant stands. Written By: Karin Parry But do we actually realize the potential of the plants we often take for granted and many of them we pull out and discard as weeds? I certainly did not until I started attending lectures by Margaret Roberts and most recently enrolled for an Ethno Botany course where we were taught the medicinal uses of our indigenous plants used for centuries by Traditional Healers. It has been a most exciting and rewarding experience and I would like to share some of the information with you. In modern times, we live fast stressful lives and often do not grant ourselves the time to do any gardening let alone plant herbs and nutritional plants. Gardening is actually a fantastic de-stressor and just think how we can boost our own and our family’s health by going back to basics in a small way and taking some goodness from our own gardens? I am no expert gardener at all but have started adding herbs and medicinal plants to my shrubs and apart from benefiting the soil and one another in what we call companion planting, they also give a colorful display when in flower.
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Many of us in Aspen do not have much garden space, if any at all, however, we can have many of the good plants and herbs growing either in containers or among other plants or underneath trees.
Herbs do well in containers provided they are not over watered.
Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Let us start with something in most gardens around Aspen and to me is synonymous with Margaret Roberts!
Aloe Vera (A. barbadensis Liliaceae) or Ferox (Asphodelaceae)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
The Lavender bush is actually indigenous to the Mediterranean region but is one of the most popular and well known herbs in the world. Lavender contains an essential oil widely used for fragrant purposes. Medically the plant • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Has sedative properties Effectively eases anxiety and tension Relaxes and settles the mind Aids insomnia Relieves headaches, pain, tense muscles, sore joints Relaxes spasms that occur in the digestive tract Assists in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon Eases emotional tension Soothes burns and stings Calms the distressed patient Has potent anti bacterial actions Is a natural antiseptic Helps treat colds by soothing inflamed mucous membranes Lavender is used in therapeutic baths to treat blood circulation problems, and it can ease rheumatic pains as well as lowering fevers.
Lavender oil should be diluted in base oil for massaging and not taken internally. 2 – 3g of dried flowers can be infused in 1 cup of boiling water for internal use. Fresh flowers are also used in recipes and in salads.
There are many varieties of aloe indigenous to our area, but I am only going to talk about Aloe Vera and Aloe Ferox the 2 most popular and common. We can buy Aloe Vera Juice in any shop or chemist, it is also claimed to be in skin creams, shampoos and more. So, why do we want to spend money on buying an artificially prepared product if we can grow it in our gardens for free? Aloe Vera’s medicinal properties have been known since ancient times. The gel stimulates the immune system and has anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects which make it useful in the treatment of skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Aloe Vera has strong laxative properties and care should be taken not to overuse. Once your plant is 2 years old, you can harvest the leaves from the bottom and use the inner gel in your smoothies or juices (do not use the outer skin). Only use a little at a time, the rest can be stored in the fridge. Aloe crystals are dried sap from the Aloe Ferox plant and are well known as a natural laxative but the sap is also used for arthritis, eczema, conjunctivitis, hypertension and stress. Lennon Lewensessens and Schweden Bitters contain Aloe Ferox Sap as well. Pigs Ears (Cotyledon Orbiculata)
This is another beautiful and common inhabitant of our gardens that is widely used for medicinal purposes. The fleshy part of the leaf is applied to corns and warts to soften and remove them. A single leaf is eaten as a vermifuge (expelling internal worms) and the warmed leaf juice is used as drops for earache and toothache. It may also be applied in the form of a hot poultice to treat boils, earache or inflammation. Article continues on page 30
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SPECIALS
9 KG = R170-00 19 KG = R355-00 48 KG = R880-00
* You must have empty cylinders ready for exchange. * Free delivery (weekdays till 21h00, Saturdays till 12h00) Not open on Sundays. * Please phone as prices are subject to change without prior notification.
Contact: Dawid 083 675 6481 E-mail: dfbrits@gmail.com Terms and conditions apply. While stocks last. E & OE accepted
Aspen Village Shopping Centre Uniquely situated at the entrance to the Estate
* SHOPS * OFFICES * MEDICAL SUITES * Contact: Aspen Hills Development Company 011 432 3001 (Office Hours) Aspen House, Aspen Lakes Drive, Aspen Hills
Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Cancer Bush (SutherlandianFrutescens)
Wild Dagga (Leonotis Leomurus)
This is without doubt one of my favorites! It can grow rather large, but gives a beautiful, bright display. Numerous traditional uses have been recorded, but there is some doubt that the plant has been smoked as a substitute for dagga as it is only mildly narcotic. However, it is known to have been smoked for epilepsy. I cannot leave this valuable bush out! This beautiful, Â Leaves and roots are old remedies for snakebite colorful shrub has been used as a medicinal plant for and other bites and stings. Externally decoctions centuries by the tribes in the Cape. The leaves are (preserving the flavor by boiling it down) are applied mainly used and apart from some cancers, it is also to treat boils, eczema, skin diseases, itching and used for colds, flu, chickenpox, diabetes, varicose muscular cramps. Internally decoctions are taken for veins, piles, inflammation, liver problems, backache coughs, colds, flu, bronchitis, high blood pressure and and rheumatism. Traditionally it is also used for stress headaches. Leaf infusions have been used for asthma related ailments such as shock, trauma, fits and severe and viral hepatitis. depression. Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica Urticaceae)
Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Think twice before you pull out the stinging nettle next time you find it in your garden as this little plant has more goodness than you ever dreamt! The leaves contain vitamin C as well as other minerals especially the elements calcium and potassium, also phenols and flavonoids. The stinging hairs consist largely of silicon and contain histamine, serotonin and acetylcholine. The roots are rich in polysaccharides, lecithin, phenolic compounds and sterols.
Even our common arum lily has it uses! The leaves are commonly used to treat wounds, sores and boils and also applied to areas affected by rheumatism and gout. The rhizomes were sometimes boiled, mixed with honey and taken for asthma, bronchitis, heartburn and rheumatism or gargled for a sore throat.
Internally the leaves are used for anemia, kidney stones, hemorrhage, heavy menstrual bleeding, hemorrhoids, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, eczema, allergies and enlarged prostate glands. Externally it is used for gout, arthritis, neuralgia, nosebleed, hemorrhoids, scalp and hair problems, burns and insect bites. Treat the leaves with care as they sting! Infuse leaves (fresh or dried) in boiling water for 10 minutes. Poultice: stew the leaves or roots and apply.
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
I have merely touched the surface, but I hope you find it as fascinating as I did and that I have wet your appetite for more information, but more importantly, that you will view these plants with new respect and treat them accordingly. Of course, the more these plants are used, the more endangered they become in the wild, so in a small way, we can help to preserve these valuable plants by not destroying them in our gardens, but to nurture them. For more information you are welcome to ring me on: 084 500-2314 Disclaimer: I have to point out that self diagnosing and self medication can be dangerous and you should always work with your healthcare provider. Pregnant ladies and children should not be given any medication without consulting their doctor. References: • Medicinal plants of South Africa – Ben-Erik van Wyk, Bosch van Oudshoorn, Nigel Gericke • Natures Medicines – Reader Digest
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
The Garden Diary Let’s go all natural With all the increases we are facing today, perhaps its time to DIY your life! There are so many harmful products on the market, not only for cosmetic use but Pest control, but rarely do you consider making some things from home. Lighter on our environment = Lighter on our pocket. Here are some wonderful designs of herb and vegetable gardens that can be custom built to fit into the average Aspen Garden. Written By: Tamryn Mills - Btech Landscape Technology
The History of Aromatic Oils Preserving herbs as aromatic oils has been practiced since ancient times. Hundreds of years ago they were widely used in the Far and Middle East, Egypt and China. In India they formed the basis of a system of traditional medicine dating back to 1000 BC. But you don’t need to be a student of history or a chemist to preserve herbs as aromatic oils. In this article I will explain how, in four simple steps and with easily available and inexpensive equipment and ingredients you can turn start making essential oils from herbs.
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Harvesting Your Herbs One of the most important things that you must learn if you want to use your herbs to make aromatic oils is how to harvest them properly. Getting this right is almost a ritual for the enthusiastic herb gardener. The harvesting should be carried out when the volatile essences of the herbs are at their highest, which is between the time just before flowering up until the time the flowers are half open (although there are exceptions to this). Carry out the harvesting before the sun is fully up, and just after the dew has dried. If you are harvesting annual herbs to make essential oils cut off the leaves of your herbs to within four inches of the ground. Don’t worry about killing your herbs when you do this. As long as you have left enough leaves on your plants (which you will have done if you follow my instructions) they will soon grow new leaves to replace those harvested. All your leafy annuals can be cut in this way several times during the summer months. However, don’t harvest perennial herbs until the end of September.
Three Essential Tips for Success
If you intend to preserve herbs as essential oils your herbs must be harvested very carefully immediately before the process of preservation. As you cut the herbs spread them out on a flat surface. Don’t let them get squashed, compressed or bruised in a bag or box, because this will diminish the quality of the herbal essences. Wash off any dirt with cool water, but don’t let them soak in the water. When you have washed them lay them down flat to dry. If you want to use flowers to make an aromatic oil (e.g. lavender oil), harvest the flowers when they are fully open and don’t wash them. To make aromatic oils from seeds such as dill and fennel, collect the seeds when they turn brown and start falling off the dead flowers when touched. To prevent the seeds falling to the ground cut the flowers carefully near the top of flower stem or place a small plastic bag over the flower head.
The process of preserving herbs as aromatic oils is called infusion because the herbs are treated so that their herbal essences “infuse” the oil in which they are immersed. For this reason essential oils are often called herbal infusions. Pay careful attention to the three important tips below when you make your infused oils. If you do then preserving your herbs in the way described will produce really high quality herbal infusions: 1. Use a good-quality, mild-flavoured oil such as sunflower oil. You don’t want the taste of the oil to compete with the flavour and smell of your herbs. For this reason you should avoid using extra virgin olive oil 2. Cover you herbs completely with oil during the infusing process. Any bits sticking out will oxidize and spoil the flavour of the oil 3. Before storing the oil make sure you have removed all the plant material. If you don’t the oil will become cloudy and sour.
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Making the Aromatic Oil When you are ready to start making essential oil from your herbs, follow these four steps carefully: 1. Put a handful of your herbs or flower heads into a clean glass jar. Choose either a single herb such as basil or a mixture such as oregano, rosemary and thyme. Crush them to release the flavour of the essential oils 2. Pour the mild vegetable oil (400 ml) into the jar until the leaves or flowers are completely covered. Put a well-fitting top on the jar and let it stand in a warm (but not sunny) place 3. After a week, strain off the herbs (use a cotton muslin cloth or an old open weave linen handkerchief) and then repeat the process of infusion with a fresh handful of your herbs (but using the same oil). Do this as many times as necessary until you have a jar of strongly flavoured aromatic oil 4. Store your aromatic oil in a small to medium-size sterilized bottle and label it. Tie a small strip of cotton cloth around the top to help reduce the chances of air getting into the bottle. Make sure that you keep your stored oils out of the sun
Bugzzzz Away!
Tomato Leaf Sprays
Natural Herbicide, pesticide and fungicides.
Nightshade family plants, such as tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco, have toxic compounds called alkaloids in their leaves. These toxins are water soluble and can be soaked from chopped leaves and made into home-made sprays. These sprays also work by attracting natural pest enemies. The good bugs follow the smell of the spray in looking for prey.
Alcohol Sprays The idea of using rubbing alcohol as a spray for plants pests has been around for years. Can cause leaf damage on African Violets, and Apple trees.
Protection Offered: Tomato leaf sprays have been used to protect plants from aphids. Also, spraying tomato leaf spray on corn may reduce corn earworm damage. The corn earworm is also called the tomato fruit worm, as it also attacks tomato plants. A scientific study has shown that corn plants sprayed with tomato leaf How to Make: Use only 70% isopropyl alcohol spray attracted significantly more Trichogramma (rubbing alcohol): mix 1 to 2 cups alcohol per wasps to parasitize the corn earworm eggs than quart of water. Using undiluted alcohol as a the unsprayed did. spray is very risky for plants. You can also mix up an insecticidal soap spray according to the How to Make: Soak 1 to 2 cups of chopped dilution on the label but substitute alcohol for or mashed tomato leaves in 2 cups of water overnight. Strain through cheesecloth or fine half of the water required. mesh; add about 2 more cups of water to the How to Use: Since alcohol can damage plants strained liquid, and spray. For aphid control, be always test your spray mix on a few leaves or sure to thoroughly cover the leaf undersides, plants first. Tests results should show up within especially of lower leaves and growing tips of plants where aphids congregate. 2 or 3 days. Protection offered: Alcohol sprays work on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips and whiteflies. Alcohol sprays have been used successfully on houseplants and tropical foliage plants. Most of these have heavy, waxy cuticles that are not easily burned.
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
How to Use: Spray plants thoroughly, particularly undersides of lower leaves and growing tips where aphids congregate. While this spray is not poisonous to humans on contact, use care in handling, especially if you are allergic to the nightshade family. Garlic Oil Sprays: Organic gardeners have long been familiar with the repellent or toxic affect of garlic oil on pests. When it is combined with mineral oil and pure soap, as it is in the recipe that follows, devised at the Henry Doubleday Research Association in England, it becomes an effective insecticide. Some studies also suggest that a garlic oil spray has fungicidal properties. Protection Offered: Good results, with quick kill, have been noted against aphids, cabbage loopers, earwigs, June bugs, leafhoppers, sqaush bugs and whiteflies. The spray does not appear to harm adult lady beetles, and some gardeners have found that is doesn’t work against the Colorado potaoe beetles, grape leaf skeletonizers, grasshoppers, red ants, or sowbugs. How to Make: Soak 3 ounces of finely minced garlic cloves in 2 teaspoons of mineral oil for at least 24 hours. Slowly add 1 pint of water that has 1/4 ounce liquid soap or commercial insecticide soap mixed into it. Stir thoroughly and strain into a glass jar for storage. Use at a rate of 1 to 2 Tablespoons of mixture to a pint of water. If this is effective, try a more dilute solution in order to use as little as possible. How to Use: Spray plants carefully to ensure thorough coverage. To check for possible leaf damage to sensitive ornamentals from the oil and soap in the spray, do a test spray on a few leaves or plants first. If no leaf damage occurs in 2 or 3 days, go ahead and spray more.
Herbal Sprays Many organic farmers are familiar with using sprays made from aromatic herbs to repel pests from the garden plants. Several recent studies confirm the repellent effect of such sprays. The essential oil of Sage and Thyme and the alcohol extracts such as Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, and White Clover can be used in this manner. They have been shown to reduce the number of eggs laid and the amount of feeding damage to cabbage by caterpillars of Diamond back moths and large white butterflies. Sprays made from Tansy have demonstrated a repellent effect on imported cabbageworm on cabbage, reducing the number of eggs laid on the plants. Teas made from Wormwood or Nasturtiums are reputed to repel aphids from fruit trees, and sprays made from ground or blended Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Marigolds, or Rue have also been used by gardeners against pests that feed on leaves. Protection Offered: Try herbal sprays against any leaf-eating pests and make note of what works for future reference. How to make: In General, herbal sprays are made by mashing or blending 1 to 2 cups of fresh leaves with 2 to 4 cups of water and leaving them to soak overnight. Or you can make a herbal tea by pouring the same amount of boiling water over 2 to 4 cups fresh or 1 to 2 cups dry leaves and leaving them to steep until cool. Strain the water through cheesecloth before spraying and dilute further with 2 to 4 cups water. Add a very small amount of non-detergent liquid soap (1/4 teaspoon in 1 to 2 quarts of water) to help spray stick to leaves and spread better. You can also buy commercial essential herbal oils and dilute with water to make a spray. Experiment with proportions, starting with a few drops of oil per cup of water. How to Use: Spray plants thoroughly, especially undersides of leaves, and repeat at weekly intervals if necessary.
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Go shopping for these herbs “Hot” Dusts Black pepper, chilli pepper, dill, ginger, paprika, and red pepper all contain capsaicin, a compound shown to repel insects. Synthetic capsaicin is also available for field use. Researchers have found that as little as 1/25 ounce of capsaicin sprinkled around an onion plant reduced the number of onion maggot eggs laid around the plant by 75%, compared to a control plant. Protection Offered: Capsaicin-containing dusts repel onion maggots from seedlings, as well as other root maggot flies from cabbage family plants and carrots. Pepper dusts around the base of the plants help repel ants, which is desirable in a garden where ants often protect and maintain aphid colonies on plants. How to Make: It can be rather expensive to buy enough packaged pepper dusts to sprinkle throughout your garden. However, if you grow and dry your own red peppers, chilli peppers, or dill, you can make lots of dust at low cost. Use a mortar and pestle to grind the peppers, or dill, including the seeds, to dust. Be careful handling the hot peppers because they irritate sensitive skin. How to Use: Sprinkle along seeded rows of onions, cabbage, or carrots, in a band at least 6 inches wider than the row or planting bed. A fine sprinkling will suffice, but the more dust you use, the better the effect. Renew after a heavy rain or irrigation. To protect plants from ants, sprinkle around the base of plants in an area as wide as the widest leaves.
The
Notice
Board
• A big thank you to Franca Stipcevich and Donella Krimchanski for your donating plants to our estate parks. • Thank you to all our residents who used hessian as frost covers this year.
Garden Quote: Nature has undoubtedly mastered the art of winter gardening and even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them.” - Vincent A. Simeone
Tamryn Mills – Btech Landscape Technology Company: Green Abilities a division of APMC Tel: 076 558 2585 Email: tamryn@abilitiespmc.com
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Here at Nibbles & Nosh we believe that you eat with your eyes first, so our sweet delectable cupcakes and treats are not just yummy for the tummy but a fabulous gourmet feast for the eyes. If you are having a function and want to WOW your guests with something different give us a shout and we will make your function something super sweet to remember. • Vanilla Butter Cupcakes • Chocolate Butter Cupcakes • Cloud Cupcakes • Rosewater Cupcakes • Lemon Curd Creams • Passion Fruit Creams • Classic Red Velvet • Meringue Puffs • Choc-orange Almond Cakes • Flourless Choc Hazelnut Cakes
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tel: 083 584 1496 email: info@nibblesandnosh.co.za www.nibblesandnosh.co.za
Gourmet treats f� every occasion.
Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Birds in Aspen Featured Bird: Malachite Kingfisher
Malalchite kingfishers are common across sub-Saharan Africa. They live in bogs, swamps, marshes, estuaries, mangrove forests, and near rivers and streams. They also live in some man-made habitats, such as canals, drainage ditches, irrigated fields, ponds, reservoirs. Information Found on: http://wikipedia.com This is a small kingfisher, 13 cm in length. The general colour of the upper parts of the adult bird is bright metallic blue. The head has a short crest of black and blue feathers, which gives rise to the scientific name (Alcedo cristata). The face, cheeks and underparts are rufous and there are white patches on the throat and rear neck sides. The bill is black in young birds and reddish orange in adults; the legs are bright red. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult. They sit on perches (such as fence posts or tree branches) over slowly moving water, and fly down into the water to catch fish, prawns, crabs, and even insect larvae and frogs. Once they catch something, they return quickly to their perch and they may hit their prey on the perch to make it easier to handle. If the kingfisher catches a fish, it will turn it around to make it easy to swallow. Because they eat a wide variety of types of food, and are happy to live in lots of different habitat types.
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Malachite kingfishers live in pairs, and they lay their eggs in holes in the earth. They don’t make proper nests, but fill the hole with fish bones and pellets that they cough up. Both the male and female birds dig the hole in an earthy bank, such as a river bank or a bank by the side of the road, and the female kingfisher lays 3-6 round, white eggs in the nest. The pairs are territorial, so together they defend an area where they live and breed. Due to their generally small size, kingfishers have a number of predators wherever they exist around the world. The main predators of the kingfisher are foxes, raccoons, cats and snakes, but kingfishers are also preyed upon by other small mammals and large birds. The eggs of the kingfisher are also preyed upon by many of the kingfisher’s predators. There is a closely related species in Madagascar, the Madagascar Malachite Kingfisher, or Malagasy Kingfisher, (Alcedo vintsioides). â–
Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Fun facts
• The Malachite Kingfisher breeds from August to November. The nest is a tunnel in a sandy bank, usually, though not always, over water. Both birds excavate. Most burrows incline upward before the nesting chamber is reached. • The Malachite Kingfisher is a river kingfisher and is highly dependent on water. • You will identify the immature birds by thier shorter black bill, brownish-roufus underparts, and a whitish belly. • The flight of the malachite kingfisher is rapid; the short rounded wings whirring around until they appear as a mere blur. • You’re likely to see this bird flying low over water. • The Malachite Kingfisher bird calls a short sharp rather unmusical chht, that may run on into a dry chitter. • The name for the Malachite Kingfisher in Afrikaans is Kuifkopvisvanger • The female malachite kingfisher lays between three and six shiny white eggs, which are incubated for about 15 days.
Keep a look out for Barbet, Black Collared Barbet, Crested Bishop, Red Bokmakierie Boubou, Crimson Bulbul, Black Eyed Bunting, Rock Chat, Mountain Coot, Red Knobbed Cormorant, Whitebreasted Crane, Blue Crow, Pied Darter Dikkop, Spotted Dove, Cape Turtle Dove, Laughing Dove, Redeyed Duck, African Black Duck, Yellowbilled Egret, Cattle Egret, Little Firefinch, Bluebilled Finch, Red Headed Flycatcher Goose, Egyptian
Goose, Spur-Winged Grebe, Little Guineafowl, Helmeted Hamerkop Heron, Black Headed Heron, Greenbacked Heron, Grey Hoopoe Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Hadeda Ibis, Sacred Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, pied Kite, Black Shouldered Longclaw, Orange Throated Lourie, Grey Minor, Indian Moorhen, Redfaced Owl, Barn Owl, Spotted Eagle Pidgeon, Rock Pidgeon, Feral Plover, Blacksmith Plover, Crowned Plover, Three Banded
Plover, Wattled Prinia, Tawny Flanked Robin, Cape Shrike, Fiscal Sparrow, Cape Sparrow, House Spoonbill, African Starling, Glossy Starling, Pied Starling Redwinged Sunbird, Black Swallow, European Swallow, Greater Striped Thrush, Olive Wagtail, Cape Wagtail, Pied Weaver, Masked Weaver, White Browed Sparrow White Eye, Cape Whydah, Paradise Whydah, Pin Tail Widow, Red-Collared Widow, Whitewinged Woodhoopoe, Redbilled
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Aspen Village Shopping Centre Uniquely situated at the entrance to the Estate
011 432 8566 / 011 042 6522 Wi-fi
| We Deliver
www.torinos.co.za
Colleen 082 599 0862 colleen@yogajunction.co.za Aspen Hills Retail Estate
Tel: 011 432 8570 Email: propriety@liblink.co.za
Hair & Beauty
@ Aspen
Call us on 011 432 3221 / 011 039 1233 to make your appointment
Dr Athans (Athanassiou) PR. No. 1464973 NECESSE Key Care
(011) 432 6255 40
Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Nathane Molapo Cell: 083 297 3088 | Tel: 073 329 9542 www.thebasementlounge-ataspen.com
Aspen Village Shopping Centre Aspen Lakes Drive, Aspen Hills, Glenvista 41
Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Chicken Stew with spaghetti Method Braze the onions and the garlic with the olive oil. Add the chicken and brown it.
Ingredients 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 cup finely chopped onion
Once the chicken is has browned Add the the rest of the ingrediants (including the water)
2 chickens, cut into quarters
Once the water starts to boil add the chicken stock and stirr it in.
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour till the meat is just about falling off the bone.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Serve with spaghetti.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bom apetite!
3 cups chopped carrots
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tin of tomato paste 2 garlic cloves, minced Chicken stock to taste 3lt of water
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Aspen Estate - Issue 11
Chocolate Bread Pudding Ingredients This pudding can be served warm, room temperature, or cold. To chill, let cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least one hour or overnight.
1 tablespoon butter, plus more for baking dish 8 slices (8 ounces) cinnamon-raisin bread 2 cups milk 3 ounces semisweet chocolate
Directions
2 large eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter an 11-by-7-inch (or 9-inch square) baking dish; set aside. Toast bread (in the oven or toaster) until lightly crisped.
1/2 cup granulated sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, chocolate, and butter; place over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until chocolate has melted, about 5 minutes. Tear bread into large pieces (about 4 or 5 per slice); scatter evenly in prepared baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Whisk in warm milk mixture until combined. Pour over bread. Bake until pudding has puffed and is firm, about 25 minutes. Cool at least 10 minutes, and dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving.
Prep Time
Total Time
15 minutes
50 minutes
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Cook’s Note Using a cinnamon-raisin bread adds even more flavor to this chocolatey pudding.
Yield Serves Serves 6 http://www.marthastewart.com
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Nestled in the Waterberg mountains within the Welgevonden Private Game Reseerve. Sekala is one of South Africa’s Premier, Malaria Free, Big 5 Game Reserves, and offers an experience to be savoured.
Sekala is situated on the Waterberg Plateau and comprises mountainous terrain that is dissected by deep valleys and kloofs, with occasional old lands that have been allowed to regenerate since the reserve’s proclamation. Flat plateaus characterise most hilltops, and altitude varies from 1080m above sea level at the main entrance gate in the north of the reserve to 1800m above sea level in the southern section of the reserve. Sekala is a mere two and half hours drive from Johannesburg and one and one half hours away from Pretoria - South Africa’s capital city.
CENTRAL RESERVATIONS
For further information and bookings please contact: E-mail: info@sekala.com - Website: www.sekala.com