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This woman’s month, we’re excited to bring some of our local women into the spotlight. 

What better way to show how talented our celebrity chefs are than by testing their work? 

Three of the HOMEMAKERS team won the honour of trying out recipes from some of our favourite South African chefs. 

Here’s how it went: 

Testing Siba Mtongana’s Soy and Honey Scallops 

Siba Mtongana is a multi-award-winning freelance food writer, celebrity TV chef and food judge. She starred in her own show; Food Network’s Siba’s Table. She won a South African Film and Television Award for her previous cooking show, Cooking with Siba. 

Who’s Testing: 

Hestelle Robinson: 

The interesting combinations and flavours of this recipe really appealed to me.  Did you see Siba’s picture of this dish, who would not want to make (and eat that)? 

Call me naïve but I did not think sourcing the ingredients would be difficult.  I was wrong.
Three shops later, I could not find scallops or pomegranate (duh it is winter!). I had to substitute; the scallops with prawns and the pomegranate with raspberries. 

It was easier to make than I thought it would be.  This dish burst with flavours (substituted or not).  The entire family stood fork in hand waiting to taste test ala MasterChef style.  The dish was devoured in 30 seconds. 

This dish will make you look like a foody even if you’re just starting out. It looks impressive and is something you can serve to impress your friends.  It is also Insta-worthy with all the colours.  And the different flavours work really well together.

A tip on plating.  We eat with our eyes too, so give it some thought before you dish up.  It took me two attempts to make it look visually as appetising as it tastes. Still did not even get close to Siba-level-presentable.  Respect. 

Hestelle had a blast testing this dish and even had some fun plating. You should certainly go to Siba’s website to try your own hand at her scallops. 

Testing Lorna Maseko’s Mushroom, Artichoke and Spinach Phyllo Pockets 

As South Africa’s culinary princess and one of the most sought-after television personalities, Lorna Maseko has travelled the world as a respected spokesperson for both her native country and numerous foreign products. 

Who’s Testing:

Denise du Plooy: 

The reason this recipe appealed to me is that I don’t often make little snacks. I usually go for big meals. I also always love testing new techniques and flavours. This looked tasty and works with the fact that I’m trying to eat less meat.
I was worried about working with the pastry for the first time, the artichokes were quite expensive and impossible to find fresh. The filling was easy but working with phyllo is nerve-wracking.
The chilli honey glaze was tasty but overpowering, so the filling mostly took a back seat. I suggest adding feta rather than mozzarella to the pockets – the filling needs a little something. 

Can you do better testing this fun recipe? Head over to Instagram to see Lorna’s creation in action and try it out for yourself.