Vegetarian Green Thai Curry with Joel van Rooyen
“Another year passes by, and Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine enters its seventh year. I have almost completed introducing you to our 2021 students as I prepare to enrol the 2022 intake.”
Our gratitude goes out to all the supportive parents of students who attended the functions, such as the wine evenings, that we have hosted this year. I’m sure there is no one that has not been affected, in some way, by the Covid-19 pandemic and your backing is much appreciated. We also thank all other supporters – without you our students would be missing out on important experiences. It has been heart-warming to witness the students’ progress, and to observe the parents’ appreciation over what their children have achieved.
Next up for the year – and an important member of the ‘team’ - is Joel van Rooyen, whose parents attend all functions, when possible, and have been ‘blown away’ with Joel’s advancement.
“Three years ago, I would never have guessed that I would be chasing my dream of becoming a great chef,” says Joel, who is willing to give his all to achieve that goal. “I want to show this country, and the world, the joy in food,” he adds.
Inspired by his sister, who is a vegetarian, and who has been a pillar of strength in his life, Joel resonates, naturally, with vegetarian combinations. These have been relished with much appreciation by the ‘carnivores’ in the group. He has chosen to share his Vegetarian Green Thai Curry recipe with you.
It has been a challenging year but with a supportive family, Joel has found his ‘happy’ place. “Early mornings, intense services and late hours have shaped me, and I am a different person from the one I was in January,” he shares, clearly happy with this positive change. “Chef Jackie’s encouragement has fuelled the fire of my vision and my potential. I shall be eternally thankful for this opportunity to work under her guidance - and alongside her. It truly has been an amazing year.”
You’d be well advised to follow Joel’s footsteps – he has a promising future ahead of him.
Welcoming potential students, interviewing aspiring young chefs and showing them around the school is one of the many highlights of owning a cookery school – and makes the long hours worthwhile. Another highpoint is being part of their culinary evolution.
May 2022 be kind to all of us.
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.
Find me on Facebook – Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home, Twitter - @jackie_cameron and Instagram: @jackiecameronincolour
Food assistant and recipe developer: Joel van Rooyen
All photos by Kathy Pitout Photography