La Cucina Malfy Home Cook Series featuring UCook, captivated cuisine enthusiasts with an array of traditional Italian dishes. South Africa’s dazzling influencers Kefilwe Mabote, Tshego Manche and K Naomi along with Malfy Gin ambassador, Dineo Gewer show off their culinary skills by preparing hearty pasta dishes, bruschetta boards and salads.
With the intention of wanting to inspire local South Africans to explore and create their own Italian cuisine and delicious cocktails, Tshego Manche, fashion mogul and influencer extraordinaire shares her “La Dolce Vita” experience with Italian cuisine along with how she likes her Malfy Gin infused cocktail.
What are some of your favourite dishes and must-haves for get-togethers?
I love anything with rice and pasta. I know that’s a lot of carbs! (LOL). Also, anything with lots of sauce and chilli.
What was the first dish you learned how to make? Was it a success?
I think I was 14. I was alone; my mom was not around and my sister was asleep. I was really hungry and decided to make a sandwich. At that time we didn’t have a toaster so I popped it into the oven. It ended up being burnt to a crisp.
When making a dish for the first time, who do you turn to: Youtube, a cookbook or a loved one?
Life has been immensely digitised. I used cookbooks a lot. There’s something so special about books that make you feel connected to the chef. But, to be honest… I now use Youtube. I love that I can make something for the first time and KILL IT! It’s so detailed and easy. I can pause and also be guided step by step.
What are 5 kitchen accessories/appliances that you can’t live without?
- My oven. It makes my life easy. I can make almost everything in it – even eggs.
- My blender! I cook a lot of Jollof rice so I need it for some of my relish and stew mixes.
- Whisk – I love whisking pancakes for my kids.
- My knives.
- The microwave! You always need hot food.
What is your ultimate culinary and fine dining experience?
Dining while a chef is narrating and doing a tasting – I once had that experience in Cape Town. I enjoyed the explanation of how each dish came about, the inspiration behind it and what the chef was thinking. I love food that comes with a story because it tastes so much better.
Also, performance art with food. Eating a meal, with a good glass of gin or wine while watching a dance or any kind of performance is a vibe.
What comes to mind when you think of Italian food?
When I was in Italy the best time was lunchtime. I love how they take the art of food and eating together seriously. I think between 13:00 and 15:00, all shops are closed for lunch. I love the pizza and the creamy pasta.
Share your experience of being part of the La Cucina Malfy Home Cook series?
The best part and what I was impressed by, was the making of the pasta from scratch. It was memorable. And I would like to incorporate this when I have guests.
What are some of your favourite garnishes to add in your Malfy gin?
I love pairing the Malfy Con Arancia with grapefruit. With the Originale and Malfy Con Limone, I enjoy it with lemon and rosemary. I used to be a fruit salad kind of girl with putting everything inside. However, I have learned much better. I don’t over-garnish as it removes the flavour of the actual gin. Malfy Gin is so delicious and doesn’t need so much garnish.
Watch the trailer here https://www.instagram.com/p/CM5P737pdy_/
Follow Malfy Gin on Instagram: @malfyginsa
IT’S COMPETITION TIME!
Extending the celebration of World Gin Day this month, ASA Magazine and Malfy Gin are giving away an amazing Malfy Gin Box worth over R3000 to one lucky winner!
It’s time for an aperitivo with a packaged cocktail kit that you can create from the comfort of your kitchen with the most scrumptious ingredients! The Malfy Sicilian pink grapefruits, Italian lemons, and Blood oranges are blended with the finest botanicals and handpicked Juniper, to create a delicate citrus flavor. Mix this with the right ingredients of garnish and tonic, and you could be enjoying the refreshing taste of a perfectly served cocktail.
The Malfy Gin Box includes the following:
• x2 Malfy Gin variants, Con Limone and Con Arancia
• x1 Cocktail shaker
• x3 packages of dry garnish; lemon, grapefruit, and orange
• x2 Malfy Goblets
• x1 Large wooden crate
• x4 Sanpellegrino; Aranciata, Limonata, Aranciata Rossa and Aqua Tonica
• x1 Malfy Italian cuisine and cocktails recipe card.
To enter:
Follow @asa_magazine_ and @malfyginsa on Instagram
Comment on @asa_magazine_’s post, tagging 3 friends with whom you’d like to enjoy a Malfy Gin Box.
It’s that easy!
The competition winner will be announced 30 June 2021. Not for persons under the age of 18. T&Cs apply.
CONTRIBUTORS
Images: Malfy Gin
Words: Sibusiso Mkize Instagram @sbuthestylegeek
Editor: Nikki Temkin Instagram @NikkiTemkin
