Woolworths TASTE

Woolworths TASTE is a multi-award-winning magazine, produced by New Media for South African retailer, Woolworths. Each special edition features more than 50 inspiring and delicious recipes - from quick and easy weeknight dinners for the family to indulgent weekend meals to share with friends. There's always room for a dessert or fool-proof bake too! For more visit taste.co.za

The year of the dog

Woolworths TASTE

Yes, you can sit with us • You know those newsletters you sign up for just for the free gift, and never read again? TASTE's newsletter is not one of those. Unless you don't need a meal-planner, genius hacks, pro tips or Khanya's budget-friendly party menu?

This way to wonderland… • For her 2025 Christmas table, Abigail Donnelly has – once again – thrown tradition to the wind while respecting the classics (roast potatoes, always). Featuring seasonal ingredients with touches of serious luxury, this menu is all about bringing something extra to your celebrations, just because you can

Off the Menu • EAT THIS, DRINK THAT, BUY THESE. RIGHT NOW.

(ALMOST) NO-COOK MENU That 70s show • Retro-cool dishes, maximalist décor and no phones at the table? Yes, please! Get your groove on with this inspired festive menu curated entirely from Woolies' Our Best Ever range. (Lazy Susan, optional)

ANATOMY OF A DISH Get me to the Greek • Proving not all heroes wear capes, product developer Thulisa Martins went all the way to Thessaloniki to perfect the recipe for Woolies' Our Best Ever spanakopita – a showstopper of crisp phyllo pastry, fresh spinach and three cheeses

Tower dressing • Spoil your guests with an abundance of the most decadent seafood, from hand-cured salmon to crab and the plumpest langoustines and oysters

4 WAYS WITH… Italian panettone • It comes but once a year, the classic Italian Christmas “cake” made in Italy with a sourdough starter, butter from Piedmont and oranges from Sicily. So why stop at one? Buy two and make the most of its artisanal delights, from the main event and Boxing Day brunch to your New Year's Eve party

OUR PANTRY PICKS Stock value • Holiday cooking anxiety? This stash of our favourite flavour saviours will help you take everything from midweek pasta to that leftovers sarmie from good to explosively great!

WOOLIES HEROES Piece of cake? • How to host like a pro? Outsource pudding! And while you are dishing out orders, why not mention a few of the limited-edition Our Best Ever desserts that are set to drop at selected stores?

BUILD YOUR BEST CHEESEBOARD Get on board • Those who know say that a really good cheeseboard should feature at least six cheeses from categories such as blue, semi-hard or bloomy rind. Lost? We asked award-winning producers and cheese experts which Woolies-exclusive wedges should make the cut

POUR FAVOR • Wine-pairing panic? Cape Wine Master and WCellar product specialist René Groenewald has lined up some sure-fire winners to complement your spread

COOK THE COVER Tall and sweet • Part croquembouche, part dessert buffet in tree form, our cover was made by layering a selection of sweet treats around a foam (or cardboard) cone using caramel and unbaked meringue

70 words on… THE FESTIVE HONEY RUM FIZZ • Seasonal honey and local bubbles get on like a house on fire in this sparkler of a drink, says Jeanne Calitz

The sharp end • After an anxious and difficult year, Sam Woulidge decides that what is required is an easy-going festive season that allows much needed rest, smooths our rough edges and cuts through any nonsense to set the scene for better things to come

A very corrective Christmas • Having Christmas lunch at a prison is an unusual way of breaking with tradition, but for KFM presenter and Woolworths podcast host Sibongile Mafu, it's a memory she...