Robynne Balcomb, whom I refer to as “my little one,” is a past trainee whose arm I have been trying to twist to leave her new-found passion for teaching children and to join us permanently. Her roots are still very foodie, she’s an absolute “natural”, and she jumps at any opportunity to help out. She assisted me in compiling my recipe book “Jackie Cameron at Home,” I couldn’t have managed without her with all the food preparations for the photo-shoots, and her wonderfully creative food styling, critical to meeting our deadlines. More recently she was my “chef-model” for the launch of my ‘all-female chef range’ shoot. She sent through two recipes, which I can’t wait to try. The cracker biscuits with her “Mum’s chicken and broccoli bake” is wonderfully savoury and her coconut and yoghurt fridge tart of condensed and coconut milks, sounds like a hit in the Cameron household.
Read MoreReviving the classical avocado Ritz seems appropriate for this traditional occasion. That’s what we’ll have because my parents’ avocado pear trees are laden with the very best of the creamy - smooth fruit. A crème fraiche spicy dressing drizzled over lightly-blanched, firm shrimps is best with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some crisp Melba toast. There are some flavour combinations that will never die.
Read MoreSoups or herb frittatas are ideal hunger stoppers.
Read MoreI have, over the years, given out my tomato-soup recipe which is a firm favourite of mine. It immediately springs to mind after a night on the town... Filled with untold goodness it promises to help you feel healthier. I know one should avoid a Bloody Mary and rather drink the virgin option.
Read MoreWhen I think simplicity; tomato, avocado and fresh basil salad springs to mind. It’s the foundation of traditional Caprese salad, a renowned Italian dish celebrated world wide for a very good reason - it’s delicious.
Read MoreIn our family home olives are always readily available. In my opinion beef fillet, cherry tomatoes and olives poached in olive oil with fresh rocket, pecorino shavings and a crispy caper salad is a lunch-time suggestion fit for any mother.
Read MoreMy cravings are not limited to chicken livers; I also hanker after boerewors, tomatoes and hot peri-peri sauce. With the result a staff meal at Hartford often ends up being a wors roll. Thick lashings of butter, English mustard as well as tomato-and-onion chunky chutney - or a homemade onion relish - more-than meet my craving.
Read MorePissaladiere, a pastry base - we use homemade puff - topped with well-caramelised onions, tomatoes, anchovies and olives. It’s a perfect light-lunch option when served with a green salad, and it takes me back to my French-classical training days. These roots, with happy childhood memories, are the corner stone of what I create today.
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