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As the winter chill sets in, there's nothing quite like indulging in comforting South African recipes to warm the soul. From hearty stews to comforting desserts, the rich flavours and aromatic spices of these dishes are sure to chase away the winter blues.
Traditional South African Recipes are sure to warm you inside and out.
Bobotie: This classic South African dish features spiced minced meat baked with an egg custard topping, creating a savoury, and satisfying meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.
Potjiekos: Originating from Dutch settlers, potjiekos is a traditional South African stew cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open flame. It typically includes a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, resulting in a flavourful and hearty dish that's ideal for sharing with friends and family. There is a recipe for everyone and caters for all tastes and preferences. https://www.food24.com/top-7-potjie-recipes/
Malva Pudding: A beloved South African dessert, malva pudding is a moist and decadent sponge cake drenched in a sweet and sticky caramel sauce. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard, it's the ultimate comfort food on a cold winter's night. Where does the name Malva come from? There are several theories – “Malva pudding was once flavoured with the leaves of geranium, which, in Afrikaans, translates to Malva. But some say it got its name from a woman called Malva, and others, that it was flavoured with Malvasia wine.”
Bobotjie: Similar to bobotie but with a vegetarian twist, bobotjie is made with lentils or chickpeas instead of meat, making it a delicious and nutritious option for those looking to add more plant-based meals to their winter menu.
At Complete Gifts we believe in spreading warmth and comfort not only in our homes but also in the workplace. That's why we're excited to introduce our Winter Warmers collection, featuring branded drinkware and food-related items inspired by traditional South African recipes.
Spoil your staff with branded mugs, thermoses, and travel cups, perfect for enjoying a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate during those cold winter mornings. Pair these with gourmet coffee or hot chocolate mixes, artisanal teas, and locally sourced honey or flavoured syrups for a truly indulgent treat.
For a savoury snack, consider gifting branded soup mugs or bowls along with gourmet soup mixes or homemade soup kits. Add some artisanal breadsticks or crackers for dipping, and your employees will be warmed from the inside out.
By incorporating traditional South African recipes and comfort food into the workplace, along with branded drinkware and food-related items, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that fosters camaraderie, boosts morale, and shows appreciation for your hardworking staff.
Arranging a company potjiekos competition can be a fantastic way to foster togetherness, teamwork, and fun among your staff. Here's how you can organize it, along with some ideas for branded gifts to make the competition even more exciting:
Announce the Competition: Start by announcing the potjiekos competition to your staff. Send out an email or put up posters in common areas to generate excitement and interest. Clearly outline the date, time, and location of the event, as well as any rules or guidelines for participation. It may be aa good idea to do this on a Saturday or Sunday, so that families can also be invited and give them the opportunity to meet everyone else.
Form Teams: Encourage employees to form teams of 3-5 people. Mix up departments or let teams self-select—it's up to you! This can be a great opportunity for employees who don't typically work together to collaborate and get to know each other better.
Choose a Theme: Consider selecting a fun theme for the competition to add an extra element of creativity. Whether it's a traditional South African theme, a specific cuisine, or something quirky like "comfort food classics," a theme can inspire teams to get creative with their potjiekos recipes.
Provide Ingredients: Depending on your budget and resources, you can either provide ingredients for the potjiekos or ask teams to bring their own. If you're providing ingredients, make sure to have a variety of meats, vegetables, spices, and other essentials available.
Set Up Cooking Stations: Arrange cooking stations outdoors, if possible, either in a designated area or using portable cooking equipment. Make sure each team has access to a fire or stove, as well as cooking utensils and pots.
Judging Criteria: Determine how the potjiekos will be judged. You can have a panel of judges taste and score each dish based on taste, presentation, creativity, and adherence to the theme. Alternatively, you can make it more democratic and have all employees vote for their favourite potjiekos.
Branded Gifts: To make the competition more relevant and memorable, consider giving out company branded gifts to participants and winners. Some ideas include branded aprons or chef hats, engraved cooking utensils or cutting boards, or even custom-designed recipe books featuring the winning potjiekos recipes.
Enjoy the Event: On the day of the competition, encourage everyone to have fun and enjoy the experience. Provide beverages, music, and seating areas where employees and families can socialize while their potjiekos simmers.
Award Prizes: At the end of the competition, announce the winners and award prizes to the top teams. Consider giving out certificates, trophies, or additional branded gifts as prizes to recognize their efforts and achievements.
By following these steps and incorporating branded gifts, you can create a company potjiekos competition that promotes togetherness, teamwork, and fun among your staff. It's a great way to boost morale and strengthen relationships within your organization and get families from various backgrounds to mingle and form bonds.
In the current realm of remote work, we've found ourselves as a team, longing for the cozy camaraderie of colleague interaction. As a team scattered across digital landscapes, we often gather on Teams to lament about the chill in the air and swap tips on staying toasty.
Enter our trusty companions in the battle against the cold: hot-water bottles! These snuggly companions provide a comforting warmth during those virtual meetings and brainstorming sessions. They're like little heat-filled heroes saving us from the icy grip of remote work isolation.
But wait, there's more! For those of us who crave an extra layer of warmth, we've embraced the wonders of thermal long-johns and vests. Worn discreetly under our clothes, they provide a secret source of coziness that keeps us going through even the chilliest of workdays.
And let's not forget about the pièce de resistance - the warm snuggly "blanket-jacket." It's like wrapping yourself in a cloud of warmth, offering both comfort and style as we navigate the virtual landscape of remote work.
So, while we may miss the hustle and bustle of office life, we've discovered that there's a charm to finding creative ways to stay warm and connected while working remotely. Here's to embracing the quirks and staying cozy, one virtual meeting at a time, whist we say “cheers” to on another, as we sip our warm coffee and hot chocolate.
Contact us today to learn more about our customizable options and how we can help you spread joy, warmth, and comfort in the workplace and beyond.