All in the same breath, year-end fatigue has a proper choke hold me, but I am still grateful for the numerous opportunities that come up during this period, that ensure we stay busy. It’s 1am right now as I author this. I am up because of a few things, firstly; making some traditional ginger beer, gemere. I’m looking forward to throwing some ice in a tall glass of it in a few days. Then I am also up because I can’t sleep! It is blazing hot!!! And it just seems that this heat wave is the gift that keeps giving. I have literally lost count in the past week, of the number of showers a day everyone takes. The litres of water we each drink a day, the number of outfit changes in a day because you just find yourself sweating profusely all the time.
Please make sure to hydrate like never before and when you do step out, don't stay out in the sun too long. I should check my friend Lebo G gore a ba setse ba tswetse ko golf, it's a hazard in the current climate. Ke a rumulana, but it’s because I miss her so much. The point I was making is, if you need to be outside, make it quick and make it count! We've been making it count over the past week and a bit, by being a part of the Thuto Boswa Rehabilitation Centre Graduation, along with great friends of ours who heeded the call to make the day extra special for the graduates. We are thankful to Legends Barbershop for the graduates’ fresh cuts, as well as Setho Health Solutions who was on standby at the ceremony and also pledged to give the Top 10 performers safety and fire training. Only a week later we found ourselves back in Ram City for the schools Christmas and farewell party, which was such a jump! We couldn't have pulled it off without Hungry Lion, Rhodes Quality and Hinds. Words cannot express the gratitude we have towards individuals and brands that support our efforts towards institutions such as Thuto Boswa. Thank you for choosing to pay it forward.
Another great reason you have to step out quick fast, is for you to dash to the store and purchase any four Hinds or Rhodes canned food Braai, Peso Essentials. The very things needed for a successful Braai, Peso. Our gift from us to you is a chance to win P1, 000 weekly if you submit your Braai plate to our ChellzKitchen Facebook page. All ‘Dezember’! Every week! Now this is a solid reason to brave the elements. Personally I love me some braai Chicken and Pork, along with a side of Chakalaka and canned beans tsa Rhodes. Monna! This three way. Yum! We must, however, be careful not to throw caution to the wind and step into 2025 with December bodies, lol. If you missed the deadline ya December, it's ok. Lets shift the goal posts and keep being mindful of our health and putting in some work. 2024 was a good year.
We lost family and friends along the way, which rocked us to the core, but God is good, let us all keep putting one foot in front of the other with our heads ups high. 2025 is just a couple of days away, let’s embrace it and all it comes with. Thank you for another year The Monitor and our readers! Thank you to Danone who has supported ChellzKitchen from day one. I am definitely looking at discovering new dishes to share with you come January, and Mopako101 we can’t forget, the bundles are still eating and its almost as if it’s more on holiday. I hosted an Aerial Yoga cooking class for some of the ladies in my boxing class, and called it a Tapas class because it’s cute and it's also a setting for healthy, light, colourful food. We made Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzaziki. Greek Chicken Meatballs with Homemade Tzatziki.
Ingredients
Chicken meatballs:
300gm chicken mince 2 tlbs + 2tsp breadcrumbs (panko or regular) 1/2 small finely chopped red onion
1 tsp garlic, minced 1 tbs chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon dried oregano Zest of 1/2 lemon 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 egg, lightly beaten Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki sauce: 1/2 cup Nutriday Plain yoghurt 1/4 cucumber, grated and drained 1/2 tsp garlic, minced 1/2 tbls lemon juice 1/2 Tbls chopped fresh dill (if available in store. I asked Sandra my neighbour with the vegetables section of the store in her garden and she didn’t have, the sun fried everything). 1/2 tbls parsley to substitute the dill we couldn’t get. 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, it's a YES for me, make an effort to find some). Salt and black pepper, to taste 1/2 tablespoon oil
Make the Tzatziki sauce: In a bowl, combine the Nutriday Plain yoghurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, mint (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Prepare the chicken meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, breadcrumbs, chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the beaten egg. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined. Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 2-3cm in diameter. Cook the meatballs: Heat the oil in a large pan and cook over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve: Arrange the meatballs on a platter, and serve with a side of homemade Tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges. These meatballs go great with warm pita bread or a Greek salad!
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Yield: Four servings
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!! From our ChellzKitchen family to you and yours.
