Hello! Welcome to Dontmissmyplate.

Thank you for visiting my website! I'm Maxine, a food blogger, home cook, travel enthusiast, and lover of food and culture. I’m passionate about fusion cuisine, a style of cooking that blends ingredients and techniques from different countries, regions, and traditions.

My approach is influenced by both Southern African and American cooking, shaped by my life experiences and reflected in the diversity of my recipes. I also focus on farm-to-table cooking, using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. I believe food tastes best when it’s in season and close to its origin.

Travel plays a big role in how I cook and create. I love sharing my food adventures, from what I’ve eaten to where to eat, while discovering new flavors, cultures, and techniques that continue to inspire me.

I hope this space feels helpful and inspiring. Whether you're in the mood for something familiar or ready to try something new, you’ll find plenty to explore here. Happy cooking!

Triple Citrus Gin and Tonic Ice Lollies

Triple Citrus Gin and Tonic Ice Lollies

Oh yes, the glorious gin and tonic cocktail I've learned to appreciate over time. In the US, G&T is associated with elderly folks, not sure why! I've always been a wine enthusiast first, but I love a good gin o'clock once in a while.

When the weather starts to warm up wherever you are, consider converting this classic alcoholic beverage into an icy, sweet treat! I don't believe all cocktails lend themselves well to this method. For instance, a Pina colada could easily, vodka tonic or an old fashioned? Not so much. The lime, lemon, and botanicals help enhance the mixture and make it easy to convert the water-based drink into a popsicle. I used a decent quality gin infused with orange for a trifecta of citrusy goodness—perfect for the spring.

This recipe is obviously not for the kids! I will make some non-alcoholic versions in the future so stay tuned. Of course, you're going to need some moulds, but they're super inexpensive. Here are the ones I use: another one of my favourite spring (and summer) kitchen must-haves. Enjoy and lick quickly before it melts!

Ingredients

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon lime zest

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 1/2 cups tonic water

1/4 cup citrus-infused gin (I used Tanqueray Sevilla Orange)

1/4 cup water

1/3 cup granulated sugar

Botanicals (I used a few blueberries and one thing lime slice per lolly)

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients together except for the botanicals in a bowl, and stir well before transferring to a small jug. Make sure all the sugar is dissolved.

Use the jug to evenly pour the mixture into the individual moulds, almost filled but leaving enough room at the top for the blueberries or anything else you want at the bottom or sides of your ice lollies. You can add other botanicals at this point!

Freeze on a sturdy shelf overnight or for at least 6 hours. Carefully jiggle the lollies out of the case, and enjoy!

Note: If you have any mixture leftover, stir it into a regular gin and tonic!

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