Will local grannies be “The Ultimate Braai Master”?

Braai buddy Christine Vermaak (from Elspark, Germiston) and braai master Tracy Graham (from Sunward Park, Boksburg) are ready to show off their braaing skills in the reality TV show, “The Ultimate Braai Master”.

The two women met 10 years ago at a local bowling club and became fast friends.

Tracy and Christine, who are both grannies with a total of 17 grandchildren between them, decided to call themselves Team Gee-Gee, which is short for Galloping Grannies.

“The Ultimate Braai Master” is a South African reality TV show where the braai master and braai buddy have to cook gourmet meals on an open fire.

Thirteen teams of two are competing and, over a 60 day period, they are judged and eliminated until only two teams are left.

These two teams will go into the final, with the winners walking away with the title of Ultimate Braai Master, R500 000, a new fully kitted Suzuki SX4 and a trip to Florida in the United States, to take part in the World Food Championships.

When asked why the duo had decided to enter the competition, Tracy explained: “I entered to experience a road trip of a lifetime and to see our beautiful country.

“After a bad motor bike accident a year ago, I found out that life is too short and I would like to experience some sort of adventure.

“I added this to my bucket list and then, in November, I saw the entry form for Ultimate Braai Master, so I entered.

“I heard nothing from them until mid-January, when I received a most welcome email to tell us that Team Gee-Gee had been shortlisted out of thousands of entries to attend the auditions at the Indaba Hotel, on March 7.”

On the day of the auditions, the two were given an empty stand the size of a parking bay.

“We had to take everything with us, braai, tables, pots etc,” explained Tracy.

“We had four hours to make a fire, set up, cook a meal and serve it to the judges.”

The women served a three course meal offering the following:

•  Starter

A beef roll with spinach and mozzarella wrapped in bacon.

•  Entrée

Braised lamb shank served with spicy tomato rice and mint peas.

•  Dessert

A blueberry muffin baked inside an orange, in the coals, served with poached meringues floating on orange custard.

This bold menu did the trick and, on March 23, the two were named as one of the teams to compete in the Ultimate Braai Master competition.

The pair are very positive about the challenge ahead and Tracey said: “We are very positive about winning, because we can cook and have had many more years of cooking experience than the younger teams.

“The advantage of being a bit older is that we are calm and will not panic under pressure.”

Season four of the Ultimate Braai Master will be screened on eTV, with the first episode set to hit screens on September 20.

In conclusion, Tracy shared the pair’s ‘secret’ to a prefect braai: “Family and friends around the braai enjoying a meal.

“Remember to only use the best meat and ingredients.

“Most importantly, control your fire, don’t kill your meat twice.”

Follow Team Gee-Gee’s journey on the following social media platforms:

•  https://instagram.com/teamgeegeeubm4/
•  https://twitter.com/TeamGeeGeesUBM4
•  https://www.facebook.com/Team-Gee-Gee-1437639216528550