With Heritage Day fast approaching on the 24^th September, millions of South Africans will most probably commemorating this day around a braai. But there’s much more to this culturally-significant day than just braai vleis and beer; it’s also rooted firmly in the history and traditions of KZN.

Even though it’s a firm favourite amongst many of us South Africans, General Manager of Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, Sean Granger, states that the one meat that many get wrong cooking is chicken, as its either over or under cooked.

Granny Mouse has some tips on making your chicken a hot favourite on braai day, and beyond.

1. SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN

Make sure you cook the chicken slow and steady over medium coals for about 30-40 minutes. If your coals are too hot, they will just burn the outside of the bird before the inside is cooked through. Start by holding the palm of your right hand above the grid for 5 seconds. If you can manage that safely, it’s time to get cooking. If you have sufficient space on the grid, keep the main fire going on one side of the braai so that you can top up the coals as you braai.

2. CHICKEN PORTIONS 

Make sure the chicken is at room temperature to ensure even cooking. If the inside is still ice-cold, the outside will be done while the inside stays raw.

If marinating, make sure this is done overnight. Brush off excess marinade before braaiing so that the skin can crisp up nicely. Don’t cut slits into the meat to “speed up” cooking. This will just dry it out. Use tongs to turn portions – a fork pierces the skin and dries out the meat, or enclose portions in a braai grid for easy turning.

3. CHICKEN WINGS

These are quick-cooking – perfect for grilling over high heat, which ensures the crispiest skin. You can braai these first while waiting for the heat of the coals to die down to cook the larger cuts of chicken. If you can hold your hand above the grid for no more than 2-3 seconds, the coals are ready.

4. CHICKEN FILLETS

As chicken fillets are thicker on one side than the other, they should always be flattened to ensure even cooking on the braai. These are great in burgers or salads. This cut doesn’t have moisture from skin or bones, so be sure to cook over a high heat so the fillet does not dry out.

Recipe below from the culinary team at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa

Garlic and Herb Braai Chicken Wings

 Ingredients

• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 5 cloves garlic, smashed
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning, dried
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, zested (no juice, zest only)
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 kg chicken wings, party style
• Minced parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl and whisk together.
2. Add the chicken wings and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl or transfer the wings and marinade to a large ziplock bag and chill for at least four hours, or overnight.
3. Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and pat lightly. Medium heat and lay the wings in a single layer on the grid.
4. Close the braai and cook for 15 – 20 mins, turning occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium/low midway through cooking.
5. Serve garnished with minced parsley, if desired.

In the dynamic landscape of today’s business world, fostering team cohesion, knowledge sharing, and innovation has become more critical than ever. Enter the often underutilized yet immensely impactful strategy; hosting a conference for your work team. Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is no stranger to hosting conferences, large or small. And given their accommodation options, they are one of the more popular destinations when it comes to getting the team out of the office. We recently asked General Manager, Sean Granger, for his top 5 reasons why companies should take the time out to regroup and strategise.

This powerful approach can yield a multitude of benefits that ripple across the organization, enhancing collaboration, employee engagement, and overall success.

1. Knowledge Exchange: Conferences provide a platform for team members to exchange insights, experiences, and expertise with peers from various departments and even external partners. The exposure to diverse perspectives ignites fresh thinking and innovative solutions to challenges. This sort of activity allows the company to foster a learning culture, and this leads to a more adaptable and resilient workforce.
2. Innovative Thinking: Granger commented that often when conference goers arrive, they are frazzled, and this is often a result of being so wrapped up in their work, that they have no time to disconnect and think clearly. Stepping out of the office space stimulates fresh ideas and perspectives, as people are placed in a more relaxing environment, where less distractions are present.
3. Skills Enrichment: Conferences often feature expert speakers and workshops that help team members enhance their skills and stay updated on industry trends. And with the ever-changing landscapes of most industries, this is critical to staying ahead.
4. Motivation Amplification: Conferences inject a dose of inspiration and motivation into team members. Engaging keynotes and success stories serve as reminders of the big picture, reigniting passion for the company’s mission, and may reenergise teams that were feeling a little flat.
5. Downtime: Breaking free from the confines of daily routines is not just a work problem, it’s often a home life problem too. For working parents, the juggle is real, and sometimes just having a night off, if you’re planning that for your team, is just what some workers really need. A night of adult company, food they did not have to prepare, and a good night’s rest.

Hosting a conference for your work team is a strategic investment that pays dividends in terms of innovation, collaboration, and employee growth. And hosting it at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is idyllic. From decadent dining to tastings or spa treatments, your team will feel pampered, energised and ready to tackle whatever comes next.