It’s that time of the year – when the smells of Christmas foods fill the air, and we tuck in and enjoy some nostalgic traditional meals. Before you go to Food Lover’s Market to stock up, here are the classic items that should be on every South African’s shopping list. Because ‘tis the season for good eating! . To make sure you don’t forget any essentials, we’ve compiled a handy shopping list.
- Quality Street Chocolates: Few things are more nostalgic than this iconic brand. Whether you like the praline triangles or prefer the toffee sticks, everyone has a favourite!
- Butter: If you’re going to bake a storm, you’ll need butter to ensure that your sweet and savoury creations are rich and moreish.
- Bakers Choice Assorted Biscuits: Do you remember a tin of biscuits around the home at Christmas time? No doubt it was Bakers. Can you remember the song, “Who can bake a biscuit?” This season is all about indulgence, which is why you need a box of these festive cookies at home for the family to nibble on.
- Savoury biscuit box: Just as important as the sweet variety, savoury biscuits with cheese, preserves and dips are the perfect snack for the season.
- Cherries: It’s summer which means that cherries are in season in South Africa! This stone fruit is a luxury that many South Africans enjoy over Christmas. South Africa boasts a diverse climate, making it an ideal country for cherry cultivation. The Western Cape, particularly the Elgin Valley, is renowned for producing high-quality cherries, that we can enjoy every Christmas.
- Flour: Another must-have for bakers, flour is a pantry staple that can be used for bread and biscuit baking or even thickening up stews, potjies and the roast lunch must-have gravy!
- Appletiser: Something festive for everyone, especially for the kids’ table. Bring all the bubbles without the booze because this fancy fizzy apple drink can be enjoyed by everyone at the Christmas table!
- Watermelon: Kids and adults ALL love this large sweet summertime fruit, which is cooling, hydrating and refreshing to eat outside on a hot day.
- Jar of beetroot: The perfect side for the season, beetroot slices in brine might turn the food on your plate pink, but the nostalgic flavour makes it worth it!
- Potatoes: The humble potatoes is always enjoyed all year round but it’s a must with festive food. It can be prepared in a number of ways. If you are opting for a cold meat lunch, you’ve got potato salad. If you’re having a more traditional roast, you can’t miss the roast potatoes. Just make sure you make enough because we don’t want any fights over everyone’s favourite Christmas side dish.
- Carrots: Another veggie that is versatile and always featured on holiday menus, carrots can also be roasted, cinnamon’ed and glazed or made into a carrot salad.
- Chakalaka: South Africans love their chakalaka! Bring life and colour to your plate, or to your Boxing Day leftover meat rolls with Chakalaka.
- White rice: no plate is complete without rice because it pairs well with meat and veg, you can make yours plain or add turmeric and raisins to make traditional spicy yellow rice. Don’t forget the gravy!
- Corned Beef: Every family has their favourite meats but salty corned beef is a classic that many South Africans eat and enjoy at the festive tables.
- Mixed Nuts: One of the healthier treats (that also makes a great gift), a selection of salty nuts is a great snack to reach for in between meals.
- Cream: Whether you are in charge of the trifle or are looking for a rich topping to add to your desserts, you’ll need some cream in your fridge. Now, you can’t buy it too early to make sure it’s fresh, but you can’t wait too long, either. Cream is very in demand in December.
- Ultramel Custard: The taste of this local brand is one that everyone knows and loves. It can be added to a festive trifle or lavishly poured over any puddings and jelly. Kids might just want a bowl of custard to enjoy.
- Fruit cake: After a filling meal, people still manage to find room for some fruity and fragrant fruit cake, which is bursting with Christmas flavours, and often with brandy too!
- Cling film: If you’re sending your guests home with food or you want to store your leftovers, use cling film to cover them up to be enjoyed later.
Maybe it’s the first time you’re hosting Christmas in your new home, maybe it’s your baby’s first Christmas and you’ve taken over festive lunch duties from your parent, or perhaps you’ve headed off to university in a big town, and your friends are hosting a friendmas farewell, whatever your reason for needing a list to create memories, Food Lover’s Market is here for you.
Need to stock up on the items on your shopping list? Visit your local Food Lover’s Market to get everything you need to make this festive season a delicious one!
