Venkat Raman
Auckland, January 25, 2023
When Rosemary Carter was declared the First Runner-Up at the Mrs Universe Pageant 2021, the decision did not surprise anyone, for, with her vivacity, friendliness and goodwill, she had already won the hearts of the organisers, fellow contestants and the audience.
She also earned the titles of ‘Women of the Universe’ and ‘Kiwi Queen’ at the event.
Mrs Universe encouraged her to launch ‘Mrs Exquisite New Zealand’ last year with her partner Zelda Edwards to celebrate all the good things in life.
The event, with the signature, ‘We all deserve a Crown,’ will be held this year from 6 pm on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at the Mangere Arts Centre located in the Mangere City Centre.
The Culinary Art
Ms Carter proved that she could be a superb cook as well, accepting the invitation of SevenzTV to be the Chef of the Week at their ‘Home Chef Series’ last weekend.
She chose to cook Sadza, Muriwo and Boerewors sausage, all South African delicacies, served with Chakalaka (a staple South African dish made with fresh vegetables including beans, onion, tomatoes and pepper) and Chilli Sauce.
As in every episode of the Home Chefs series, Bharati Sonu was the host.
Ms Carter said that Sadza is a staple food in several African countries, especially South Africa and East Africa.
“It is a very thick porridge made from finely ground white cornmeal, popularly known as mealie meal. It is usually served as an accompaniment to meat, soups and stews. Like most other food items, Sadza can be served ‘thick’ or ‘soft.’ Muriwo is a traditional dish of Zimbabwe. Cooked in African style, it has a combination of leafy green vegetables,” she said.
About Rosemary Carter
Born in Zimbabwe, Ms Carter migrated to New Zealand in February 2002 with her children Francine and Keegan.
She dots over her grandchildren Kierthen and Krezden, who are a great source of endearment.
She established an African Hair Salon, a successful venture catering to a cross-section of the resident communities.
Six years ago, she started the ‘Masafinyas Corner’ in the South Auckland suburb of Papakura. Offering space for events, this facility also witnesses festivals and various other events.
She introduced everything African – musical instruments, fashion shows, other events and of course food.
An ardent follower of fashion and culture, she participated in the African segment at the New Zealand Fashion Week in 2019, at which she designed and displayed hats and accessories.
The enormity of tasks
Bharati, who was an avid watcher of the proceedings was astonished at the enormity of preparations entailed in cooking the dishes.
“I learnt that Boerewors is a sausage from South Africa. It is an important part of South African, Zimbabwean, Botswana and Namibian cuisine. It was also an educational journey as Rosemary shared insights into the dishes and the culture and family values of South African culinary art. Like many of our Indian food, South African meal is eaten with fingers,” she said.
The Home Chefs Series a multicultural cooking show is produced and aired on SevenzTV.
Since its launch last year, the Series has been featuring recipes from various parts of the world.
The detailed recipe is given at the end of the episode.
Be a Home Chef
If you are a good ‘Home Chef’ with a delicious home recipe which you wish to share on the SevenzTV Facebook Page, email a photograph of the dish with your picture to ss@sevenztv.co.nz The chosen recipe would win a special food voucher.
