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Having your culinary skills tested on a Friday night while most people order takeout was an intriguing exercise for us. While one would think this was a perfect time to hit the club and dance off the week’s stress, our hosts, McCain and Kushinda Academy, gave us a Friday with a twist last week.
The two brands invited media houses, celebrities, content creators and some of their consumers to a cooking masterclass with celebrity chefs, and it was a fun experience. When we arrived at the academy in Roodepoort, we were welcomed by the founder of the academy, former journalist Nonhlanhla Manganye, who furnished us with all the cooking necessities we would need.
Before everyone could start cooking, Chef Mbombi ordered everyone to wash their hands, as he emphasised that it was the most important part of being in the kitchen. Through his help and instructions, we were given potato crispers, which we had to bake in in oven, pork bites, grated ginger, barbecue sauce, minced garlic, salt and pepper as well as green onion for garnish. After we had browned the pork bites, we tossed them in the barbecue sauce which was combined with the rest of the ingredients for flavour. Everyone plated the crispers and pork bites according to their own creativity.
My colleague, Rosetta Msimango, said my presentation was good but gave my dish a 6/10 “because your meat is overcooked, I love my meat medium rare”, she added. I gave myself a 10 out of 10, however, because I love my meat well done.
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The main dish was lamb chops with peas puree and vegetable medley. This was a group effort, and all I did was contribute with my share of the ingredients and look busy while my team-mates did the real work with the help of Chef Mbombi who was the team leader. The Funny Chef’s team deservedly won the round because of the creativity presented through their plates using the same ingredients everyone had.
Besides the fact that a few of us almost burnt the kitchen down and that as I write this I have a scar on my elbow because someone burnt me with a pan, learning new dishes was actually fun. During the class, drinks were flowing, which I think is what made the masterclass even more exciting. Unfortunately due to the class starting later than expected, we did not get to reward ourselves with dessert.
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Spotted at the masterclass, were notable faces like former Gomora actors Siyasanga Papu and Robert Mpisi. Making the loudest noise was the bubbly and competitive presenter and singer Nolly Nolz (Noluthando Nqayi Meje).
After the class, Papu who said she enjoyed cooking, shared that making the starters was her favourite part of the class because she had never made something like that before.
Mpisi said the masterclass was a great experience for him, though his team lost, as he loved the fact that everyone who attended the masterclass got a chance to share their passion for food.
The class was proof that being in the kitchen does not have to be boring. As a person who loved trying out new things in the kitchen, especially for my family, I enjoyed every part of the wholesome experience. I cannot wait to try out the recipes at home.
