Al Dente Gourmet Catering, Avon Drive, Three Rivers, Vereeniging (2025)

10/10/2025

🍰 Decadent Snickers Cheesecake Squares

🍴 Description

Creamy cheesecake layered with chocolate fudge, caramel, and roasted peanuts — finished with a drizzle of chocolate ganache and chunks of Snickers bars. It’s rich, nutty, and dangerously addictive.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups crushed chocolate biscuits

¼ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake:

250 g cream cheese, softened

½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

½ cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Toppings:

½ cup caramel sauce

½ cup melted chocolate (or ganache)

¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts

2–3 mini Snickers bars, chopped

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat: Oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a small baking pan with parchment.

2. Crust: Mix biscuit crumbs and melted butter. Press into pan and bake 8 minutes.

3. Filling: Whisk cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over crust and bake 25–30 mins until just set.

4. Cool: Let chill completely, then top with caramel, ganache, chopped peanuts, and Snickers pieces.

5. Serve: Slice into decadent squares and drizzle a touch more caramel for shine.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

For that signature Al Dente finish — slightly melt the caramel and let it drip unevenly over the edges for a natural, rustic, drool-worthy look 🤤

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10/10/2025

🍮 Caramel Cheesecake Bars

🍴 Description

Rich, creamy cheesecake layered on a buttery biscuit crust, swirled with golden caramel and baked until just set. Topped with more caramel drizzle — it’s rustic elegance in dessert form.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups crushed digestive biscuits (or graham crackers)

¼ cup melted butter

1 tbsp brown sugar

For the Cheesecake:

250 g cream cheese, softened

½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

½ cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel:

½ cup soft caramels or caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Pinch of sea salt

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat: Oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a small square baking pan with parchment.

2. Crust: Mix biscuit crumbs, sugar, and butter; press into pan. Bake 8–10 minutes, then cool.

3. Make Filling: Whisk cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Assemble: Pour filling over crust, swirl caramel sauce through the top.

5. Bake: 25–30 mins until set but creamy.

6. Cool & Slice: Chill 2 hours, drizzle more caramel on top, and slice into rustic bars.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

For that Al Dente finish — sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle for the perfect salty-sweet contrast 🤤

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10/10/2025

🍴 Food Hack: Fresh Bread Trick 🥖

"Add a slice of apple or orange peel into your bread box or bag — it keeps bread soft and fresh for longer!"

10/10/2025

🍰 Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Cheesecake Squares with Soft Fudge Layers

🍴 Description

Silky peanut butter cheesecake made with Greek yogurt for a creamy, light texture — layered over soft chocolate fudge and topped with a swirl of melted chocolate. Rustic yet elegant, these squares are indulgent comfort done right.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Fudge Layer:

1 cup dark chocolate chips

2 tbsp butter

¼ cup condensed milk

For the Cheesecake Layer:

250 g cream cheese, softened

½ cup Greek yogurt

½ cup peanut butter

¼ cup honey or brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

2 tbsp melted chocolate (for drizzle)

Crushed roasted peanuts (optional)

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat: Oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a small square baking pan with parchment.

2. Make Fudge Layer: Melt chocolate, butter, and condensed milk together. Pour into pan and chill 10 mins.

3. Make Cheesecake Mix: Blend cream cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, honey, egg, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

4. Bake: Pour over fudge layer, bake 20–25 mins until set but slightly wobbly.

5. Finish: Cool, drizzle with melted chocolate, sprinkle peanuts, and chill before slicing.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

For that signature Al Dente look — serve each square with a clean slice edge, and let the fudge layer peek through slightly 🍫✨

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10/10/2025

🧀 Savory Cheddar & Herb Scones

🍴 Description

Golden, flaky scones infused with sharp cheddar, butter, and fragrant herbs — baked to rustic perfection. They’re crisp on the outside, tender inside, and made to melt alongside any Al Dente main.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Scones:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

½ cup cold butter, cubed

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (or parsley)

¾ cup buttermilk (plus a bit extra for brushing)

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat: Oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and paprika.

3. Cut in Butter: Rub in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add Cheese & Herbs: Stir in cheddar and herbs.

5. Form Dough: Add buttermilk, mix gently until it comes together. Don’t overwork.

6. Shape & Bake: Roll out to 2 cm thick, cut into rounds or wedges. Brush with milk or buttermilk. Bake 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Brush with melted garlic butter right out of the oven for that irresistible shine and aroma 🔥

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📱 Hashtags

10/10/2025

🫐 Blueberry & Lemon Rustic Hand Pies

🍴 Description

Golden, flaky hand pies filled with juicy blueberries and a hint of lemon zest — finished with a rustic sugar crust and light lemon glaze. Simple, nostalgic, and stunningly cozy 💙✨

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Filling:

1½ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp cornflour (to thicken)

For the Pastry:

1 sheet puff or shortcrust pastry

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tbsp coarse sugar (for topping)

For the Glaze (optional):

2 tbsp icing sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat: Oven to 200 °C (400 °F).

2. Make the Filling: Combine blueberries, sugar, lemon zest, juice, and cornflour. Simmer 5 min until thick and jammy.

3. Assemble: Cut pastry into circles or squares, spoon filling in center, fold over, and crimp edges. Brush with egg wash.

4. Bake: 18–20 min until golden and crisp.

5. Finish: Drizzle lemon glaze for that signature glossy bakery shine.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Scatter a little extra sugar over the tops before baking — it caramelizes and gives that rustic sparkle ✨

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📱 Hashtags

10/10/2025

🍏 Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danishes

🍴 Description

Flaky puff pastry filled with cinnamon-kissed apple compote and smooth cream cheese, baked until golden and finished with a light maple glaze. Rustic, cozy, and perfect with a warm cappuccino ☕

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Filling:

2 apples, peeled and diced

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp brown sugar

½ tsp cinnamon

1 tsp lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

100 g cream cheese

2 tbsp sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Glaze:

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp icing sugar

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat: Oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Cook Apples: In a pan, melt butter, add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook until tender and glossy.

3. Mix Cream Cheese: Combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Assemble: Cut pastry into squares, add a spoon of cream cheese mix and apple filling, fold or shape edges. Brush with egg wash.

5. Bake: 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden.

6. Finish: Drizzle maple glaze for that glossy bakery-style shine.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the glaze — it balances the sweetness and gives a gourmet edge 😋

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10/10/2025

🍫 Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Croissant Bake

🍴 Description

Flaky croissant layers swirled with chocolate hazelnut spread, baked in creamy vanilla custard until golden and molten inside. Each bite melts into buttery perfection — a rustic pub-style dessert with a touch of class.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Bake:

4 large croissants, torn into chunks

¾ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)

2 cups milk

½ cup cream

3 eggs

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

For Topping (optional):

2 tbsp chopped hazelnuts

1 tbsp icing sugar

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat: Oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Layer: Spread chocolate hazelnut on croissant pieces and layer them in a buttered cast-iron skillet.

3. Mix Custard: Whisk milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Pour evenly over the croissants.

4. Bake: Sprinkle hazelnuts on top and bake 25–30 mins until puffed and golden.

5. Finish: Dust with icing sugar and drizzle extra chocolate spread for that glossy finish.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of espresso cream for that decadent Al Dente edge ☕🍫

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📱 Hashtags

10/10/2025

🥘 Slow-Braised Oxtail Hot Pot with Rice

🍴 Description

Tender, fall-apart oxtail slow-braised in a rich red wine and herb gravy, served bubbling hot in a rustic cast-iron pot with buttery basmati rice. It’s bold, indulgent, and pure Al Dente comfort — the kind of dish that fills the air (and hearts) with warmth ❤️

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Oxtail Hot Pot:

1.2 kg oxtail, trimmed

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 cups beef stock

1 cup red wine

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 bay leaf

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt & black pepper

For the Rice:

1 cup basmati rice

1 ½ cups water

1 tbsp butter

Pinch of salt

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🔥 Instructions

1. Brown the Oxtail: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron pot, sear oxtail until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the Base: Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until soft. Stir in tomato paste and paprika.

3. Deglaze: Pour in red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot for flavor. Add stock, Worcestershire, thyme, and bay leaf.

4. Braise: Return oxtail, cover, and cook low and slow — 3 hours at 160°C (320°F) or until tender and falling off the bone.

5. Cook Rice: Boil rice with butter and salt until fluffy.

6. Serve: Spoon oxtail and rich gravy over the rice or serve side by side in cast iron for that pub-perfect look.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Brush the oxtail pieces with a touch of glaze before serving for that glossy, camera-ready shine 🔥

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10/10/2025

🥐 Rustic Maple Pecan Puff Pastry Twists

🍴 Description

Flaky golden puff pastry filled with buttery maple-pecan crumble, twisted and baked until crisp, then glazed with warm maple syrup. Sweet, nutty, and unapologetically indulgent — the kind of pastry that makes your coffee jealous. ☕

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Filling:

½ cup chopped pecans

3 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp butter, melted

2 tbsp maple syrup

½ tsp cinnamon

Pinch of salt

For the Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

For the Glaze:

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp icing sugar (optional, for thickness)

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat: Oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Mix Filling: Combine pecans, brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Assemble: Spread filling over half the puff pastry sheet, fold over, then slice into strips and twist.

4. Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle sugar, and bake 15–18 mins until golden and puffed.

5. Finish: Brush with warm maple glaze right out of the oven for that glossy rustic shine.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Serve warm on a wooden board with a little bowl of whipped cream or vanilla glaze — perfect for that cozy café vibe 🍁

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10/10/2025

🍗 Southwest Crock Pot Chicken with Basmati Rice

🍴 Description

Tender slow-cooked chicken simmered in smoky Southwest spices, corn, beans, and creamy sauce — served over buttery basmati rice. A rich, rustic pub-style twist on a Tex-Mex classic, full of warmth and comfort 🌶️

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 chicken breasts (or thighs)

1 can corn, drained

1 can black beans, rinsed

1 can diced tomatoes (400 g)

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

½ tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper

½ cup cream cheese (for later)

½ cup chicken stock

For the Rice:

1 cup basmati rice

1 ½ cups water

1 tbsp butter

Pinch of salt

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🔥 Instructions

1. Assemble the Crock Pot: Add chicken, corn, beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, and chicken stock.

2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours (or high for 3–4).

3. Finish: Remove chicken, shred it, then stir in cream cheese. Return chicken to pot; mix until creamy and smooth.

4. Cook Rice: Boil rice with butter and salt until fluffy.

5. Serve: Spoon the creamy Southwest chicken over rice, top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

For extra flavor and visual pop, garnish with diced red peppers, avocado slices, and a drizzle of smoky chipotle sauce 🌶️

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10/10/2025

🧄 Garlic Creamed Spinach & Bacon Gratin

🍴 Description

Rich, velvety garlic creamed spinach baked under a golden layer of cheese and smoky bacon. It’s the kind of rustic side dish that steals the spotlight — creamy, comforting, and irresistibly pub-style.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Spinach Base:

2 tbsp butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 onion, finely chopped

300 g baby spinach (fresh or frozen, drained)

1 cup cream

½ cup grated mozzarella

¼ cup grated parmesan

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Bacon Topping:

4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

½ cup grated cheddar cheese

1 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)

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🔥 Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Melt butter, add garlic and onion; cook until soft and fragrant.

2. Add Spinach: Stir in spinach, cook until wilted. Add cream and seasonings, simmer until slightly thick.

3. Layer & Bake: Pour mixture into a cast-iron skillet, top with cheddar, bacon, and breadcrumbs.

4. Gratin Finish: Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 10–15 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.

5. Serve Hot: Garnish with a touch of fresh parsley.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Serve this bubbling gratin straight from the skillet beside your meat mains — it adds a creamy, smoky balance to any dish 🔥

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Al Dente Gourmet Catering

10/10/2025

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