Introducing Caitlin van der Velden - Class of 2020
“It was a busy last month at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine. The students completed the six-hour final practical cooking exam, as well as the international exam comprising culinary arts, food safety and food preparation and we patted ourselves on the back to be at this stage of the course, considering how disruptive the year has been. ”
Caitlin Van der Velden joined us at the beginning of this year. She is a past-pupil of The Wykeham Collegiate, a school at which we have promoted the culinary industry for a few years – and Caitlin was one of the learners who resonated with what we had to offer.
It’s important for young people to get a taste of their chosen career before committing themselves. This is the reason we suggest that any aspiring chef should come and spend time with us. It’s an invitation with no ties attached – apron or other! We offer the ideal opportunity to help vocation seekers make up their minds – and we are happy to support them over what can be a challenging and confusing time.
For two years before enrolling at our school, Caitlin knew the direction she wanted to take, and her desire was cemented once she’d completed her Grade 11 work experience here. But she also experienced doubt…
“After just two days of work experience at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine I was convinced,” says Caitlin. “Chef’s unique way of teaching, her enthusiasm and her passion made me realise I was in the place where I wanted to see myself grow and succeed. My work experience also gave me the opportunity to get some of the ‘inside scoop’ from her students. In my matric year, however, second guessing my choice, I strayed from my idea of becoming a chef. I discontinued the registration process and focused on doing a BSc in Culinary Science.
“Mid last year I received an email from Chef and attached was a letter from Sarah Farrington, who was then a student at her school. Sarah had studied dietetics and from the information she and Chef Jackie shared, I knew I had taken the easy route - that I was just following what everyone else wanted me to do. I was surprised at the extent of care I received from Chef - and her student. I shall be ever grateful for their guidance.”
Caitlin reapplied and she says that from the moment she arrived she hasn’t stopped “smiling and learning” and adds that she considers it “a huge privilege” to be at our school.
“With Chef as my lecturer I know that I shall reach my full potential and realise the goals I have set myself.”
Today, Caitlin chooses to share her decadent chocolate squares, with you. They have been a family favourite since she can remember. No matter the occasion there was always someone pleading with her mother to make them. The recipe, originally by Tessie Kemp, has been adapted over the years to enrich the flavour of the squares.
“The balance between the rich chocolate and the crunchy tennis biscuit is always on point - and adding a few tots of any dessert alcohol you fancy always boosts the after taste,” she explains. “Usually we don’t share our family recipes. This one, however, needs to be ‘exposed’ because, trust me when I say, your palette will be singing once you have had one.”
Be warned these squares are addictive so, if you’re going to start making them for your family and friends, know that they’ll never allow you to stop. Caitlin’s mom has handed the task to her daughters.
If you aren’t suffering ‘death by chocolate’, please let us know your family and friends’ remarks about Caitlin’s decadent chocolate squares!
We look forward to your pastry box order – and to your comments once you have indulged in the tantalising treats.
Visit www.jackiecameron.co.za to find out more about my Women’s and Men’s Chef Clothing Range. Remember Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home and Baking with Jackie Cameron – the books 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 - for enquires email admin@jackiecameron.co.za.
Find me on Facebook – Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home, Twitter - @jackie_cameron and Instagram: @jackiecameronincolour
Food assistant and recipe developer: Caitlin van der Velden
All photos by Kathy Pitout Photography