Mastering the kitchen can seem pretty intimidating, especially when confronted with Instagram and TV chefs who seem to do everything with ease while, at the same time, relating a cute anecdote on camera. I’ve found that what most people want is simply to learn to prepare delicious and visually appealing food – the kind that will gain likes on social media – which is what inspired this cookbook.
This book was written and compiled with YOU in mind, and takes into consideration all the different occasions a South African kitchen might have to cater for. The recipes use simple ingredients that are probably already in your pantry or fridge, and if not, they’re readily available in all our favourite grocery stores.
The Lazy Makoti’s Guide to the Kitchen is available for R340 at all Bargain Books stores.
Twitter chat transcript
Hello and welcome to our live chat with @thelazymakoti, author of The Lazy Makoti’s Guide to the Kitchen. Her cookbook is now in its 7th print run and if you haven’t checked it out you really should!
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Q1. How are you and what have you been up to during lockdown?
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A1. I’m great thanks! Lots of cooking and sharing amazing easy but delicious recipes! I’ve really been enjoying connecting with everyone via social media to cook some of our favourite meals!
Q2. What’s the best meal that somebody else ever cooked for you?
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A2. Honestly I’m really not too hard to impress. I love everything my mom makes like most people
Q3. What is your favourite traditional dish?
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A3. There are so many! But some of my faves are umngqusho – so warm and filled with such delicious flavour. Kgodu which is a cooked “porridge” with pumpkin sweeted with a little sugar. Face savouring food
Q4. Have you ever come across a recipe that you have found impossible to teach?
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A4. Lol I don’t believe any recipe is impossible. Some recipes just require more patience than others. Some a lot more precision that others for example in baking, the measurements of a recipe just have to be followed to a tee
Q5. What is your least favourite food to cook and eat?
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A5. I hate capers! Just never liked the taste. As well as egg plant.
Q6. What are the biggest distinctions between cooking in rural communities and urban ones?
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A6. Food is food. That’s the one thing we have in common. The apparatus we use may be different but ultimately we all want the same things from food; nourishment for the body, delicious taste and an experience, be it sharing and bonding with family etc
Q7. Did you ever expect to turn your passion into a career?
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A7. No, but I’m glad I did. I’m definitely happier and get more fulfillment now that I ever did! And the support I have received from Flag of South Africa has been incredible Red heart
Q8. Do you have any great cost saving tips for home cooks?
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A8. I love bulk cooking especially during the colder months. I make bulk soup to freeze in batches. They usually last more than a month in the freezer. Not only saving money but time as well. Just thaw and heat to enjoy
Right that wraps up our questions for Mogau Seshoene. Thank you so much for joining us and sharing some of your time and advise. And thank you to all of you who have joined us for a great chat and remember to pop down to your local Bargain Books store to pick up a copy of The Lazy Makoti’s Guide to the Kitchen for R340.
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Thank you so much for having me! And thank you for the constant love and support.