Preparing good meals a lifelong passion
CHICKEN AND COUSCOUS SALAD IS TASTY AND EASY
WHEN I was growing up in the small village of Mlamli, near Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape, food was the thing that always brought our family together.
Traditional gatherings were always an “excuse ” to go all out and cook up a storm.
For as long as I can remember, even before I could reach the top of a stove or be allowed to switch on the primus stove, delicious food was the passion of my life.
There was always an abundance of food at home and unlike my siblings and cousins I was never a picky eater, I appreciated everything that was served up.
When we played house I enjoyed experimenting with my food. We cooked our dishes in tin cans that served as cooking pots.
When I moved to Cape Town to live with my grandmother the most exciting part of my day was walking into the kitchen and cooking or baking with her.
This love transcended all things to the point that when I was at varsity, when my friends were buying clothes or doing their hair with their allowance, mine was spent on food and my room became the “kitchen” because they knew they could knock at my door and there would always be something good to eat.
Over the years this passion has become a bit of an obsession. I have learnt that having a pantry or grocery cupboard that is well stocked with the right kinds of staple foods is a great help when you are a busy wife and mother.
I always keep my pantry stocked with a variety of goods, from different types of rice and pasta to dried goods, canned goods, various vinegars (which come in handy for salad dressings, quick sauces and marinades) and baking essentials – to whip up quick Sunday puddings. Dried herbs and spices are also necessary for those special dishes.
One of my favourite meals I put together is a chicken and couscous salad, ideal for lunch or a light supper.