TEST OUT THE BEST - Celebrate the end of exams with these festive treats

It is official; the Matric 2025 class finishes their final exams this week. 

Phew! What a journey it has been. This marks the end of 13 years of school life, full of hard work, growth, resilience, and unforgettable moments. 

The highs and lows were all part of the journey, a journey fit for the leaders of tomorrow. 

This is the moment to pause and reflect on all the effort, the long nights, the early mornings, and every challenge overcome along the way. 

It is a milestone that deserves recognition, applause, and a little bit of fun.

Well done to the learners and to every parent who has supported them along the way. Behind every matriculant is a parent who worked tirelessly to make this day possible. 

To the learners, the late-evening study sessions, Saturday classes, and endless revision was all worth it. 

To the parents, the constant reminder of “it’s study time”, replacing lost pens and calculators, and cheering every small achievement, that was all worth it too. 

Oh, as they call us “rents”, you can now finally give back the cellphone you took away. 

From us parents, you can now watch all the movies you want. Go ahead, the PlayStation is waiting for you. 

You can even catch up on all the TikTok challenges you missed.

It is not just matriculants; learners of all grades are wrapping up their exams, and a huge well done to each and every one of them. 

This calls for a celebration. This week we will be sharing recipes fit for a celebration, perfect for marking the end of exams with fun, family, and plenty of delicious treats.

From cheesy nachos that everyone can build themselves, to sticky honey soy drumettes that are finger-licking good, there is something for every taste. 

And for a sweet finish, kids and adults can get creative with cake pops or chocolate dipped marshmallows. 

These recipes are not just about food, they are about turning the end of exams into a fun, interactive celebration that the whole family can enjoy together.

Quick Celebration Tips

Tabletop Games - Bring out family board games or card games and play while enjoying the treats, making snack time interactive and fun.

Music & Dance Breaks - Play your kids’ favourite upbeat songs and have short mini dance sessions between bites to keep the energy lively.

DIY Awards or Certificates - Create small “Well Done!” certificates or fun stickers and hand them out to celebrate your child’s effort and success.

Decorate the Table - Use bright, colorful plates, napkins, and a festive tablecloth to make the celebration table feel special and visually exciting.

Nacho Platter

Ingredients

1 large packet of tortilla chips

1 cup cooked mince (or beans for a vegetarian option)

2 cups shredded cheese

1 tomato, chopped

½ cup sliced olives

2-3 jalapeños, sliced

Optional: sour cream or guacamole

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spread the tortilla chips on a large tray, then layer with cooked mince or beans and sprinkle generously with cheese.

Add the chopped tomatoes, olives, and jalapeños on top, then bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Serve warm with optional sour cream or guacamole.

Fun variation: Add sweetcorn or diced bell peppers for extra color, or drizzle sour cream and salsa in stripes to make it extra festive. This dish is perfect for sharing, and letting kids customise their plate makes it even more fun.

Sticky Honey-Soy Drumettes

Ingredients

12 chicken drumettes

4 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1 garlic clove, minced

Sweet chili sauce for dipping

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a tray with foil.

Mix honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, and garlic, then toss the drumettes until coated.

Arrange on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and sticky.

Serve hot with sweet chili sauce, sprinkling sesame seeds or chopped spring onions on top.

Fun variation: Brush some drumettes with barbecue sauce and others with teriyaki glaze for a colourful tray of flavors. These drumettes are finger-licking good and make a great centerpiece for your celebration table.

Cake Pops

Ingredients

1 small cake (chocolate, vanilla, or funfetti)

3-4 tablespoons frosting

100g melted chocolate or candy melts

Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or colored icing

Lollipop sticks

Method

Crumble the cooled cake into a bowl and mix with frosting until it forms a dough-like consistency.

Roll small portions into balls and insert lollipop sticks.

Dip each ball into melted chocolate or candy melts, and then decorate with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or coloured icing.

Let the chocolate set while standing upright in a container.

Fun variation: Roll some cake pops in crushed cookies or cereal before the chocolate sets for extra texture, or use different candy melt colors for a rainbow effect. These pops are fun for kids to decorate and make a colourful addition to the table.

Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows

Ingredients

Large marshmallows

100g melted chocolate or candy melts

Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or desiccated coconut

Sticks or skewers

Method

Thread the marshmallows onto sticks or skewers.

Dip in melted chocolate, letting excess drip off, and then roll in sprinkles, crushed nuts, or desiccated coconut.

Place on a lined tray and allow the chocolate to set completely.

Fun variation: Alternate layers of white and dark chocolate for a marbled effect, or vary toppings on each marshmallow for a colorful assortment. These treats are simple, playful, and perfect for a celebratory table alongside nachos and drumettes.