For cookbook author and hostess-with-the-mostest Jan Kohler, celebrations are synonymous with food. “We associate certain dishes with holidays that we celebrate, and the food becomes a tradition that our families look forward to every year. We turn to them because they are familiar, comforting and, actually, downright delicious,” says the author of Pink Gin and Fairy Cakes and its successor Celebrations.

Kohler creates recipes specifically for novice cooks, busy individuals, and parents juggling multiple responsibilities. She emphasizes using local ingredients and preparing simple dishes that please a crowd, making them perfect for festive occasions.

Meet Jan Kohler: A Culinary Journey

We asked Jan a few questions as she shares some of her favourite festive holiday recipes:

Who were your food idols or mentors?

“It was only when I moved out of home that I discovered chefs who were cooking on TV, like Food Network, and started to get my hands on the books of celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson. Nigella was definitely my food idol, and I became a domestic goddess “wannabe”! Jamie made cooking accessible and simple, which has always inspired me.”

What inspired your recipe books?

“My love for entertaining set me on this journey. Friends and family were constantly eager to know my recipes, and one day a friend suggested I just compile them into a book. That idea led to my first book, Pink Gin and Fairy Cakes, which focuses on family-friendly cooking.”

What are some festive recipes you recommend?

Kohler shares three of her favourite festive season recipes:

1. Champagne Float

Requires overnight freezing

A refreshing champagne cocktail with a twist that will dazzle your guests.

Ingredients:
  • One bottle of champagne or MCC sparkling wine
  • A punnet of raspberries
  • 250g strawberries, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup water
  • 100g castor sugar
  • 500ml pink bubbly
  • The juice of 1 lemon (approximately 60ml)
Method:

Create a sorbet the day before by combining water and sugar in a saucepan. Simmer until dissolved, then cool. Blend with strawberries and add the lemon juice and champagne. Use an ice cream maker to churn, then freeze overnight. To serve, combine a scoop of sorbet with champagne in a glass and garnish with raspberries and mint.

2. Turkish Delight Pavlova

Serves 8 to 10

This stunning dessert is as delightful as it is beautiful.

Ingredients:
  • 5 egg whites
  • 280g castor sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons cornflour
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon rosewater
  • 500ml of whipping cream
  • 250g rosewater Turkish Delight, chopped
  • Icing sugar for dusting
  • Pink rose petals for garnish (optional)
Method:

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gradually add sugar. Fold in the remaining ingredients. Bake for 1-1.5 hours at a low temperature until firm. Cool and then add whipped cream, Turkish Delight, and garnish with rose petals.

3. Rice Krispies Cookie Monsters

Makes 12

A fun, themed treat for any festive gathering that will delight children.

Ingredients:
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 4 cups mini marshmallows
  • 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
  • Blue food colouring
  • White and black fondant icing
Method:

Microwave butter and marshmallows. Stir in Rice Krispies and food colouring. Shape into cookie monsters with fondant eyes. Allow to cool and enjoy with the kids!

Conclusion

Jan Kohler’s recipes embody the spirit of celebration, making them perfect for the upcoming festive season. Gather around the table, enjoy these delightful treats, and create memories that last a lifetime.