MEET AND GREET Plate of Origin winners, Team Greece

Channel 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 withTeam Greece winners and cousins, Dezi Madafferi and Penny Kerasiotis to talk food and their love of Greece. of Origin? 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! 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.

OAP !Meet Team Greece, the winners of Plate of Origin

P: I am a self-taught baker and have my own cake shop and cafe in West Brunswick, Miss

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

Q

What made you decide to apply for Plate D: I saw a post on Instagram calling for a Greek P: Dezi called to tell me we were entering!

Q What’s your occupation?

Penny Cakes. 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).

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

CRISPY FRIED CALAMARI BY DEZI COOKS

Fresh crispy calamari with rocket and fennel salad. Such a beautiful dish that is flavoursome and quick to prepare!

SALAD

• 100g rocket leaves • 1 large fennel • 1 lemon • Olive oil

WATCH DEZI MAKE THIS RECIPE HERE

• White wine vinegar • 3 cleaned fresh calamari

PRESS PLAY PRESS PLAY

(approx. 750g) • 1 cup self-raising flour • 1 cup fine semolina • 500-600ml Rice bran oil or vegetable oil for frying • Balsamic glaze

METHOD 1. Prepare salad in a large bowl. Using a mandolin, finely slice the fennel. 2. Toss rocket and fennel together before adding a light drizzle of olive oil and a good splash of white wine vinegar. 3. Cut lemon wedges and set aside. 4. Place flour and semolina into a clean plastic bag. 5. With a sharp knife cut fresh calamari into 1cm wide rings. 6. Dust the calamari into the flour and semolina. Shake off any excess flour and place onto a dish. 7. Heat oil in a wok on a high to medium heat. 8. Gently place calamari into the hot oil and fry until golden on both sides (be careful as calamari may pop in the hot oil) 9. Drain onto paper towel and season lightly with salt. 10. Add fried calamari onto the salad, place lemon wedge alongside the dish. 11. Lastly drizzle the balsamic glaze in a circular motion. Optional: serve with some mayonnaise or aioli on the side.

LOVE COOKING? Follow Dezi @dezi_cooks dezicooks.com.au & Penny: @misspennycakes misspennycakes.com.au

MAIN IMAGE: The Acropolis of Athens; Dezi (L) and Penny (R) take home the first prize; Agios Ermogenis beach on Lesvos island

on all our traditions and culture to my kids (bit more than a sentence!).

Q

What’s your favourite place to travel in Greece? D: It would have to be the island of Lesvos, it’s so special to see my yiayia (grandmother) and extended family. Family is everything to me. P: My favourite place to go to in Greece is the Acropolis.

Q

For first time travellers to Greece, what is a must-visit, must-eat, must-do? D: Must-visit is Santorini for the most breathtaking view of the Caldera and sunset; must-eat is a pork souvlaki, it is simply divine; must-do is boat cruise around the island of Milos, you’ll have access to the most stunning beaches and waters unobtainable by foot or car, and it’s absolutely magical. This island is a bit of a best-kept secret. P: Must-visit is the island of Crete; must-eat is their bougatsa (a delicious custard parcel with phyllo); a must-do is allow about two weeks to visit Crete properly and see Minoan Knossos Palace.

Q

Where would you like to travel to in 2021? D: The Greek islands of course! P: Greece of course! I love going there to see all my family, and most importantly just sitting on the beach doing nothing.

INSPIRED TO TRAVEL TO GREECE Check out our tours here

Q

What’s next for you both? D: I have launched my own seasoning range to give other families the opportunity to taste the flavours of the Mediterranean at home. I will continue sharing my delicious recipes and videos via my Instagram @dezi_cooks. Penny and I also look forward to presenting some cooking classes together and demonstrations and just sharing our passion for food with everyone. P: The cooking classes will showcase all our favourite dishes and not to mention, we’ll have some champagne, nibbles and, of course, dancing!