If fine dining is what you’re looking for, then look no further than Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, where a truly magical experience awaits, but you’ll have to be quick off the mark, as seats are limited.

Well-known for uniquely crafted events, the culinary artists at Granny Mouse have added something new and exciting to their offering, with their, “enchanted,” fine dining event. Taking place on Friday, the 29^th September and limited to 22 seats, dinner will be served in the super exclusive glass conservatory at a cost of R1 325 per person.

The enchanting evening, bring together four carefully experimented and perfected dishes, complete with the perfect wine paring for each dish, that will satisfy and delight your tastebuds, and take you on a trip from the sea, through the fields, to ends you destination at the Granny Moue River Walk.

Beginning the gastronomic Granny Mouse night out is the Amouse Bouche Prawn Tail, featuring thyme muffin, dill cream cheese, brut pearls and fresh fennel paired perfectly with Louisvale Brut rose.

The Starter offer you salmon trout, culminating sea and earth, with pea puree, fondant baby potatoes, shitake mushrooms and truffle oil, peaking with Bouchard Finlayson Galphin Peak Pinot Noir.

The mains is a delectable deboned lamb rack with black mushroom dust, root vegetables, onion soubise, roasted pine nuts, fresh pomegranate seeds, mustard and thyme jus and fresh herb garnish with Louisvale The Boris wine to savour it down with.

Dessert doesn’t get better than this, fittingly titled The River Walk at Granny Mouse – a apple cinnamon mousse sphere, caramel gel centre, crisp white chocolate and white chocolate glaze, pistachio sponge, dehydrated apple soil, rum gel, apple sorbet, meringue mushrooms and a rum caramel sauce, coupled with a Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest Reisling ends this ultimate fine dining menu.

Join the culinary team Granny Mouse for an evening of enchanted tastes, and indulge in a new culinary experience with their latest fine dining menu.

To make a booking email banqueting@grannymouse.co.za or call Granny Mouse on 033 234 4071

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.