Finding the ultimate chef
Entries came from far and wide as we searched for the ultimate foodie to be crowned the first DRUM Food Ambassador
HUNDREDS of talented cooks entered our 2019 DRUM Food Ambassador competition, sending in a delectable selection of starter, mains and dessert recipes to show off their cooking chops, so to speak.
After much deliberation, the top 12 finalists were selected and they headed off to Capsicum Culinary School in Rosebank, Johannesburg, for a cookoff to find the DRUM Food Ambassador in association with SA Pork.
The judges – celebrity chefs Zola Nene and The Lazy Makoti Mogau Seshoene, Capsicum cooking school lecturer Ukhonaye Mconi and SA Pork’s Marieta Human – taste tested the recipes and decided on the winner, a tough job with so many talented foodies putting their best foot forward.
Ultimately, Liziwe Matloha from Boksburg, Gauteng, a wife and mother of three, was named the first DRUM Food Ambassador.
“She had perfectly balanced meals in terms of texture and flavour – they tasted amazing and looked great,” Marieta said.
Liziwe won a one-year contract worth R100 000 and will work with the DRUM food team to create recipes for the brand’s digital and print platforms. She was also named Audience Favourite, after she received more than 20 000 votes from DRUM readers.
This earned her an additional cash prize of R5 000 from SA Pork.
“I really didn’t expect to win, if I’m being completely honest,” Liziwe said.
“Throughout the cooking process so many things went wrong, from not having my piece of pork to prepare to not having the right tools. Nothing was going according to my plans. I decided that since I’m definitely not winning this competition, I might as well have fun with it!
“I’m so grateful to DRUM magazine and SA Pork for this opportunity. I really appreciate it and the fact I got awarded this much for something I love doing is even more heartwarming,” she said.
All the finalists received a cash prize from SA Pork to reward them for making it to the finals.
Top 12 finalist Nada Hermanus’ Coconut braised pork (see page 9) was awarded Pork Dish of the Day – a title specially created to recognise the skill and craftsmanship of the contestant.
“I can’t believe the judges decided to honour my dish,” Nada said. “I was just trying something different and didn’t want to make anything too complicated. What a lovely experience and what a lovely group of people. Definitely moments to treasure for a lifetime.”
We’ve collected the top 12 finalists’ recipes for you to make at home. Turn the page and discover their delicious starters, mains and desserts, perfect for when you’re hosting a party. ■
‘What a lovely experience and what a lovely group of people. Definitely moments to treasure for a lifetime’