Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2020 i Home

The other day, while in the company of three older women, the topic of cell phones came up. It started with me complaining about poor reception because the signal was so bad and then, of course, you start feeling like you’ve lost a limb. Or, rather, several brain cells. Because you soon realise how dependent you’ve become on your smart phone when you can’t quickly Google something, right? I’m convinced that hell won’t have flames but a weak signal. Or slow WiFi. What a painful thought. In the middle of the conversation, one woman said, emphatically, that she’d never have a smart phone because her ancient old Nokia “already had more than enough stations”. True story! Some people’s cell phones ping like slot machines. Unbearable – and in company too!…

1: Happy New Year! 1–31: Visit Stellenbosch Hills for a fun Polkadraai-&-Popcorn pairing in the Winelands. Try four Polkadraai wines, from a Sauvignon Blanc Brut to a Pinotage/Merlot blend, paired with gourmet popcorn from Guzzle & Wolf. Tickets cost R55; visit stellenbosch-hills.co.za or call 021 881 3828. 2: Enjoy a live performance by Watershed at the Music Kitchen in Port Elizabeth. Tickets cost R180 per person from quicket.co.za; call 041 364 1964 for details. 2–12: ABBA fans can look forward to a full-scale concert production by internationally acclaimed ABBA impersonators at the Sibaya Casino in Durban. Expect two hours of fun and dancing, along with a live backing band, replica costumes and theatrical lighting. Tickets at online.computicket.com cost R250 per person. 10–11: Dress up in an elegant blue-and-white ensemble for the…

WHO Lesley Tuchten WHERE Woodstock, Cape Town BUSINESS Lesley Tuchten Ceramics HER WORK Lesley adores pets. “I have a rather unhealthy obsession with pets. All pets! My pets, other people’s pets, animals that aren’t pets… You get the idea.” So when a friend asked her to make a ring bowl with a miniature sculpture of her Boston Terrier in it, Lesley happily took on the challenge. The project was such a success that she has now added snack bowls, soap dishes, key bowls, dog water bowls, cookie jars and standalone sculptures to her fabulous furry friends range. Each item (starting at R300) is handcrafted in her converted garage studio, hand-painted and bisque-fired in a kiln before glazing takes place. Visit Lesley Tuchten Ceramics on Facebook to view her products and…

THE HOMEOWNERS Henry Paine and Sally Kennedy WHERE Lesbos, Greece SIZE 95m2 Much like you can’t control the wind, you can’t hurry a yacht – or a Greek builder… This is the lesson that intrepid South African couple Henry Paine and Sally Kennedy, both avid sailors, learnt when they purchased a small piece of land on the island of Lesbos in Greece two years ago, and decided to renovate. The property was surprisingly affordable at less than R1 million for a small double-storey house on 1 700m2 of land. Although the dwelling was habitable, it was in poor condition, so the pair decided to renovate and rent it out as luxury accommodation when they aren’t enjoying the space themselves. But dreaming of a renovation in Greece and actually pulling it…

WHO LIVES HERE? Heino Reuling and Christo Koegelenberg WHERE Hopefield SIZE house: 121m²; erf: 2 700m² Interior designer Christo Koegelenberg and hotelier Heino Reuling lead very busy lives. Their Sea Point, Cape Town home accommodates Christo’s office, the couple’s smart city bolt-hole, and a luxury Airbnb conversion that’s fully booked year-round. Weekdays are a blur of activity. In 2009, they decided to invest in a weekend home where they can decompress and relax with friends. They confined their search to properties no more than 140km from Cape Town. “Any further and the first part of the weekend away is just traffic and stress,” says Christo. The listing for an original farm barn – a heritage building about 140 years old on a piece of land roughly the size of a…

You will need SHOPPING LIST • planed pine (32 x 220mm), cut into six lengths of 650mm • shelf supports and gussets • Alcolin Fast Set Wood Glue • one packet coach screws (6 x 40mm) • four castors • pine wood filler • 220-grit sandpaper • 8mm dowel, cut into 40mm lengths • two 60cm lengths of 1cm-thick rope TOOLS • cordless drill and 3mm and 8mm drill bit • jigsaw • hacksaw or angle grinder • pencil • tape measure • try square • wood clamps PROJECT NOTES • We dismantled a second-hand steel shelf and re-used the steel uprights, but you can buy ordinary 50 x 3mm angle iron for the same purpose (R225 for 6m). • Our trolley’s three shelves (650 x 440mm each) consist of two…

The challenge MaryAnn Bekker of Calitzdorp writes We live in an old farmhouse with a large living room located next to the dining room; this space leads out to the porch through wooden sliding doors and there’s a fireplace. How can we improve the layout? I would also like to strike a balance between modern and farm-style décor; which colours can I introduce with accessories that will complement the furniture? The solution Micke de Villiers of Welcome Home replies The size of your living room provides you with many different options for layouts and functionality but there are too many individual items in the space that don’t connect to the overall look and feel. Here are some suggestions: LAYOUT Why not turn your fireplace into a…

THE HOMEOWNERS Wilma and Marius Louw WHERE Struisbaai, Western Cape SIZE 150m2 Wilma Louw had always dreamed of owning a piece of land in the Karoo with a cacophony of cicadas providing the background noise. Born in the Karoo town of Laingsburg and having experienced the catastrophic flood of 1981, Wilma is not a fan of water or the sea but when she came across this A-frame house in Struisbaai on Property24 during one of her online searches, she immediately started making plans to acquire her own holiday home – similar to the A-frame houses she’d seen on the TV show Great Canadian Cottages. And even though she’s not crazy about water, her husband Marius and son Jacques (17) both love the ocean... So, in June 2017 the Louws took…

Each owner whose pet is featured here wins a Car Seat Hammock from Wagworld (wagworld.co.za). Available from leading vet and pet shops, the hard-wearing Car Seat Hammock is ideal after a visit to the beach as it boasts waterproof canvas on top to protect your car seats from hair and scratches, while the rubberised, waterproof fabric at the bottom prevents sliding. One size fits all cars, typically a sedan backseat or SUV ‘dog box’, and bungee cords hook over the front and backseat headrests or around the top corners of the backseat to keep it in position. The hammock is available in black and grey. Send your pics (at least 2MB each) and contact details to pets@homemag.co.za – you could be a winner too. See our competition rules on page…

The focus for the year ahead is on changing cities from grey to green, with central recreational districts (CRD) replacing central business districts (CBD). The emphasis is on parks and introducing greener infrastructure, particularly in the form of trees that create a shade canopy which will reduce temperatures, improve air quality, lower stress levels and reduce noise. A ‘green’ city is more attractive, improves health and well-being and strengthens the economy. Sunny open spaces in cities are as important as trees: families and office workers can enjoy the winter sunshine, plants can grow and pollinators can do their work.…

Plant guide Bougainvillea cultivars Full sun Frost-sensitive to moderately frost-resistant Waterwise Wind-resistant Height and width varies Pat yourself on the back if your Bougainvillea has more colourful bracts than foliage because then you know it’s in the perfect spot and you’re doing the right thing. This plant’s brightly coloured bracts that surround three small, inconspicuous flowers provide an abundance of colour from early summer into autumn. And the hotter the plant gets, the more it shows off and the brighter the bracts will be. Bougainvilleas are available in a wide range of colours, including white, pink, purple, orange and cherry-red. Some cultivars have single bracts, while others bear double bracts or variegated foliage. Bougainvilleas are robust growers and can get very big. Trained as a climber, it will quickly…

A small knife and sharp kitchen scissors come in handy when preparing these tiny fish. Cut off the head. Using the scissors, cut the fish open from top to tail and remove the innards. I use my fingers to pull the backbone off from the head towards the tail. Cut off the backbone just above the tail fin with kitchen scissors and discard. Crumbed half-shell mussels are just as tasty. Use the same ingredients as for the sardine stacks, but with equal quantities of butter and crumbs (125ml each). Place all the ingredients for the crumb mixture in a food processor and pulse until almost smooth. Coat 12 steamed half-shell mussels carefully with the crumbed butter and grill under a preheated element in the oven for about 5 minutes or…

Ooh la la! Bobo’s Brasserie in Mouille Point, Cape Town has an eclectic interior that combines lush floral wallpaper and deep-buttoned leather banquettes with an avant-garde lounge lined with bookshelves, velvet upholstery and Mediterranean-style tiles. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a sea view with a cocktail in hand or sip French champagne and dine in style on classic French bistro favourites, with a twist of course. Visit bobosbrasserie.co.za. FREEZE! If you love seafood but can’t always buy fresh, check out Woolworths’ convenient and tasty frozen fish. Try the Norwegian salmon portions, everyday staples like fish fingers and lightly dusted hake, or the deboned and individually wrapped trout portions. The hake, kingklip and Cape whiting are all responsibly wild-caught, preserving ocean stocks for the future.Visit woolworths.co.za. DRAW THE LINE Gonk…

Kitchen confidential Hayley van der Ahee of Middelburg writes It’s been 12 years since we moved into our home with just a bed, a couch and a few pots. We had our two darling kids in this space, and eventually I decided it was time to save up for my dream stove, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, etc. I purchased them and then they sat in my study while we tried to work out where to fit them in... Not so easy! That’s when we got our trusted friend in Middelburg to create space to accommodate my new appliances. Here are a few of the other changes we made... I changed the colour scheme to ink-black and a green that blends with my indoor plants as I felt the old turquoise-green kept…

31 December: Visit the Bethesda Arts Centre in Nieu-Bethesda for a joyful festival of lights to ring in the New Year. Make your own lantern at the centre or purchase a ticket and get one when you arrive. Tickets cost R180 per adult and R90 per child and include your lantern, food and drinks, as well as performances; call 049 841 1731 to buy yours. 31 December: Celebrate in style at Spier’s New Year’s Eve Dinner in Stellenbosch. Indulge in a delicious farm-to-table feast while the kids enjoy their own buffet and supervised entertainment. You can also look forward to a live performance by the Rockets. Tickets cost R1 400 per adult and R300 per child. View the menu at spier.co.za and remember to pre-book your seat; call 021 809 1100…

Anette initially suggested that they use sandbags or straw bales for the construction, but they decided against this as the climate extremes would necessitate lots of maintenance. Johan’s engineering expertise and Anette’s research on passive building methods – where you work with nature – stood them in good stead in overcoming all kinds of challenges. “Visitors are always amazed at how mild it is inside the house compared to outside,” says Johan. “It’s ridiculously comfortable,” says Anette. And here’s why: Orientation The house is located on top of a mountain, so it is exposed to extremes. The temperature can drop to below freezing but Anette recalls a time when the mercury climbed to 47°C for five days in a row. With no electricity, air conditioning isn’t an option. “Thanks to…

Investing in property in Europe will not necessarily lead to citizenship and the criteria for citizenship differs from country to country. Residency programmes (also known colloquially as a golden visa) in countries such as Greece, Portugal and Spain do, however, make it possible to live in Europe, and in certain cases to work and study. A South African (with only a South African passport) can buy property in most European countries, says head of Pam Golding International Chris Immelman, with Portugal currently being the most popular. “In Portugal, foreign banks will even grant loans to South Africans – and loans can be secured at a 1.5% interest rate!” The process of buying property in Portugal is quite similar to South Africa, with ownership secured by a title deed. In Greece,…

There’s nothing Nadine Theron likes better than escaping to her own dream world where she can play ‘house-house’ to her heart’s content. “Decorating relaxes me! If my house isn’t neat and pretty, I battle to be productive,” she said excitedly when she was named the winner of Tuis | Home’s Rookie Stylist competition in partnership with MRP Home on Instagram. Nadine and her husband Philip have lived in their house, which was built in the 1930s, for four years. They fell in love with the Oregon pine floors and spacious rooms and slowly but surely got rid of the purple and yellow tiles; the dark blue bathtub, basin and toilet; the vinyl flooring and thick woollen carpets. They also demolished a few walls to improve the flow. Decorating is in…

Brendan Hart of Mayat Hart Architects and Heritage Consultants says the current resurgence of popularity may have something to do with a sense of nostalgia as well as innovation. He explains the background of A-frame building typology: A-frame buildings have been around for thousands of years. They can be found in primitive architecture from Northern Europe and Scandinavia, areas of the South Pacific including New Zealand as well as parts of Asia such as China. Modern A-frame buildings first started to emerge in the late 1930s with early modernist architects experimenting with this unusual building style. It became very popular from the 1950s through to the 1970s. The appeal of A-frame construction is its cost-effectiveness, explains Leanie van Schalkwyk of KMMA Architects: The saving is achieved by the quick assembly…

Wilma Moodie of Johannesburg writes Do you have any New Year’s resolutions when it comes to caring for our beloved furry friends? Dr Michael Ferreira, veterinarian at Tygerberg Animal Hospital (TAH) replies It’s always a good idea to think about the things we can do to improve the lives of our pets – and a new year offers the perfect opportunity to put new plans in place. WEIGHT Many humans aim to lose a bit of weight as a New Year’s resolution, but pets can also benefit from shedding a few kilos. Many pets I see for examinations are overweight or obese. Being overweight leads to increased strain on joints, organs and the cardiovascular system and can even exacerbate allergies. A recent study has found that, on average, overweight pets…

Summer rainfall If conditions are conducive, give your roses a midsummer trim (see above). In the absence of rainfall, water deeply two to three times a week, using grey water if necessary. Renew mulch, but don’t remove dead blooms or trim. Roses that are regularly watered can be fertilised with Vigorosa. Spray with Ludwig’s Insect Spray mixed with Chronos or Rose Protector to control diseases and pests. Winter rainfall Water deeply two to three times a week, using grey water if necessary. Spray with Ludwig’s Insect Spray to control pests. Roses that are well covered with leaves can be trimmed and tidied up if there is water available for irrigation. If water is short, keep grooming to a minimum. Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal coast As with the other two regions, rose…

As part of the planning process, Stevan did extensive research on the estate in the Frans Pienaar Museum in Prince Albert. He discovered that in the 1890s, Mirtehof (when the name was still Myrtle Grove) belonged to Abraham de Vries, whose daughter Helena was in love with poet and author CJ Langenhoven of Oudtshoorn. However, Abraham forced Helena to break off her engagement with the poet because of the “uncertainty” of his future and career. Among others, Stevan came across letters dating from 100 years ago in which Mirtehof was described as a paradise of roses, flowers, fruit trees and, in particular, fig trees. Then came the ostrich era and the garden all but disappeared. “We were unwittingly recreating a piece of history,” says Bets.…

Bougainvillea cultivars that grow into huge shrubs are ideal for large gardens and for hedges, walls and pergolas. Medium-sized growers do well in medium-sized to smaller gardens, while the compact dwarf varieties are perfect for pots and townhouse gardens. Ask your nursery which one will best suit your garden. Here are a few options: For small gardens and pots • Bougainvillea ‘Vera Purple’ (1m) • Bougainvillea ‘Smarty Pants’ (compact growth) • Bougainvillea ‘Fire Opal’ (1m) • Bougainvillea ‘Apple Blossom’ (1m) • Bougainvillea ‘Thai Delight’ (1.5m) • Bougainvillea ‘Rijnstar White’ (1m) For medium-sized gardens • Bougainvillea ‘Rijnstar Pink’ (2m) • Bougainvillea ‘Sundown Orange’ (1.5m) For large gardens • Bougainvillea ‘Killie Campbell’ (5m and taller) • Bougainvillea ‘Coconut Ice’ (± 3m)…

Makes about 32 half-moons • Preparation time: 1 hour • Cooking time: 30 minutes WHITE SAUCE • 25ml butter • 25ml flour • 250ml chicken stock • 2 egg yolks FILLING • 10ml olive oil • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 large chorizo, chopped • 1 red chilli, seeded and chopped • 5ml tomato paste • 15ml chopped flat-leaf parsley • 250g cooked prawn meat, chopped • about 10ml lemon juice DOUGH • 250ml water • pinch of salt • 25ml butter • 250ml flour, sifted TO FINISH • 2 egg whites, whisked • about 300ml fine breadcrumbs for coating • vegetable oil for deep-frying 1 WHITE SAUCE Melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the stock. Put back on the heat and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in the egg yolks; whisk…

ON THE BOX Check out flamboyant home style consultant Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on Laurence of Suburbia (Season 1 starts 27 January on the Home Channel, 176 on DStv). The series sees this iconic designer visit a different suburban neighbourhood in each episode, where he will invite members of the local community to show him their inferior interiors and decorating disasters. One lucky resident, selected by Llewelyn-Bowen, will win a home makeover, incorporating design and architectural influences from their area. The transformation is then revealed to the owners, while being livestreamed to the community for all their neighbours to see.…

We’re smitten with these new colours from local chalk paint supplier Tjhoko Paint! Dori’s Dance is a dreamy dirty-pink, Dani’s Dare is a deep midnight-blue and Da’vid is a beautiful antique white. The paint is available in 250ml, 500ml and 1L pots (from R140) or 28ml sample pots (R40). Visit tjhokopaint.co.za. Fine fabrics Inspired by Holi (a Hindu festival celebrating colour and the arrival of spring), brightly coloured silk saris and roses in full bloom at The Viceroy Gardens in India, these cotton-printed fabrics from St Leger & Viney are a feast for the eyes! Visit stleger.co.za to view the full range. 1 Viceroy’s Garden (R688/m) 2 Grandiflora in Cobalt (R1 240/m) 3 Jaipur in Festival (R849/m) MADE TO LAST Made with the finest wool, cotton and mohair, Coral &…

Bright delight In the indoor-outdoor living space at this Bishopscourt, Cape Town home, interior designer Kim Stephen used furniture and accessories to add colour to an otherwise monochrome palette. These pops of colour add a fun touch and balance the strong architectural elements that Kim describes as “Georgian lines with modern edges”. The centre of attention is a collection of multicoloured dining chairs – Eames replicas that Kim bought at Chair Crazy. Stunning! It’s in the detail A large wall-hung mirror reflects the garden greenery. A sofa puzzle Cheryl Herweg of interior design company Changing Spaces custom made this L-shaped sofa for a client’s home in Blouberg, Cape Town. It’s made up of five individual seats, which can be moved around as needed. Since the walls are neutral, Cheryl decided…

Water, electricity and drainage There is no electricity, water supply or sewerage system. “Fortunately, there’s always a little water in the stream. We have a 1 000L rainwater tank and we’re considering getting another one.” Hot water Johan and Tino built a cheap solar-powered hot water system. “The system is passive: there’s no pump, just a 300m-long black pipe on the roof and a 260L tank. The water in the pipe is heated by the sun. The hot water expands and moves upwards to the tank. The colder water in the tank flows back to the pipe, and so the process is repeated. A float valve closes the inflow off when the tank is full. In summer, the water gets exceedingly hot and even in winter we have lovely hot water…

• Residency in the EU (a golden visa) can be obtained by investing in property in participating countries, with the size of the investment varying from country to country. The amount is €250 000 in Greece, €350 000 in Portugal and €500 000 in Spain. In Greece, a golden visa doesn’t allow you to work in the country or elsewhere in the EU, while a Portuguese golden visa allows you to work, but only in Portugal. Both allow free movement between all Schengen countries. Residency may be subject to renewal and laws could change. There is no guarantee of citizenship. Once you have decided on a country, consult a country specialist to avoid pitfalls. • Citizenship is equivalent to a passport issued by the country in which you have invested.…

• Sample pots of paint (250ml) are inexpensive and perfect for smaller pieces of furniture. • Look at what you have with fresh eyes: a hoop can be turned into a wreath for your front door and a tablecloth makes a striking wall hanging. • Use your best and most hard-wearing items to finish a room to your satisfaction; it’s no good having six beautiful pieces distributed between six different rooms and not making an impact anywhere. • Get rid of furniture that serves no purpose and rather invest in something that works.…

Timeless beauty Monika Bayer of Somerset West writes On page 59 of your August 2016 edition, you featured beautiful proteas dipped in Plaster of Paris. How do I recreate this look? Johan Coetzee of World of Decorative Concrete replies You can create this effect relatively simply with a Stucco Italiano White Dipping Kit. Start by mixing the dipping kit as per the package instructions. Dip the protea (it doesn’t have to be dry) in the mixture and ensure that all areas are covered. Then hang the flower upside down so the mixture can drip off. Avoid hanging it in direct sunlight and take care not to leave finger marks on wet areas. Allow the protea to dry completely before dipping a second time – this will only be necessary if…

Q: What colour paint was used in the en suite on page 48 of your November 2019 issue? – Bronwyn Menne, Midstream, Gauteng A: The homeowner used Midas Earthcote’s Windswept in the colour Ja Boetie Johan and added extra white paint until it was a much softer grey. Q: Where can I find kataifi pastry to make the recipe on page 112 of your September 2019 issue? – Susan Hobson, Port Elizabeth A: We bought it from the Vineyard Deli in Kenridge, Cape Town (vineyarddeli.co.za) but Mediterranean Delicacies (bmfoods.co.za) also produces kataifi and it’s available in most supermarkets. Q: I love the rug on page 24 of the September 2019 issue; where can I buy it? – Anneli van Jaarsveld, Wellington A: The rug is from MRP Home (mrphome.com); you…

What a catch! Rambo doesn’t miss a single ball at Dias Beach in Mossel Bay. – Carla Erasmus, Alberton On the bench Asjas and Bessie captured in the moment by family member Ryno Fourie on the beach close to Gouritsmond. – Verona Claassen, Oudtshoorn A sandy snack Bailey, a Wheaten Scottish Terrier, enjoys a ‘sea lolly’ in Strand. – Chelsea Snyman, Durbanville Diggin’ it Having a blast in Yzerfontein is the highlight of Kingston’s holiday. – Lorette Slabber, Paarl Let’s go! Rocky lives for weekends in Yzerfontein on the West Coast. – Anél la Grange, Paarl Hot product The EazyDog Doggy Flotation Device (R550–R1 100, shingavet.co.za) boasts unique Ultra-Buoyancy Foam which is strategically positioned around the vest to keep your dog in a natural swimming position at all times. It…

Gardening for the new decade Gardening trends for 2020 see a continuation from previous years, reconnecting and strengthening our bond with nature, creating habitats for wildlife, and regenerating the soil. Circular economy, a major trend for 2020, refers to minimising waste and making the most of resources by re-using, reducing and recycling. How can you incorporate the circular economy in your home environment? Follow these tips: • Reduce the need for air-conditioning by planting deciduous trees to provide a shade canopy for buildings in summer, and to allow the sunlight in during winter. • Re-use household water from baths, showers, hand basins and washing machines that use biodegradable soap that is phosphate- and boron-free by installing a grey-water system to irrigate gardens. • Reduce landfills by making compost with garden waste…

New in nurseries Tropical beauties Canna ‘Cannova’ is a fast-growing but compact canna that is not invasive. It thrives in heat and humidity and is a low-maintenance plant for tropical landscapes and large mixed containers. Plants do best with full sun and moist soil but once established can withstand heat and drought. They are early flowering and repeatedly produce new blooms from summer to autumn. Canna ‘Cannova’ can be used as an accent plant, in a border, as a low hedge or for a mass planting. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za STOCKISTS Builders 0860 284 533, builders.co.za Gardena 010 591 3988, gardena.com/za/ Hadeco 010 140 1300, hadeco.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Patio Warehouse 087 825 1120, patiowarehouse.co.za…

Smoked salmon paté This deluxe starter is ready in a flash. I buy frozen smoked salmon offcuts at my supermarket – they’re much more economical than the ribbons and just as delicious. Serves 4 as a starter • Preparation time: 5 minutes • 200g smoked salmon or trout, finely chopped • juice and zest of 1 small lemon • 30ml small capers • ½ small onion or shallot, very finely chopped • 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill or fennel leaves • 230ml (1 tub) medium-fat cream cheese • pinch of salt and white pepper Season the fish with the lemon juice and zest, then mix with the capers, onion, herbs and cream cheese, and season to taste with salt and white pepper. Spoon into a pretty bowl and serve with fresh bread, bruschetta or Melba toast. Laksa noodles For…

Beef noodles with oyster sauce Under R140 • Serves 4 • Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes • 750g tenderised steak • 1 small egg white, whisked • 30ml Maizena • 60ml oil • 200g mushrooms, chopped • 12 green beans, cut into 2cm pieces • 1 clove garlic, chopped • 1 red chilli, chopped • 1 knob fresh ginger, chopped • about 45ml oyster sauce • 400g egg noodles, cooked • 1 bunch spring onions 1 Cut the meat into 1cm-wide strips. Beat the egg white and Maizena together and mix with the meat. Season well with salt and pepper. 2 Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan and fry the beef over high heat until golden-brown. Remove and then fry the mushrooms and beans in the same pan until cooked. Add the garlic, chilli and ginger and stir-fry…

Going to a church is one of the first things you find yourself doing when you’re on holiday in Europe. After all, one goes to Europe for its history and culture. So, in Rome you head straight to the Vatican. With its more than 70 000 works of art, it’s the sacred heart of Christianity and the cradle of European history. In Paris, you obviously go to the Notre Dame – burnt down or not. In Barcelona it’s the Sagrada Familia and in Cologne, Germany it’s the Köllner Dom. And so you hop from church to church throughout Europe. You and millions of others. Tens of millions (five million per year in the Sistine Chapel alone). Yet the churches are standing empty. On an average Sunday, you’ll be lucky to…