It takes a village to raise a child, but in the case of the Longbeach Mall Cookbook, it took a village to compile a book – and all for a charitable cause.
Launched on Thursday October 10, the cookbook is the brainchild of Minnin du Preez, the marketing manager for Longbeach Mall, who sought to create a collection of recipes that captured the essence of the community’s culinary traditions.
As the recipes flowed in from the community, a panel of experts – private chef Grant Kipling, food stylist Abigail Donnelly and head of Fish Hoek High School’s hospitality studies Rolanda Alexander – curated a selection of “simple yet delicious” dishes that reflect the spirit of the far south.
Thirty recipes were chosen from more than 100 submissions, offering a diverse taste of the area’s food culture.
But getting started had not been easy, said Ms Du Preez, describing how after the launch of the project, she checked the entry box daily, and after a week, there had only been one entry – that of Longbeach Mall centre manager Stefan Roodt.
However, as the project progressed the recipes started flowing in.
Once the recipes were finalised, Ms Du Preez faced the next challenge: finding a kitchen to prepare, style, and photograph the dishes. Fish Hoek High School stepped up, offering the use of their kitchen facilities.
“This is where each dish came to life, with not only the help of the panellists but also the assistance of Fish Hoek High’s Culinary Club,” said Ms Du Preez.
The book features two recipes from each panellist, reflecting their culinary backgrounds and personal connections to the community.
Mr Kipling, who contributed a citrus-and-ginger-infused pork belly with cauliflower mash, along with mussels in a white wine cream and garlic sauce, spoke of his deep connection to the valley.
“It was a privilege to contribute to this book,” he said and praised the dedication and talent of the Fish Hoek High pupils who had spent the day in the kitchen from 7am till late.
Abigail Donnelly, a magazine food director and stylist, said she had not hesitated for a moment to get involved.
“I’m a yes girl,” she said, laughing.
Her contributions include hake provençale, a quick dish, and a T-bone steak with chakalaka.
She said chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish synonymous with traditional shisa nyama gatherings added a special twist to her recipe.
Rolanda Alexander honoured her heritage with her father’s tomato bredie and traditional vetkoek.
Guests had the opportunity to sample some of the dishes from the book alongside an array of snacks and wine. The event also allowed them to meet the panellists behind the project.
All proceeds of the Longbeach Mall Cookbook will go to The Haven Night Shelter, a non-profit organisation that supports the homeless across the Western Cape.
The books costs R200 and can be collected at Longbeach Mall’s centre management office. Payment can be made directly into The Haven Night Shelter’s bank account which can be obtained by emailing Ms Du Preez at minnin@x-potential.co.za
