The Clover Little Big Cook Off: The Big Win

Clover’s final episode celebrated Team Sugar and Spice as the winners of the first ever Clover Little Big Cook Off, awarding the shining team in yellow with the incredible R1,000,000 in prizes with their array of dishes that are still making viewers hungry just thinking about them. Tasty treats, delicious meals and vibrant kitchen action – this is one ending that went off with a bang!

The episode kicked off with Martin Kobald, one of the celebrity chefs and judges on the show, telling the three teams to create a family meal consisting of a starter and a main course in only 90 minutes. The Brainstormers, Sugar and Spice and the Cooking Gurus looked more than a little nervous at the prospect and the time limit.

The Cooking Gurus with Mornè Labuschagne and his 11 year-old daughter Caitlynn created Baked Stuffed Mushrooms, Kingklip in White sauce with Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli Salad. Pavel Morris and Tiana Tsvagirayi (aged 8) of The Brainstormers made Shimeji Mushroom Tartlets, Wasabi Mash and a Beef Fillet that was delectable.  Lee-Anne and Hannah Ibbetson cooked Pea and Mint Soup with Parmesan Biscuits and Croutons alongside a Chicken and Butternut Bake with Mushrooms and Cheese.

The timing was certainly tight and there was no small number of quibbles niggles and gasps of horror as the teams fought the timer. Then, as the second half was about to kick off, the judges whisked out a surprise of their own – a visit from a family member to give them moral support. There were plenty of smiles as the teams reunited with their family and got a much needed boost to drive them through the second round.

Lee-Anne’s husband and Hannah’s stepfather, Mike visited the winning team to watch their victory unfold. “I was really, really happy to see Mike,” Hannah grinned, “Mike has a calming effect on me. It’s always nice having him around because he always makes me smile.”

In the final half the teams had to each make a trio of desserts in two hours. That’s right, three desserts in only two hours: Baked Date Pudding, Panna Cotta and a Citrus Salad.

Clover LBCO Sugar and Spice bonding. Picture: Supplied.

“This round was definitely information overload!” said Zuraida Jardine, celebrity host and judge. “In spite of how much work they had to do, I was really impressed with how calm everyone was.”

Team Sugar and Spice had a beautiful magic on the set looking as if they had been working as a team for years. They spent a lot of time laughing and even overcame some worrying obstacles without getting annoyed with one another.

When the judges tasted the desserts they found it very hard to find fault with the teams as everyone had put so much effort into their work. In fact, the difference separating the winning team from the rest was only three percent! By tallying up the highest amount of points in both challenges, Team Sugar and Spice scooped up the top spot and the title of the first Clover Little Big Cook Off winners.

Some of the very many qualities that helped them get to the top were their excellent teamwork, their attention to detail and their exceptional innovation in producing signature flavours to their dishes, such as the crushed walnuts in their Panna Cotta and the marshmallows added to their chicken and butternut bake.

Hannah screamed with excitement after being announced the winners, “I can’t believe this is happening! I can’t imagine walking into Disney World and seeing all the big rides. It’s going to be so cool!”

This vibrant team may have taken the grand prize; the other two teams have walked away with some incredible memories. “We challenged ourselves and worked hard and it has brought Tiana and I so much closer,” said an emotional Pavel. “I am so proud of her, I am the proudest mom. She is only eight!” Mornè is as equally proud of his own shining star – his daughter Caitlynn.

As the last stove cooled and the lights went out in the Way Better kitchen, the mood was bitter-sweet. Celebrity judges Fathi ‘Coco’ Reinarhz, Zuraida Jardine and Martin Kobald all said a fond farewell to a space that had allowed them to meet some remarkable South African families.

Clover LBCO Hannah, Mike and Lee-Anne. Picture: Supplied

“We watched moms, dads and kids all form these fantastic bonds as they raced around the kitchens and created delicious dishes for us all to enjoy,” said Reinarhz. “It was a privilege and a rare experience that was worth every second.”

This unique reality family cooking show caught the imaginations and hearts of South Africans across the country and was a remarkable success for all involved. “We wish Lee-Anne, Hannah and their family a fantastic trip and hope they enjoy their prizes courtesy of Clover,” said Sherian King, Brand Group Manager for Dairy at Clover. “We wanted to create a show that brought families together and inspired others and we have achieved that goal more than we ever expected. Soon we will be releasing the Clover Little Big Cook Off Recipe Cook Book so anyone can make some of the best dishes that they have seen on the show.”

Keep an eye out for the recipe book at your nearest store, coming out near the close of this year, and you can find out more information about the show, the judges and the winners on the Clover Little Big Cook Off visit http://www.littlebigcookoff.co.za