7de Laan Celebrates

in co-operation with Danie Odendaal and the SABC (Human & Rousseau, R265)

Three years ago I reviewed Cook with 7de Laan, and although I am not an ardent fan of the series, I got caught up in the characters behind the fab “local is lekker” recipes in that cookbook.

This time the book focuses on South African recipes which work well for special occasions, but which are also suitable for everyday meals.

If you follow 7de Laan you will, in fact, recognise the recipes in the book and can relive the celebrations seen in the soapie.

From the safari dinner (another name for progressive dinner) viewed some time last year, to Errol’s 21st birthday party, you can reproduce the same dishes and the party in the comfort of your home.

The recipes are grouped in categories such as elegant dining, 21st party, rugby braai, champagne breakfast, children’s parties, Sunday lunches, romantic dinners, Christmas time and safari meals (following the celebrations seen on the soapie). Thus you will not find all the desserts/cakes in one chapter, or all the meat dishes in another.

The advantage of this is that if you’re planning a birthday or a special breakfast, you need only find the chapter on the event or celebration you’re planning and you will have the recipes suitable for the entire event at your fingertips. My favourite chapter is the one with the safari recipes because it covers a variety of savoury and sweet dishes that appeal to me.

The recipes in this book cover meat, fish and chicken dishes, while sweet cravings are taken care of with a variety of tarts, cakes, ice lollies and peanut brittle, to mention a few.

Of course, the references to episodes in the series and the jibes the characters make about each other add to the charm of the book.

The book will appeal to fans of 7de Laan, but it will also find favour with anyone looking for recipes which do not use exotic ingredients, but are nonetheless ideal for special occasions. The book is also available in Afrikaans – 7de Laan Vier Fees.