Title: Four Seasons
Subtitle: Cooking throughout the year in South Africa
Author: Marita Pieterse
Publisher: Struik Publishers
Cape Town, South Africa 2006
ISBN 9781770072282
Softcover, 21 x 28 cm, 128 pages, numerous colour photos
Four Seasons is about the joy of seasonal cooking, of using fresh produce at its peak, when it’s full of flavour and affordable, and preparing it simply or teamed with meat, chicken or fish. More than 80 mouthwatering dishes celebrate each season’s bounty: from spring’s cool, crisp salads, summer’s light and easy meals and frozen desserts to autumn and winter’s hearty soups and meaty stews. Who could resist a cherry and watercress salad on a beautiful summer’s day or comfort food at its best – lamb tagine with prunes and almonds?
There is also a section dedicated to special occasions including menu ideas for a New Year’s cocktail bash, a Latin American birthday feast, an alfresco Christmas buffet, and a book club brunch. These quick and easy South African recipes will appeal to both amateur and more experienced cooks. There are also ideas for complementary side dishes, while menu suggestions and tips on advance preparation will ensure stress-free entertaining. Four Seasons is a cookbook for those with little time on their hands, designed to provide novel ideas for family meals and entertaining.
After training as a chef in London, Marita Pieterse spent many years doing catering, both abroad and in South Africa. She has freelanced as a food writer and stylist, and her work has been featured in many publications, including Food & Home Entertaining and Your Family magazine. She runs her own cookery school in Faerie Glen, Pretoria, where she hosts creative cookery classes for hobby cooks.