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2026 – So Much Will Be in the Mix for the Skinny Chef

  • Writer: Chef Rod
    Chef Rod
  • Jan 2
  • 2 min read
Snowman ornament with "2026" text hanging on a Christmas tree. Red and white colors dominate, with a shiny red bauble nearby. Festive mood.

As we gently say goodbye to 2025, I want to pause, breathe, and say one powerful word: Thank you.Thank you to all my Skinnies.


To the readers, supporters, believers, kitchen warriors, health seekers, dream chasers, and everyday heroes who have walked this journey with me this year has been a rich mix of lessons, growth, setbacks, wins, flavour explosions, mindset shifts, and purpose-driven moments. None of it would mean anything without you.


2025 reminded me that life, like food, is all about balance. Some days were spicy, some were sweet, and some required patience on a low simmer but every moment added depth to the recipe of the Skinny Chef brand and lifestyle.


What’s cooking on the South African Food Calendar?


A variety of colorful dishes on a wooden table: flatbreads, curried vegetables, beans, salads, nuts, and dates, garnished with herbs.

On the foodie calendar today, many local South African food events fall right in the heart of the peak summer holiday season especially in the Western Cape, which continues to host incredible food and wine experiences:


The Smokey Brisket “Hangover Cure” Party – Somerset West


The Smokey Brisket is hosting the ultimate hangover cure party today bold flavours, comfort food, and good vibes.


Friday Night Market at Boschendal – Franschhoek


Outdoor market scene with people browsing stalls under string lights. Vendor serves customers. Trees and a building in the background. Cozy atmosphere.

A weekly night market hosted at the Boschendal Wine Estate, featuring a variety of food vendors, local wines, and live music.



Travel Safe, Travel Smart – Skinny Chef Style


Man sitting on a roadside barrier beside a red motorcycle, mountain with ridged formations in the background. Clear blue sky, sunny day.

As many of us hit the road to reconnect with family, friends, and home, let’s move with intention and care.


Here are your Skinny Chef Travel safety tips:


Open suitcase with a camera, striped shirt, and toiletries on a light wooden floor. Hat, shoes, plant, and a notebook nearby suggest travel.
  • Rest well before driving, fatigue is more dangerous than speed.

  • Hydrate often (water first, celebrations second).

  • Pack light, pack smart, and secure your belongings.

  • Eat clean on the road to stay alert, avoid heavy, greasy meals.

  • Take breaks, stretch, breathe, and arrive alive.


Skinny Chef Hack: The destination is important, but getting there safely is everything.


Skinny Chef Festive Food & Fitness Hacks


A hand holds a fork over a salad with arugula, tomatoes, radishes, corn, and sweet potatoes on a white plate. Gold knife beside it on a white background.

Yes, it’s celebration season and no, we don’t need to abandon our health goals.

  • Fill half your plate with veggies before adding carbs or protein.

  • Choose grilled, roasted, or baked options instead of deep-fried foods.

  • Control portions: taste everything, don’t eat everything.

  • Balance indulgent meals with lighter meals the next day.

  • Stay active: walks, stretching, dancing, swimming. Movement is medicine.

  • Don’t punish yourself for enjoying food enjoy it mindfully.


Food is meant to nourish both the body and the soul.



Looking Ahead this year with Passion, Power & Perseverance


Man in a checkered shirt and shorts jumps joyfully against a blue sky with clouds, expressing excitement and freedom.

Passion for our purpose.Power in our mindset.Perseverance in our actions.

The Skinny Chef movement is more than food. It’s about growth, self-belief, discipline, and becoming the best version of ourselves. We are not waiting for change we are the change.


Here’s to new flavours, new goals, new habits, new opportunities, and new levels. May the coming year bring you health, clarity, abundance, consistency, and courage.



2025 Is a Wrap: 365/365


Two people smiling with sunglasses in an outdoor cafe. Sunlight casts shadows on wooden walls. Relaxed, cheerful mood.
The Skinny Chef Family wishes you a Happy 2026 Skinnies

Skinnies, from my kitchen to your heart thank you for riding with the Skinny Chef.Let’s cook. Let’s grow. Let’s win.With gratitude and fire.


Same time, same place Happy 2026 to all of you.Lots of love ❤️🔥


Creative Director: Shadre Leonard

1

Searing the Beef

Sear beef fillets on high heat for 2 minutes per side to form a golden crust. Let it cool before proceeding to keep the beef tender.

1

Searing the Beef

Sear beef fillets on high heat for 2 minutes per side to form a golden crust. Let it cool before proceeding to keep the beef tender.

1

Searing the Beef

Sear beef fillets on high heat for 2 minutes per side to form a golden crust. Let it cool before proceeding to keep the beef tender.

1

Searing the Beef

Sear beef fillets on high heat for 2 minutes per side to form a golden crust. Let it cool before proceeding to keep the beef tender.

Notes
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Season the good fresh beef fillets with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over high heat and sear the fillets for 2 minutes per side until it fully browned. Remove the beef from the pan and brush with a thin layer of mustard. Let it cool.

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1

Season the good fresh beef fillets with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over high heat and sear the fillets for 2 minutes per side until it fully browned. Remove the beef from the pan and brush with a thin layer of mustard. Let it cool.

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2.jpg
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1

Season the good fresh beef fillets with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over high heat and sear the fillets for 2 minutes per side until it fully browned. Remove the beef from the pan and brush with a thin layer of mustard. Let it cool.

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3.jpg

1

Season the good fresh beef fillets with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over high heat and sear the fillets for 2 minutes per side until it fully browned. Remove the beef from the pan and brush with a thin layer of mustard. Let it cool.

Instructions

Quality Fresh 2 beef fillets ( approximately 14 ounces each )

Quality Fresh 2 beef fillets ( approximately 14 ounces each )

Quality Fresh 2 beef fillets ( approximately 14 ounces each )

Beef Wellington
header image
Beef Wellington
Fusion Wizard - Rooftop Eatery in Tokyo
Author Name
women chef with white background (3) (1).jpg
average rating is 3 out of 5

Beef Wellington is a luxurious dish featuring tender beef fillet coated with a flavorful mushroom duxelles and wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for special occasions, this recipe combines rich flavors and impressive presentation, making it the ultimate centerpiece for any celebration.

Servings :

4 Servings

Calories:

813 calories / Serve

Prep Time

30 mins

Prep Time

30 mins

Prep Time

30 mins

Prep Time

30 mins

 
 
 

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