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hannel 7’s newest cooking show, Plate of Origin (think the World Cup of food nations) aired in September with Team Greece bagging the $100,000 prize and Greece crowned the best cuisine in the world! We sat down with Team Greece winners and cousins, Dezi Madafferi and Penny Kerasiotis to talk food and their love of Greece.
P O A!
Q Have you always been an avid cook? D: Absolutely not. I had no idea how to cook anything apart from a toastie until I moved out of home when I got married. I was spoiled rotten and my mother did everything for me. Then it was time for me to find my feet in the kitchen, inspired by mum, Nigella Lawson and Donna Hay. P: I have always been known as ‘Penny Cakes’ by everyone, but aside from desserts, I’m also known for my pites (cheese pies).
Meet Team Greece, the winners of Plate of Origin
Q What made you decide to apply for Plate of Origin? D: I saw a post on Instagram calling for a Greek team of home cooks to apply for a new TV show - this immediately piqued my interest. After discussing it with my family, my daughter really encouraged me to apply, she said: “You have to do this Mum! You always tell us to follow our dreams.” I knew Penny would be a great teammate, I adore her, we get along so well, and her desserts are amazing! P: Dezi called to tell me we were entering! Q What’s your occupation? D: I have many part time jobs - working at my husband’s fresh fruit shop and managing the fresh cut flowers we sell. Managing Dezi Cooks, my website and Instagram account. I also work at Country Road part-time.
P: I am a self-taught baker and have my own cake shop and cafe in West Brunswick, Miss Penny Cakes.
Q During the show you represented Greece and shared your love for the country and its food – can you sum up what Greece means to you in a sentence? D: A sun-kissed summer, beach of teal blue waters, fresh and delicious food shared with family and loved ones. P: Greece will always be in my heart, but Australia will always be my home. I’m so glad to be Greek as it has so much culture, food and stunning beaches. Doesn’t matter how many times I see all the ancient ruins in Greece I still get goosebumps every time I see them. I’m very proud to be Greek and want to pass
