Deborah is a content marketing specialist, with a passion for the food niche, she writes engaging content that celebrates the joy of food and its power to bring people together. Having worked on different projects. Her curiosity and creativity shines through in her writing.
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In today’s chef spotlight, we get to hear Pam’s culinary journey, how she went from cooking to win over her in-laws to becoming a renowned chef.
AFN:Tell us about yourself!
Pam the Chef Wife: I’m Phathisiwe Khumalo, affectionately known as Pam. I hail from the quaint village of Umzimkhulu, specifically from the nurturing community of Kwa Deda. As the youngest daughter in my family, I grew up surrounded by warmth and love.
Early in life, after entering into marriage, I embarked on a culinary journey to win the hearts of my in-laws, igniting a deep passion for the art of cooking. Driven by this newfound love, I decided to pursue formal culinary education.
I enrolled at Capsicum Culinary School, where I dedicated myself to mastering the culinary arts. In 2021, I proudly earned my diploma (QCTO), marking my official qualification as a chef. Today, I am a skilled and passionate chef, blending tradition with innovation and creating flavors that tell stories.
AFN:Why do you cook?
Pam the Chef Wife: I find immense joy in cooking because, for me, it’s not just a chore, but a therapeutic experience. It’s a unique form of self-expression where I can communicate my emotions and creativity through food.
Each dish I create is a canvas, allowing me to blend flavors and textures, much like painting a masterpiece. Cooking is my way of speaking to the world, and the kitchen is my sanctuary where I find peace and fulfillment.
AFN:What is your favorite memory in the kitchen?
Pam the Chef Wife: The times I spent with my mum, aunt, and grandma in the kitchen. Priceless, but those shaped and molded my love for cooking, creating, and remodifying recipes. Saturday dinners as a teen meant I got to experiment with ‘newfound’ ingredients. There was so much joy and intrigue in these moments.
AFN:What is your biggest cooking fail?
Pam the Chef Wife: I once had a cooking mishap that I can’t help but chuckle about now. I was attempting to impress my in-laws, and in my enthusiasm, I cooked a dish with raw cabbage. Needless to say, it didn’t turn out as planned.
My in-laws couldn’t even take a bite, and I was left utterly embarrassed. But looking back, it’s a funny story that reminds me of the importance of learning from my mistakes and not being afraid to experiment in the kitchen. We all have our moments, and that one definitely taught me a valuable lesson.
AFN:What kitchen equipment do you use more and can’t do without?
Pam the Chef Wife: My indispensable cooking companion is my blender. It’s not just an appliance; it’s the key to creating smooth sauces, velvety soups, and indulgent smoothies.
Whether I’m blending up fresh ingredients for a hearty soup or crafting a refreshing fruit blend, my blender is the unsung hero that adds a touch of magic to my culinary creations.
AFN: What are your favorite foods to cook and why?
Pam the Chef Wife: Cooking South African cuisine holds a special place in my heart; it’s not just about the flavors, but the memories it brings. Each dish, especially the beloved uJeqe (steambread), reconnects me to my roots and keeps me close to the cherished moments shared with my late grandmother.
Working with flour in any form is my forte, allowing me to craft traditional delicacies that not only taste like home but also carry the warmth of family traditions.
AFN: What would you like to share with our audience?
Pam the Chef Wife: Sharing the love of cooking and emphasizing the value of preparing meals for oneself is a beautiful endeavor. By promoting the joy of creating dishes from scratch, you not only encourage a healthier lifestyle but also empower others to be conscious of what they consume.
It’s a beautiful way to promote self-care and a genuine appreciation for the nourishing power of homemade meals.
Deborah is a content marketing specialist, with a passion for the food niche, she writes engaging content that celebrates the joy of food and its power to bring people together. Having worked on different projects. Her curiosity and creativity shines through in her writing.
