Durban - Television audiences could surely relate to 36-year-old Karen Els.
Karen was the last of MasterChef South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal contestants until she was eliminated.
She is a stay-at-home mom who cooked out of love, but also necessity, and was fairly unaware of her culinary prowess until a reality cooking show came along.
“I am without a doubt MasterChef SA’s number one fan,” says Els.
“So what a privilege it was to be on the show. I learnt so much from those who were on the journey with me. The contestants from across the country all have their own unique way of seeing SA food and cooking – and their influence has enriched my outlook on food culture in our country.
“Of course, it was also a thrill to walk into that amazing Woolworths pantry daily – foodie heaven.
“I had the time of my life.”
One of the things that would have resonated with audiences was Els’s mixed feelings between doing something for herself and being away from her family.
However, she says her husband Hannes and three children – Hane, 10, Mirindie, seven, and Hanro, two, have been nothing but supportive of her, and she has ventured into starting her own business in Delmas, Heartfood Catering.
The cook says she is adamant about getting people to see KZN in all its dimensions.
Her own past tells of a more diverse culinary history.
“I was born in Ladysmith but lived in Amanzimtoti from three until I was married.
“My dad was a fisherman, so fresh fish was always on the menu and my mom and gran were great bakers.
“My husband’s work as an equine dental technician (horse dentist) took us to the Midlands – which really added another dimension to the passion I had long since developed for food.
“As a KZN girl I enjoyed cooking with spices and exploring my Afrikaans heritage. In the Midlands I learnt an appreciation for our outstanding local produce.
“Our ducks, dairy, beef and our farmers’ markets are world-class.
“People think KZN has only curry to offer. We do have the best curries in the country but there is so much more.
“We cook for all our 11 official languages.” - The Mercury