La Petite Ferme, by Mark Dendy Young

La Petite Ferme, by Mark Dendy Young.

Avisit to the Western Cape in South Africa wouldn't be complete without visiting its gourmet capital, Franschhoek. It is here where La Petite Ferme, meaning 'the little farm', is situated on the slopes of the Middagkrans Mountain with its beautiful views of the Franschhoek valley. Foreword by Mark Dendy Young.

Mark Dendy Young  

The valley floor with its deep alluvial soils is planted with butternut, marrows, plump tomatoes and lettuce, while mountain slopes with their ancient deposits of decomposed granite and sandstone are home to vines, our northwest-facing vineyards being ideally suited to producing award-winning wines with true varietal character. Due to a huge demand from many satisfied guests, we've produced this new edition featuring many of La Petite Ferme's most popular dishes. The recipes, some taken from our ever popular 'Country Cuisine' by Carol Dendy Young as well as more recent creations, feature a style of cuisine that is recognized as rustic-contemporary each with a modern upbeat look and South African 'twist'. Numerous people have contributed to the creation of this book: from our chefs to the scullery staff, and from the labourers to the winemakers. Many of our staff had little or no formal experience in the culinary arts and have been influenced and trained by Carol and other chefs who have passed through our kitchen over the years. Some staff members have been involved in the business for almost 20 years! Lena van Wyk still grills better than any qualified chef in a Michelin-star restaurant, while Lisa Jacobs is asked to personally wait on regular guests because of her charming personality. The winery, where handcrafted wines are made, is situated adjacent to the restaurant. Guests are invited to experience the winemaking process in its true form, and guided cellar tours are a must for both wine novices and enthusiasts. Beautifully appointed guest suites are individually furnished and within walking distance of the restaurant, allowing a lucky few to enjoy their afternoon lunch and then spend the rest of the afternoon lounging beside a private pool, gazing at one of the most beautiful valleys in the entire world. La Petite Ferme is essentially a working farm, with a lifestyle that embodies delicious food, wine, friends, baboons, personalities, dogs, cats, fish, mountains, views, rolling lawns and lots of laughter. We have tried to capture many of these moments to bring you a truly magnificent book whereby you awaken your palate and re-kindle memories of your visit to this little piece of paradise. Mark Dendy Young

Bobotie

We had to include the recipe for this traditional dish as it is so popular Bobotie can be served as a simple supper or as the main course of a traditional dinner Even our visitors from abroad make this at home!

60g butter or margarine
1 large onion, chopped
15ml (1 Tbsp) curry powder
2 slices white bread, crusts removed
250ml (1 cup) milk
500g minced lamb or beef (lean)
125ml (1/2 cup) seedless raisins
45ml (3 Tbsp) lemon juice
30ml (2 Tbsp) fruit chutney
5ml (1 tsp) salt
black pepper
2 eggs
lemon leaves or bay leaves to garnish

Preheat the oven to 160°C. Melt the butter, add the onion and saute until soft. Stir in the curry powder. Soak the bread in the milk. Squeeze out and reserve the milk and add the bread to the onion together with the mince, raisins, lemon juice, chutney, salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, then transfer to a shallow casserole dish. In a small bowl, beat the reserved milk with the eggs and pour over the mince. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and insert a few rolled lemon leaves or bay leaves to garnish. Serves 4. Wine suggestion: Barrel-fermented Chardonnay.

This is an excerpt from the book: La Petite Ferme, by Mark Dendy Young.

Title: La Petite Ferme
Authors: Mark Dendy Young
Publisher: Random House Struik
Imprint: Lifestyle
Cape Town, South Africa 2009
ISBN 9781770077829 / ISBN 978-1-77007-782-9
Hardcover, dustjacket, 24x26 cm, 144 pages, throughout colour photos