Introducing Andiswa Mqadlana - Class of 2017
Andiswa Mqadlana - Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine
“Soon after our first intake of students graduated, I met Pinetown resident, Andiswa Mqedlana. She told me her introduction to the school was through a career expo at Kearsney College, back in 2014. The following year she was successful in her interview for the 2017 18-month course.”
Andiswa helped at the school whenever we needed an extra pair of hands. She understood the value of gaining worthwhile experience from private functions. With the long hours demanded of the industry, I often wondered whether she still wanted to do the course, but the longer the hours, the harder we worked together and her interest never faded. Andiswa’s unwavering support, accepting attitude, always showing up and her need to improve led me to put her name forward for our Most Promising Student for the 2017/2018 award.
Andiswa chose to share her Chakalaka recipe. It’s one of her favourite dishes because “it’s simple yet delicious”. She started making it at a young age and, over the years, experimentation with flavours has changed her original recipe. Sometimes it was too spicy, other times too hot. She knew she needed balance - mixed spice and coconut delivered a spicy sweetness.
Andiswa Mqadlana's Chakalaka
- What inspired you to enroll at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine?
Chef Jackie, herself. - What are you hoping to achieve there?
The best experience because I’m learning from the best. - What do you hope to give of yourself?
My ultimate best – to be ambitious and to go for every opportunity offered. - What is your long-term goal?
To work in a top restaurant and then to open a deli/breakfast place. - In how many years do you hope to achieve this?
Five - Who is your favourite international “foodie”?
Nigella Lawson. - If food had a personality, which dish would be most like you – and why?
NO RESPONSE - Where were you born and raised?
Born in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal and raised in Durban. - Apart from food what hobbies do you enjoy?
Movies; eating out. - What dish do you find least inspiring and why?
Chicken a’la King. I think because when I was at boarding school it was made so badly.
Enjoy trying this recipe and please keep up to date with the students’ progress. Here is to each of them reaching greater heights than they ever thought possible.
Find out more about my women’s chef range here - men’s to come shortly. Remember Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home and Baking with Jackie Cameron. They highlight all my foodie adventures. I always look forward to hearing from you so please communicate via email: jackie@jackiecameron.co.za.
Jackie Cameron owner of Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, KZN - email for enquires at admin@jackiecameron.co.za. Find me on Facebook – Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home, Twitter - @jackie_cameron and Instagram: jackiecameronincolour
All Photos taken by:
Kate Martens Photography
Contact details:
Cell Phone: 0828798328
Website: www.katemartens.co.za
Twitter: @kate_martens