Danté de Malvilliers Pudding

Baking, Cake, Dessert, Survivor South Africa, Survivor South Africa: Island of Secrets, Sweets, TV Recap

Previously on Survivor South Africa Mmaba was feeling all alone after Mike blindsided her when voting out their closest ally Mike. Feeling in the mood for a little blindside action herself, Seipei suggested that she and Rob will need to think about turning on Nicole and Steffi sooner rather than later. Cobus and Nicole were sent to the Island of Secrets to battle for one immunity, with Cobus taking it out while the remaining nine were split into groups to compete for triple immunity, with Dante, Mike and Jacques taking out the others. While Dante pushed to get Rob out at the upcoming tribal council, the rest of the tribe had other ideas, targeting Seipei for dominating the tribe. Mike told Dante about the plan, pissing off the zaddy, before ultimately Queen Seipei was blindsided.

Back at camp Jacques was feeling nervous about his place in the tribe after being left out of the Seipei blindside with Cobus. While he wasn’t nervous, Dante was annoyed that all the weaklings he tried to help didn’t take him up on the offer to help them vote out of Rob. He continued to be a ball of rage, cussing out Mmaba and Durao for not voting for Rob, vowing to join the majority to instead get rid of them. On the other side of camp Rob was running damage control with Cobus and Jacques who both assured Rob that they were thrilled at the outcome and only annoyed about the fact that they were left out of the loop. Nicole and Steffi joined the group to fill them in on Dante’s growing meltdown, with them all promising to fight like hell to make sure the angry zaddy doesn’t win immunity.

The next day we went straight to Nico for this week’s reward challenge where the tribe would face off in eliminations, first releasing a cylinder from a rope, the next digging out a further 12 cylinders from a sandpit and the final stage to carry another collection of cylinders on a tray over a balance beam and use them to complete a puzzle. It was for a huge overnight Samoan feast, so everyone was pumped to battle it out. Cobus and Dante were neck and neck, with Cobus first through to the next round, followed by an out of nowhere Steffi, Dante – who has a split in his speedos – Nicole, Jacques and Rob. Dante was the first through to the final round, followed by Rob and Jacques, just ahead of Cobus. Dante got out to an early lead, giving him a headstart on the puzzle while Jacques started to close the gap. Rob eventually made it to the puzzle while Dante struggled to pull the incorrect cylinder out of the puzzle, just snatching victory while Jacques breathed down his neck. Nico then gave him a chance to share it with two people, selecting Laetitia and Mike. Nico then offered him one more which he handed to Mmaba before opting to send Durao to the Island of Secrets.

At the Island of Secrets Durao was offered the chance to give up his vote for a cheat code at the upcoming immunity challenge, which he readily took even though his alliance desperately need his vote. He opened the cheat sheet to discover that the code of fuck-off long and tragically, the poor thing was played. Meanwhile at reward Dante was thrilled to take some time out of camp, breaking down about finally feeling present in the moment without fear. Laetitia felt so lucky to have experienced the culture, and that was before they all sat down to annihilate the food. Dante was starting to relish sharing the reward with people – despite his initial hesitations – hoping that it will make them think twice about booting him. Finally we checked back in with the camp where they were all assuring themselves that they won’t taken on reward because he is threatened by that strength, none more so than Rob, who was struggling to continually get beaten by Dante. Thankfully Rob is killing the social game, using the smaller numbers at camp to lock in Cobus’ loyalty, which he can sense is slipping away.

Back at the Island of Secrets Durao realised that he won’t be able to see the cheat sheet without light, just as the sun went down leaving him to desperately cramming in the fading light. We returned to the reward where the group were trying to come together, identifying Jacques and Cobus as the most dangerous people left in the game. Dante assured them that he is in and all he is asking for is loyalty in the upcoming vote. They decided to make Jacques feel so nervous ahead of tribal council that he burns his idol, while they all vote out Cobus instead. They then discovered their bed and mosquito net and honestly, their pure joy was heartwarming.

The next day the losers at camp were gorging on a huge feast of rice and bananas with nobody around to stop them, hopeful it will be enough to beat Dante at the upcoming immunity challenge and get rid of him. The victors briefly returned to camp before heading out to meet Nico for this week’s immunity challenge where they were reunited with Durao who was nervous about losing given his huge advantage. Nico then explained that the challenge would see Nico showing a series of images, with the castaways then required to show the combination – which Durao studied – in order. Rob was the first person eliminated in the very first round, joined by Mike, Steffi and Laetitia in the latter stages of the round. Round two claimed Dante, Cobus and Mmaba in quick succession followed by Jacques and Nicole, handing Durao immunity and proving that study always pays off.

Back at camp the tribe congratulated victory on his win, unaware that they could have potentially screwed their plans by losing his vote. Dante was feeling very uneasy about his place in the tribe, hoping that what they discussed at reward will come to fruition. Durao approached Mmaba who told him that Cobus is their new target and that they’re going to attempt to make Jacques nervous enough to get rid of his idol. Cobus, Mike and Rob got together to discuss splitting the vote between Dante and Mmaba, before Mike approached Rob, Nicole and Laetitia to talk about needing Jacques to burn his idol ASAP. Rob then caught up with Durao, who filled him in on the no vote predicament, before pulling in Mike to lock in the vote for Dante and Jacques. 

Rob and Steffi caught up to confirm the Jacques back-up vote, while Mike approached Mmaba and Durao to catch them up to speed. Mmaba however was feeling loyal to Dante, worried about turning on him too soon. She then approached Steffi, Nicole and Cobus – in a tiny red speedo, swoon – to see whether she could find a crack and save Dante, who was busy sleeping in a hammock nearby. While it seemed like a bad idea, the fact that Dante was so relaxed was starting to make everyone nervous, unsure if that means that he has an idol. Mike used this uncertainty to make Jacques nervous, hopeful it is enough to get him to burn it. Though he is vowing to hold strong, knowing that even if he plays it, it only saves him one extra tribal.

At tribal council Dante and Jacques acknowledged that they’re the ones in trouble at tribal council, with Dante knowing his is a target because he isn’t willing to be someone’s lap dogs who are the ones that continually survive tribal council. Cobus countered that it is only because he doesn’t have the relationships, and not having an alliance is why he is leaving. Jacques jumped in to point out Rob and Steffi were starving, which makes them less of a threat than say, Dante, who had won every reward since the merge. Nicole and Dante acknowledged the fluid nature of alliances, though the latter lamented that unless the people on the bottom join together with him, they are destined to follow him out the door. Cobus got annoyed that Dante was questioning him feeling great about his place in the tribe, Rob pointed out that tribal will be easy while they still have a common enemy … named Zadante. Nico then queried who the target will be once Dante goes, making Rob nervous and quickly pointing out that they can’t think too far ahead. 

Steffi reminded everyone to stick with their alliances before going on a weird speech about half truths, which sadly worked by making Jacques nervous. They then spoke in rumours, pissing Nico off before Steffi acknowledged that she is annoyed that her alleged idol hasn’t told her about it. Dante got angry, pointing out that it is a hidden immunity idol and she needs to get over it, while Jacques said that if she gives him half-truths, why can’t he give the same. Essentially. Nicole said that her vote is based on what is easiest for her going forward and Rob was sticking with the numbers while Cobus sassily whispered to Jacques like the icon he is. With that, the tribe voted and tragically Zadante’s run came to an end … just before the lining broke in his hole riddled speedos.

Needless to say, I was heartbroken to see Dante walk into Ponderosa and started screaming uncontrollably until he pulled me in for a tight hug until I calm down. Three hours longer than I actually needed, I told him I was ready to talk about his loss and try and bring him some comfort. I told him to go get changed into something comfortable – leaving his dirty clothes aside for me to launder – as I whipped up a duo of Danté de Malvilliers Puddings.

While malva pudding is relatively simple to make, it sure packs a delicious punch. A light, delicate sponge covered in thick, sticky caramel, it is the perfect thing to celebrate my love Dante. Particularly if I need to wipe some sauce off his beautiful chest.

Enjoy!

Danté de Malvilliers Pudding
Serves: 2 lovebirds, or 4 regular folks.

Ingredients
125g butter, plus 2 tbsp
2 ¼ cup raw caster sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp apricot jam
1 tsp bicarb soda
½ cup milk
1 cup plain flour
1 tbsp vinegar
¾ cup cream
1 tbsp vanilla essence

Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Cream two tablespoons of butter with ½ a cup of raw caster sugar until pale and combined. Add the egg and jam and beat until fluffy and well combined.

Dissolve the bicarb in the milk and add to the creamed butter, alternating with flour until well combined. Add the vinegar and beat for a further minute.

Transfer the batter to a round baking dish, cover with foil and place in the oven to bake for an hour.

While the pudding is cooking, combine the remaining butter and sugar in a saucepan with ¼ cup of water and bring to the boil. Simmer for two minutes before adding the cream and vanilla. Cook for a further couple of minutes before removing from the heat.

Once the pudding is done, serve immediately, generously drizzled is the sauce.


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Sosatie-Anne van Renen

Main, Party Food, Survivor South Africa, Survivor South Africa: Island of Secrets, Tapas, TV Recap

Previously on Survivor South Africa wait, no, I’ve only dreamt about being alone in a tropical fantasy with Nico. We haven’t done this before. Deep in the South Pacific, Nico was was looking bae as he was about to dump 21 new castaways on the islands of Samoa. First up we met the Sa’ula tribe’s Nathan who was also a total babe and who was totally keen to play into his banging looks and pretend to be a dumb jock. Which I am here for if he is in on the joke, and preferably, is wearing a legit jock. On the Laumei tribe, typical first boot bait Laetitia was concerned about being an early target due to her age. Congratulations Laetitia, you’re immediately my favourite. Meanwhile the Ta’alo tribe was home to Jacques the superfan, who had a man bun but did not appear to be a total douche, making me wonder, maybe I actually can pull off a man bun if I can commit beyond the Rizzo phase my hair will go through?

Jacques’ tribemate Felix wasn’t feeling confident in their collective physicality and was concerned about their challenge prowess, despite them having a guy who’s guns and thighs were so built I would happily suffocate under them. Sorry, this is too much … but damn they have cast some banging men. On the flipside Geoffrey could see that the cast was stacked, but hoped to be able to navigate through them all given they look like the have throbbing … egos. Beauty Queen Nicole was clean to shed off the shine and get dirty, while Lee-Anne was confident her pageant past will help out her social game, Mike was interested to see just how rugged he will become, Steffi looked forward to winning and Rob was fearful about his passion to trust way too easily.

Oh and did I mention there is now an Island of Secrets which sounds like Ghost Island and New Zealand’s The Outpost had a child?

Finally the tribes arrived on shore to meet Nico where Ting Ting immediately won my heart by putting everyone into their stereotypical boxes of hotties and notties. Rob was feeling confident in Sa’ula’s prospects given they’re all built, which immediately makes me fear for their chances while Cobus was confident he will be able to dominate his tribe despite diplomatically saying how much he loves them all on site. Durao was happy to be on a tribe with the hulk, aka Rocco who was concerned that given he is so built he will be targeted as soon as the merge hits. And Laetitia was channelling Lisa, thrilled to tick off an item on the bucket list and with a full heart for the people sharing the mat with her. She is an icon and I stan her. Paul too was thrilled to be on a tribe with buff dudes, though was concerned that his age might put his on the outside straight away.

Not wasting any time, Nico asked each tribe to select a leader prior to the first reward challenge, with Paul, Rocco and Cobus immediately identified. Being a messy bitch, Nico then asked the three thrown under the bus upon taking the leadership mantle to identify their tribe’s weakest member with Paul giving Sa’ula’s title to Seipei, Rocco branding Laumei’s as Laetitia – because she’ll take the least offence – and Cobus giving the mantle to Jacques on Ta’alo. Nico then complicated things further by sending the leaders off to the Island of Secrets for the first day, while the weakest members were given the hero roll in the reward challenge, guiding their blindfolded tribemates to a bounty of supplies.

Given that he isn’t an idiot, Jacques noticed that there was a single item at the end of the course and realised it must be an advantage so sent Felix and Ting Ting to fetch it for him while everyone else focused on supplies. Given everyone is winners and losers, I will just focus on the fact that their weren’t really enough crotch smacks on the obstacles.

We quickly checked in with the zaddies of the Island of Secrets where they discovered a note which informed them to find a coloured station for each tribe offering them with a choice between flint or a clue to the hidden immunity idol back at camp. Rocco opted for the flint, while Cobus and Paul decided it was more important to focus on their own safety and went for the clue. Wait, no, Paul planned to find a tribe idol which you know is going to end terribly. After Paul stripped down, Rocco searched through his pants to read the clue giving him both rewards and damn, I love him.

Over at Ta’alo Ting Ting was thrilled to be playing the game, while Jacques wanted to do introductions. Tania though had no interest, desperate to get some water instead. We also but a name to the fine face that is Dante, who loves the ocean as much as I love the site of him. Meanwhile back at the well Tania was fast becoming my favourite, berating Jacques for getting married before 30 and then awkwardly hung around as Meryl casually dropped the fact she got married at 22. Oh and she is a proud rock climber slash stoner, and is the self-appointed strongest woman in the game. And yes, she is my favourite. Jacques quickly disappeared to learn that his advantage turned out to an extra vote that was only valid for the first tribal council after the merge.

We dropped by Sa’ula where they were all introducing themselves and Seipei was proving to be the icon of the tribe, explaining the pronunciation of her name as see it, you pay for it. Sadly her confidence was starting to wear on her tribemates as she directed them in building their shelter. While she and Lee-Anne were lugging supplies around, Nathan, Rob, Nicole and Steffi used the opportunity to form a tight alliance. We then learnt that Lea-Anne and Nicole had prior beef with each other as Nicole beat Lee-Anne in the Mrs South Africa pageant two years ago, and that she was out for blood now that she is the current reigning. Nicole wasn’t feeling as badly though, given that she was a winner. Oh and Steffi too is a beauty queen too. Lee-Anne and Seipei watched the four bond and despite the fact it should worry her, Lee-Anne wasn’t concerned about their obvious closeness on day one.

Finally we ventured over to Laumei where the tribe appeared to be getting on quite well, celebrating their wins and laughing about the absurdity of camp life. Geoffrey and Laetitia went to get water for the tribe, with the iconic Laetitia quickly checking for an idol without him noticing.

Back at Ta’alo Tania proved to be South Africa’s Debbie, working on fire and quickly annoying Felix, Ting Ting and Jacques giving that she doesn’t actually deliver on her promises. That night she continued to list an elaborate resume and background, including a bank-robber father. The next day Tania was confident about her mature brain, pulling the girls in to form an alliance as she has no interest in vote out women as she needs to further womankind. lInstantly Tania reneged on that deal, pulling Ting Ting aside to point out Meryl as their weakest and potentially icing her out and going with the strong boys that Tania is confident will want to align with her. Which obviously made Ting Ting nervous as you literally can’t predict what she will do. Before we could learn anything further, Cobus arrived to the delight of his tribe – until they discovered he didn’t come bearing a flint – as he covered the fact he took an advantage. Sensing a psychic link, Tania pulled Cobus aside to assure him that they will be allies if he can pull in Dante. And giving Dante is wearing speedos, I really need to pull … well, you know. Despite Tania’s intensity being a boner killer for Cobus and Dante. But those read jocks? No boners killed here.

Paul returned to Sa’ula and immediately shared the clue for the hidden immunity idol and suggested it be used to further their tribe when needed. Which Seipei loved, given it shows he isn’t the most cut-throat competitor. Rob, Nicole and Nathan pulled Paul aside to assure him that he is part of their alliance with Steffi. The tribe were busy hunting for the idol, with Lee-Anne feeling insecure as Nicole ultimately snatched the idol. The alliance of four and Paul were thrilled to have discovered the idol, however were annoyed that Lee-Anne was around and they couldn’t keep it a secret. They then handed it over to Paul for safe keeping, which is quite possibly the worst decision. But whatevs.

Rocco arrived at the Laumei tribe and immediately threw Cobus and Paul under the bus, pulling out his rock-hard flint and letting everyone know that the others selected a clue to the hidden immunity idol. Rocco continued to be swoon worthy, saying he loves Laetitia because that is his mum’s name and then asked everyone what they’d like him to help out with. He then followed Mike and Durao to collect supplies and float the idea of an all male alliance before sharing the  clue to the hidden immunity idol with him, which immediately makes me question him. Just like Mike, who knows all male alliances suck. Rocco then approached Geoffrey who was more keen on an alliance, not caring who the other members are as long as they’re in the majority. Mike and Geoffrey then caught up in the ocean, with Mike airing his concerns about aligning with Rocco since her wants a four with Rose, Mmaba and Geoffrey given it has the potential to be more stable. Sadly Geoffrey feels left right out in Mike’s alliance and would prefer to be with Rocco, which TBH is totally my vibe too.

Nico finally returned for the first immunity challenge of the season where the tribes would start by disassembling a puzzle on a pontoon in the ocean and bringing the pieces to shore over obstacles, including a fuck-off-tall a-frame, before solving the puzzle on the beach. More importantly Dante was wearing speedos, so he is currently my favourite. Laumei got out to an early lead, with Ta’alo close behind while the physically stacked Sa’ula bringing up the rear. Ta’alo arrived to build the puzzle well ahead of the other tribes, while poor Laetitia struggled to cross the balance beam, sending Laumei into last place. Eventually all three tribes arrived at the puzzle stations, while Nathan appeared to have injured his ankle. The puzzle proved extremely difficult, as the tribes continued to work for over an hour and a half before Ta’alo finally put us out of our misery and took out the first immunity before Durao secured the second one for Laumei, sending the stacked Sa’ula to the first tribal council of the season.

Rob carried an injured Nathan back into camp, assuring him that he is not going to be targeted and he is still not the weakest person on the tribe. The tribe then handed off the idol to Nathan as a sign of good faith, filling Seipei with dread given she and Lee-Anne are clearly on the outs. She approached Nathan to assure him that she wants to stay in the game and will do what it takes. Steffi and Lee-Anne caught up by the well, with the latter throwing Seipei under the bus and suggesting Nathan as an option because of his injury. Lee-Anne then mentioned that she wanted to go to the final three with Steffi and Nicole given their shared pageant history, though Steffi questioned her as to why it took her until day three to actually talk to her and damn, Steffi is good. Real good. We then learnt that Paul was doing some teenager cosplay as he caught up with Nicole and Rob to debate the merits of keeping Lee-Anne or Seipei, with Nicole scared that she can’t trust her. Lee-Anne approached them to explain why she hasn’t spoken to them, as she was busy babysitting Seipei the first few days. Steffi broke things up and pulled Nicole, Rob and Paul to talk to Seipei about why they should target Lee-Anne rather than balls terrible attempt at modern streetwear. While Steffi didn’t like Seipei’s bossy, chatty approach, Nicole still wasn’t sure whether she could trust Lee-Anne. Lee-Anne was laying it on thick, breaking down talking about how much she looks up to her and that she will be loyal to the end. Which Nicole agreed with, neglecting to mention the ‘loyal to the end’ part.

At tribal council Nicole was quick to point out how much the bonds are already meaning to her, while Steffi pointed out that Lee-Anne has been struggling to bond with people which made her feel nervous. Lee-Anne sold it as adapting to her current situation, while Steffi, Rob and Nathan started whispering to each other about turning on Lee-Anne as she spoke about her struggles. Nico called out Nathan, who defended himself by saying it is just such a difficult decision. The whispering continued as Seipei spoke about the importance of diversifying their options, Rob admitted to being confused about the vote given everything has changed by the whispering.

Lee-Anne wanted to know what she did wrong, Steffi felt everyone needs to fight for their life at tribal and stay strong to avoid coming back, Nicole and Nathan admitted to being confused about the vote ahead before Nico opened the floor for everyone to discuss who to take out. Steffi laughed as no one spoke up, Seipei pointed out that she wanted to have these discussions back at camp before Nathan assured everyone that his vote hasn’t changed. Lee-Anne tried to convince everyone that she should stay as she lifts everyone up and wants to get to know everyone before Rob cut her off and just requested to vote. And vote they did. For Lee-Anne, who was heartbroken to find herself becoming the first boot.

While Lee-Anne was gutted to become the first boot, she was thrilled to hold the distinction of being the first South African castaway to join the party that is this here patch of cyberspace. Conveniently she is also a dear friend of mine, after we met on the pageant circuit. She hired me to coach her after her first Mrs. South Africa competition and under my tutelage, she finally snagged the crown. In no small part thanks to a diet of solely Sosatie-Anne van Renen.

 

 

Did I mention that this season is full of South African delicacies? Well it is. And thanks to this sweet number, I am well on my way to becoming a fan of the cuisine. Rich, tasty lamb, sweet apricots and a kick of spice are the perfect way to welcome Survivor SA to the fam.

Enjoy!

 

 

Sosatie-Anne van Renen
Serves: 6.

Ingredients
1 cup apricot jam
¼ cup champagne vinegar
1 lime, juiced and zested with extra wedges to serve
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
2 tsp ground coriander
4 whole cloves
1 tsp ground chilli
½ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground cumin
salt and pepper, to taste
1kg lamb, cut into 2.5cm cubes
24 dried apricots
2 red onions, cut into thin wedges
mint sprigs, to serve

Method
Combine the jam, vinegar, lime zest and juice, garlic, ginger, coriander, cloves, chilli, allspice, cumin and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Toss through the lamb and transfer to the fridge to marinate for 3 hours.

Preheat oven to 180C.

Once almost ready to assemble, place the apricots in boiling water to plump up for half an hour and then drain completely.

Now to assemble, thread the lamb on a skewer, followed by apricots and onions, alternating until the skewer is full. Transfer to a lined baking sheet and repeat the process until done. Place the skewers in the oven and bake for half an hour, brushing with marinade every five minutes or so, and cook until golden and glorious.

Devour with a good squeeze of lime and some mint leaves.

 

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