QUICK AND EASY SNACKS FOR SUMMER GET TOGETHERS

The hot, sunny days are too perfect not to take advantage of. And get-togethers with friends are a must. So, if you’re entertaining, here are a couple of easy and delicious snacks to serve your guests without the hassle of cooking all day.

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Snack board

What you’ll need for the snack board:

• Gouda
• White cheddar
• White Rock cheese with cranberries
• Feta
• Peanut and raisin mix
• Nut mix
• Fruit, such as apples, strawberries and/or grapes
• Provita biscuits
• Crackers

Method:

1. Cube gouda and halve cheddar and feta.
2. Fill a small serving bowl with the peanut-and-raisin mix.
3. Slice fruit like apples and strawberries.
4. Assemble your board by placing the various cheese types around the board.
5. Fill the spaces with the peanut-and-raisin mix, fruit, Provitas and crackers. 
6. Once you’re happy with the layout, sprinkle your nut mix over the board.
7. Serve and enjoy.

Cheese-and-bacon pinwheels

Ingredients:

• Flour
• 1 cup sundried tomato pesto
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup of crispy bacon bits

How to do it: 

1. Roll out pastry on a floured surface.
2. Spread sundried tomato pesto over the surface of the pastry and top with grated cheese and crispy bacon.
3. Roll the pastry into a tight log.
4. Trim the edges and cut into thick wheels.
5. Bake in a 200 °C preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pizza balls

Ingredients:

What you’ll need for the dough:

• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1 cup full-cream yoghurt

What you’ll need for the Margherita pizza filling:

• ½ tbsp tomato paste
• Grated mozzarella
• Baby tomatoes
• Basil pesto

What you’ll need for the boerewors pizza filling:

• ½ tbsp tomato paste
• Grated mozzarella
• Caramelised onions
• Boerewors

What you’ll need for the spinach pizza filling:

• 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
• Grated mozzarella
• Pan-fried onions and mushrooms
• Olives
• Chopped spinach

Method:

1. Mix 2 cups self-raising flour and 1 cup full-cream yoghurt to make a soft dough.
2. Knead for 8–10 minutes on a lightly floured surface.
3. Divide the dough into 6 pieces.
4. Roll out each piece to form a flat disc (about 1/2 cm thick).
5. Spread tomato paste on to the dough and place a little mozzarella on top.
6. Top two dough discs with halved baby tomatoes and basil pesto.
7. Top two dough discs with caramelised onions and boerewors pieces.
8. Top two dough discs with pan-fried onions, mushrooms, olives and chopped spinach.
9. Fold up the sides and gently roll between your hands to form a neat ball.
10. Poach in simmering salted water for 5 minutes.
11. Drain, make a slit on top and place in an air fryer for 10–12 minutes on 180 °C or until browned and cooked through (tap the bottom – if you hear a hollow sound, they are cooked).
12. Immediately brush with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
13. Enjoy hot!

Potato chips

What you’ll need for potato chips:

• 5 Potatoes, thinly sliced
• Vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Herbs and spices of your choice
• Paper towel

For serving: sour cream or a dip of your choice

How to do it:

1. Soak potato slices in water for 30 minutes.
2. Place the potato slices in a bowl and pour a little vegetable oil over.
3. Sprinkle with salt.
4. Add dried herbs and spices of your choice.
5. Place potato slices on a sheet of paper towel on a microwaveable plate and microwave for 8–12 minutes or until crispy.
6. Serve with sour cream or a dip of your choice.

Looking for something to satisfy that sweet tooth? Try this easy-to-make mango ice cream recipe:

Mango ice cream

What you’ll need for the mango ice cream:

• 3 cups chopped mango
• 2 cups cream
• 1 can condensed milk

Method:

1. Blend the chopped mango. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and fold in the condensed milk.
2. Add the mango pulp to the mixture and pour into a loaf tin.
3. Freeze for 4–5 hours. 
4. Enjoy!