Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) with Dylan Buys
“There are times when I wish I had a camera at hand. Dylan Buys’ mother’s reaction to her son’s successful interview was one such moment. Her burst of emotion overlapped on to me because her appreciation was so heart-warming considering the amount of work that my family, the team and past students have put in to making Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine a successful culinary institution. ”
There’s a thrill that overwhelms us all when a student who wants to come to Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine is accepted.
After Dylan Buys secured a place at the school, I was invited to judge Voortrekker High School’s Master Chef Competition, organised by the extremely creative Consumer Science Teacher, Serene van Wyk. I should have known Dylan would be competing. He and his teammate won Best Main Course and People’s Choice. This was a great confidence booster and it’s been exciting to watch his development this year.
Dylan was born in Johannesburg. The family relocated to Queenstown in the Eastern Cape during his primary school years, and he started the next leg of his schooling at Voortrekker High School.
“I have an insane love for food,” he says. “Whether it’s preparing it, cooking it, or eating it. Every aspect of food excites me. So, of course, it made sense to enrol somewhere that would allow me to practice the craft, masterfully.”
And it was here, at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, that Dylan believed he would be granted a “once in a lifetime opportunity”. This he believes will help him excel, given that he is prepared to do the hard work.
“My friend Marizen Smit, who is also a student here, enlightened me about what an amazing opportunity this is, and to tackle it head on,” Dylan explains. “I am hoping to learn and achieve the necessary skills and capabilities that will allow me to enter the dauntingly, exciting, culinary world. To achieve my dreams, I have big shoes to fill, but I am without doubt that this institution will mould and shape me into the perfect fit. My food journey starts here…”
The recipe that Dylan has chosen to share is Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken). “It’s one that gets my taste buds tingling with happy memories. Aunty Sharmla, who works with my mom, one day explained the art of Indian cooking and introduced us to a world filled with delicious wonders. That’s when I realised there was an entire culinary world out there, just waiting to be explored. Since then, this recipe has become my go-to dish, and it’s now a family favourite.“
Dylan’s recipe hits the spot – and rotis are also included. Please try his recipe and let us know whether, like me, this dish leaves you wanting more…
Explore my website 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.
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Food assistant and recipe developer: Dylan Buys
All photos by Kathy Pitout Photography