COOKING GOT US TOGETHER

What does a demand planner, a management accountant, an electrician, and a self-employed mother have in common?

A love for food that has brought them together to create and share their experiences with others.

Through their cookbook Cooking Got Us Together, Faith Mazibuko, Siyathuthuka Mkhize, Tshimangadzo Sibisi and Nonhlanhla Mpungose have created a space to not only share recipes with each other but with other aspiring cooks.

The women met in church and soon realised they shared a passion for cooking and were all talented in different ways.

It was during the 2020 lockdown that they discovered each other's talents.

Faith, a mother of 2 children, started cooking at the age of 15 and has never looked back. She also owns a catering company on the side.

“With this book I am looking forward to making the lives of South Africans easier especially when it comes to cooking.”

Cooking Got Us Together consists of different cuisines including traditional meals prepared by Faith; pasta, casserole, and roast meals by Siyathuthuka; meals fit for little tummies and baking by Tshimangadzo and brunch meals, desserts and drinks by Nonhlanhla.

For 36-year-old Siyaththuka it has been quite the challenge balancing being a wife, mother, working woman and discovering her cooking passion. She hopes Cooking Got Us Together will be positively recognised and appreciated.

“Our future plans include, having our own restaurant and coffee shop. We also hope to start feeding schemes where we will cook for the less fortunate.”

Tshimangadzo, 33, mother of three, hopes people will enjoy the recipes she makes for little tummies.

“They’re interesting yet simple and yummy for the kids.”

Nonhlanhla, 31, hopes Cooking Got Us Together will give people the confidence they need when it comes to cooking.

“Oftentimes clients ask for the recipes or want to buy their own ingredients and ask me to bake for them. The book will give much needed help to those who want to do this for themselves.”

The women wanted to create this version of a cookbook because they have never come across one like it.

“Cooking Got Us Together is closing the gap by creating a collaborative cookbook that includes almost all types of meals. We have never come across a book like this before,” - Faith Mazibuko.

The Cooking Got Us Together book launch will take place on May 1, 2022 at Carnival City, Rio Suites, Cnr Century and Elsburg Road, Brakpan, where guests will be treated to a selection of meals to enjoy as well as receive their own copy of the book.