Aunty Nigella to the rescue & Delicious giveaways this March
Celebrating womanhood, a publishing icon and a special column in Delicious Magazine
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Welcome Sunshine! Yes you!
You light up my world. Thank you for joining our fabulous community. We have an influx of new members, and I am excited to have you all here. I am Lerato and my friends call me Tomato (seriously!) A sunshine seeking, plantain loving, wanderlust filled traveller, trying to make an impact in the world through food. Here we cook, feast and travel together. And I like to show my gratitude by sharing recipes, exclusive treats and more with you. Don’t miss the two giveaways we have this month, as seen below. I often wonder, “why are you here?” Believe it or not, some of our members here don’t like cooking, however they still feel welcome to the conversation. One thing we all have in common is our love of good food! Am I right? Let’s get cooking!
A nudge from Aunty Nigella & what to cook this weekend
As we said goodbye to February, I only truly started feeling ready for the year ahead. In part, because I have finally planned the whole year and well into 2025. Don’t panic! This is not a standard for us all, but one I have set for myself, a plan that is most efficient for my work and lifestyle, especially as a traveller. I haven’t planned a lot of events for the year, instead I have prioritised teaching, creating new recipes and travelling. It is less expensive to plan well ahead, book flights, accommodation etc And it is especially more sensible to plan well ahead for our growing retreats across Africa.
I recently woke up feeling slightly overwhelmed and unmotivated, until Aunty Nigella came calling. Yes, that Aunty! Nigella Lawson. She might as well be my aunty, with how much support she sends my way. We may not all have the likes of Nigella to support us and tell the world about us, however I do believe in doing the best that I can, to be a woman of purpose, to be helpful, intentional and impactful. By using her voice to highlight mine, she is lifting me up, empowering me like a proper aunty would, and I am so thankful for that. I really needed this jolt of encouragement this week!
Read her generous words about my cookbook here, and find the recipe for the heartwarming Mothered Oxtail in your copy of Africana or right here.
Cook This!
Speaking of celebrating women!
We recently celebrated the icon that is Karen Barnes ~ a send-off for 14 years as editor of the dashingly creative Delicious Magazine in the UK. Can you imagine the enormity of what it means to lead one of the country’s top food publications for 14 years? As soon as I fell in love with Delicious Magazine, I grew curious of who was behind such a marvel. Admiring the editor of one of the greatest magazines in the country is one thing, and getting to know them is another. Little did I know that one day I would be invited to share in such a momentous celebration as her leaving to do. Delicious Magazine was the first to fully cover my cookbook publication and with a glowing review. Since then, Karen and her team, some of whom I had previously worked with in the pre-pandemic era (by fate or a serendipity), have been very supportive and collaborative. Featuring my recipes in the beautiful magazine and website. Beyond what Karen means to me as a great publisher, creative and supporter, she is the real deal, an inspirational woman. I met the vivacious TV star Andi Oliver with whom I enjoyed a fiery & fun chat and I met the very gentlemanly Raymond Blanc. What a night! See my special column in the latest golden edition of Delicious Magazine, with three fabulous recipes that will bring you to the heart of my home. And guess what?… I have a few copies to give away!
March 2024 Edition of Delicious Magazine
EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY OF THE MONTH
I’m giving away 3 copies of the latest edition of Delicious magazine to our paid members. If you’d like one, just ask by leaving a comment below. Only available to UK members on a ‘first come first serve’ basis.
INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY
Click on the post for a chance to win a signed copy of my cookbook and a set of 4 sauces from RO’s Kitchen. A prize each for you and for your favourite person. What a treat!
Upcoming Cookery Classes
I have been teaching in Brighton for over 5 or 6 years and thrilled to have grown a community with food lovers who are local, from London and beyond. I’ve been working on returning to London, but until then, join us by the seaside if you can. Our North African Masterclass this March is now SOLD OUT. All our classes sell out, so check future dates to book your place now.
And finally…can you do me a favour? The US Edition of Africana just turned 1. How time flies…
If you love and enjoy the recipes, please share a positive review here for the UK/world-wide edition, and here for the US edition. It does not matter where you buy the book. This goes a long way to encouraging others to pick up a copy and, believe it or not, independent sellers and publishers use your reviews to determine restocking, reprinting and republishing authors. Thank you so much!
Now that was bumper packed! It’s International Women's Day today and with a month ahead of celebrating women, I am sending love to my queens, women across the world. I hope you feel seen, honoured and loved. By being here, this is how you make me feel.
👩🏽🍳 Read about: Cook With Lerato & catch up on previous posts here
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Share this sunshine with your family and friends, and win some treats.