The Musical Savannah Austen
“That time of the year’ has arrived and we are working at private as well as corporate functions, of all sizes. There’s a joyful energy in the air.”
We have our first few festive functions this week and before we close, we, as a school, are travelling to the Cape for our annual trip that will be filled with many wine-estate visits as well as interesting and exciting ‘must sees’. It’s a really busy time for us all.
To top that, for the third year in succession, we have been asked to cook at the prestigious Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards, the Oscars of the food industry. We cater for 750 guests and the line-up of celebrity chefs who will be cooking include: Arno Janse, Janse & Co; Gregory Czarnecki, The Restaurant at Waterkloof; Katlego Mlambo, The Marabi Club; Luke Dale Roberts, The Test Kitchen; Liam Tomlin, Chefs Warehouse; Nando Cardoso, Chefs Warehouse & Canteen; Jason Lilley, Jason Bakery; David Higgs, Marble; Chantel Dartnall, Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient; Candice Philip, Grei at Saxon Hotel Villas & Spa; as well as the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine contingent. We are all super excited.
Something else I am proud and excited about is that one of the school’s recent graduates, Sarah Farrington, is the chef/kitchen manager at Brookdale Heath Hydro, and the team there has just launched its new cookbook, Heavenly & Healthy Balance, to which she contributed. I strongly recommend you get a copy – it is truly a keeper, and a worthwhile addition to a special person’s Christmas stocking.
Having spent her practical placement with Jason Lilley of the renowned Jason Bakery, I’m also pleased to share that Courtney Stuart, another recent graduate, has opened the hot, new bakery and coffee bar in Durban called Dough Girl. Courtney’s bakery is on Stephen Dlamini Road, where she offers only hand-made products and, very wisely, she has a small selection of pastries – all made to perfection. I know this because I took the current students to visit her and I ordered one of everything. I could not fault anything. It’s wise to remember, Courtney works on a first-come-first-served basis. She opens at 06:30 and, most days, her produce is sold out by 09:00.
And now, I introduce you to Savannah Austen, from the Howick area. She has a true understanding and love of all things musical - and was awarded a music scholarship to St John’s DSG, where she achieved distinctions for her flute performances, as well as hip-hop dancing. She was selected for the KZN Youth Wind Band and the St John’s DSG Senior Choir.
Her creativity has led her to an interest in cuisine – and no doubt, the performance of food. Today, she is sharing her triple chocolate cupcake recipe. They are a decadent delight, and I strongly recommend you make them for your family and friends. This is Savannah’s aunt’s go-to recipe for all celebrations, and leaves Savannah reminiscing over happy childhood memories. As a result, she believes a birthday isn’t a birthday without them – chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.
The course the school offers is varied, and Savannah’s taste buds have been opened to food-and-wine pairings, resulting in an interest in the wine aspect of our curriculum – a subject she didn’t understand until recently. With an ignited interest, Savannah is looking forward to our Cape Town trip - and all the knowledge she will glean. This will help her when we reach the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 section of the syllabus, next year. I have impressed upon the students that our trip to the Cape’s winelands is a hard-working learning experience, not to be taken lightly. I look forward to seeing where this appreciation of - and keen interest in - wine will take Savannah, and I believe it will pair favourably with her future plans.
I look forward to welcoming you to the restaurant at Jackie Cameron’s where you will meet the students.
Explore my website to find out more about my women’s, men’s and children’s chef ranges. 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: SAVANNAH AUSTEN
All Photos taken by:
Karen E Photography
0608622338
www.karene.me
kephoto500@gmail.com