The smell of biscuits in the oven, a family brunch on a Saturday morning or something delicious on the braai ... The Herald Cooking Masterclass series will once again take you on an everyday adventure of celebrating life with food.
Capsicum Culinary Studio Nelson Mandela Bay chef Sheree Cloete believes food has a way of bringing people together, transcending cultures and borders, and evoking emotions that linger long after the plate is clean.
“Celebrating life with food is a universal language that speaks directly to our hearts, nourishing both our bodies and souls.
“Whether we decide to eat healthy, celebrate our different cultures or plan a romantic dinner, food has the power to create lasting memories,” she said.
The Herald Cooking Masterclass series — now in its seventh year — is a fun, interactive cooking experience hosted by The Herald and sponsored by Three Peaks Wine and Capsicum Culinary Studio Nelson Mandela Bay.
The first The Herald Cooking Masterclass in 2025 will be hosted at Capsicum Culinary Studio on February 27, with the delightful theme “Love is Sweet: Tempting Treats”.
The dinner menu will see participants guided by chef Cloete to make a “Heart-beet Ravioli” with a beef and spinach filling.
And for dessert, chef Andre van der Merwe, also from Capsicum Culinary Studio in Nelson Mandela Bay, will demonstrate how to make a strawberry and cream Swiss Roll.
While the upcoming Masterclass menu reads like the perfect “date night” celebration, or even a perfect Valentine’s gift, the “tempting meal treats” can be made and enjoyed throughout the year.
“The meal evokes warmth and comfort and celebrates love in all its shapes and forms,” Cloete said.
“This is the perfect treat to share with your sweetheart.
“For the strawberry and cream Swiss Roll, chef Andre will demonstrate just what tricks he uses to achieve the pattern that makes this cake visually stunning.
“The ravioli will be made from scratch.”
Techniques participants will master during the upcoming cooking experience include making the pasta dough for the ravioli (mixing and kneading), making the filling, mastering knife skills, pan-frying and assembling the dish.
For the Swiss Roll, participants will learn how to create trending designs, among other baking skills.
Mount Vernon Wine Estate brand manager Chantal Bust is excited to again partner with The Herald Cooking Masterclasses in 2025.
“We absolutely love seeing the joy on people’s faces when they get to experience our handcrafted Three Peaks Wine.
“It’s priceless,” Bust said.
She recommends pairing the “Love is Sweet: Tempting Treats” dessert with a Three Peaks Dry Rosé.
“Rosé’s versatility in terms of food pairing is one of its key attributes.
“Its moderate tannins and fruit-forward flavours can complement a variety of dishes, including salads, seafood, grilled meats, and even heartier fare like roasted poultry or pork.
“This adaptability makes it a year-round option.”
Book your spot for The Herald Cooking Masterclass at Capsicum Culinary Studio in Greenacres, Gqeberha, on Thursday February 27, from 6-8pm, at www.bit.ly/heraldcookvalentine.
Tickets cost R420 a person and include a welcome drink, head chef host, basket of ingredients, fun and interactive dining experience, complimentary chef’s apron and a bottle of wine compliments of Three Peaks Wine.
For more information, contact The Herald marketing manager Berna Ulay-Walters at ulayb@theherald.co.za or 041-504-7135.
The Herald
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