[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t’s so true that whatever happens to you in your childhood whether negative or positive has a bearing on your adult life. Whatever words that are spoken to you or over you can have a positive or negative influence on you if you let them. When I was growing up, in our humble 3 bedroom home in Bluff Hill, Harare, Zimbabwe, my mother used to cook us up a storm almost every time she was in the kitchen. My siblings and I would certainly look forward to eating what she made ‘coz it was finger licking good. It’s because of her great cooking skills that I wanted to tap into what she had.
So when did it all start? As far as I can remember, my mum bought me a Kid’s Cook book when I was 9 years old. This is when my love for cooking and baking began. I’d be in the kitchen with her by her side watching her do one of the many things she did best. What she showed and taught me remains with me forever! In fact, I appreciate it more now that I’m a mum of 3 myself and all girls too! I also see them beginning to develop a passion for cooking and baking which I will most certainly nurture and allow to flourish… it is part of their immaterial inheritance which no one can take away from them…I suppose!
I am no professional chef, though I would love to be one, maybe one day I will :). The dishes I prepare come from various inspirations. I enjoy watching any cooking and baking program such as Cake Boss, Kitchen Boss, Cooking For Real, The Next Great Baker, Masterchef, Come Dine With Me, Chopped, the list is endless and this is where I get some of my inspiration. Locally, I have also been inspired a great deal by Sarah Lilford who has now opened here own amazing township restaurant in Victoria Falls.
Sometimes I just think of a new way to do something and immediately want to try it out. But what brings me the most satisfaction, which I think is the same for all those who cook or bake, whether they are professional or not, is when people enjoy what you would have prepared.
I love experimenting with food and flavors, like the little rat from Ratatouille 😀 (if you have watched it). Sometimes things go bad and it doesn’t always come out as I would have envisioned or it tastes horrible but I just pick myself up and try again. My girls always sing a song that goes…
You can do it, you can do it, you can do it if you trrrryyyyyyyy. If it doesn’t work the first time, try twice as hard the next time, ‘coz you can do it if you trrryyyyyyy, yes you can do it if you try
So that’s our motto when we’re cooking or baking- DON’T GIVE UP. And it transcends into every other area of our lives in what we do- never give up!
I hope you enjoy and find inspiration in my cooking escapades shared here on ZimboKitchen.com! oh by the way…never miss any of my recipes by subscribing to our newsletter. I will email new recipes into your mail box even if you don’t get time to check-in on the site.
Yours truly…
Rumbie
