Kitchen affairs moved swiftly at the second Herald Cooking Masterclass at the Capsicum Culinary Studio in Newton Park.
The sold-out class on Thursday was the second of four in the first series of the year.
Guests whipped up a quick tamarind sauce fish curry served with naan bread, led by Capsicum Culinary Studio chefs Donovan Miller and Lynette Steffens.
It was the first time Fiona Solomon attended a Herald Cooking Masterclass and the businesswoman said she would be making the meal for her family, who love curry.
“I found it really interesting and easy to make, especially if you’re coming home from work,” Solomon said.
While the guests followed every step of the chefs’ recipe, Chantal Schoonbee of Three Peaks Wines – the official beverage partners of The Herald Cooking Masterclasses – was there to refill glasses and calm the nerves at each turn.
“This is one of those recipes your mom-in-law makes and you just want to steal,” Miller said.
Miller researched the recipe and put his own spin to it.
The two chefs worked in harmony with their student chefs, who guided the guests.
Each guest was assisted by a Capsicum student chef.
“We work very well together, we don’t even have to talk to each other [because] we already know what the other one is thinking or what the other one wants,” Steffens said.
“I think the learners enjoyed it although they were nervous at the start, but we know our students by now and when you see those big eyes, you know to go and help.”
Miller said: “This was the first time they helped us and it’s been a good experience for them.”
The next Herald Cooking Masterclass on April 11 will be Chinese-themed, followed by the French-themed final class on May 2.
All classes for the first series are sold out. A second series will be held in July and August.
The classes run from 6pm to about 8.30pm at the Capsicum Studio at 67 Newton Street in Newton Park.
Each ticket includes a welcome drink, Capsicum head chef host, basket of ingredients, dining experience, complimentary chef’s apron and a Three Peaks bottle of wine.
For more information, contact Berna Walters on (041) 504-7135.