The Clover Little Big Cook Off semi-finals

Mornè Labuschagne and his daughter Caitlynn (age 11) created a dish that absolutely enchanted the judges and gave them the last space and one step closer the coveted finale prizes.

Based on Clover’s core value of Quality, this Quality-themed semi-final saw The Cooking Gurus compete against Team Vicious & Delicious with Zulaykha Goga and her daughter Asma Mohammed (age 9) and Team Flour Power made up of Marilize Grobler and her niece Chantè Engelbrecht (age 12). Team Vicious & Delicious gave The Cooking Gurus some tough competition to work with, as they won the first challenge with their Grilled Roosterkoek Cheese Burgers with Biltong and Caramelised Onions.

It was certainly a tough call for the judges, because it did not seem that Vicious & Delicious were going to complete their dish. “The challenge was very rough,” said Zulaykha, “There was a point during the challenge where I thought we wouldn’t finish in time, but we were both very happy with our final dish. We are excited that we won the round, considering how difficult it was for us.”

The Cooking Gurus, however, gave it their best with their Malay-spiced Butternut Risotto with Roasted Almonds and Sage Butter. “I have made Risotto before,” comments Mornè, “It is a very difficult dish, but I think I did well.” Mornè’s feisty daughter, Caitlynn wished that they got Team Flour Power’s Bobotie Pancakes with Apricot and Currant Chutney instead, “it was the easiest to make!” she sighed.

The Cooking Gurus. Picture: Supplied.

During the second round Extreme Baking challenge, each team had to make Chocolate Mousse Cake with Chocolate Glaze and Fresh Blueberries. “The Cooking Gurus made a dessert that was both delectable and gorgeous to look at,” says celebrity judge Fathi ‘Coco’ Reinarhz. “They added in coffee to give it a mocha flavour that was very nice on the palette.”

Caitlynn played a vital role in ensuring that the team made it to the finals, helping her non-baking father to create a feathery mousse and giving him tips throughout the last part of the show. “I am so glad Caitlynn was with me as it made things a lot easier,” says Mornè. “I’m not an expert so I focused on what I knew and it felt great to be able to rely on Caitlynn when I wasn’t quite sure what to do next.”

Mornè was tidy and meticulous, and loved working with his daughter.

“Mornè and Caitlynn were lovely to watch and when the judges asked him if he wanted his teammate back in the bake-off his face just lit up,” says Sherian King, brand group manager for Dairy at Clover. “It made us all choke up a bit when the judges announced the winners and Mornè was completely speechless.”

Now The Cooking Gurus will join Team Sugar and Spice and the Brainstormers in the finals where they will whisk and whip their hearts out in order to win the superb prizes from Clover. Do you have a favourite to win? A family that’s crept into your heart? Join us next to see if they win!

Please remember that Clover Little Big Cook Off now airs at 20:00 on SABC3. #CLBCO repeats on Fridays at 14:00 on SABC3.

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Issued by: SABC3 Publicity