WATCH: Alberton mom wins Colour Your Plate with KOO

Karen van der Merwe is ready for the next challenge after she won the Colour your Plate with KOO competition.

Many would remember her as one of the Alberton moms who took part in season three of the My Kitchen Rules South Africa last year.

The popular cooking competition’s audience and judges were won over by her fun, bright, and innovative dishes.
Karen is very excited about what the future holds and she can’t wait for what is next.

We chat to Karen about her latest journey and how it feels to walk away as the winner.

“KOOker” of the year

The second season of Colour Your Plate with KOO was a resounding success – not only for the talented contestants, but also for the renowned judging panel. Reuben Riffle, internationally acclaimed chef and author, and Arthur Ramoroka, nutritionist, were among the judging panelists, along with a host of celebrity judges.

“Growing up, food was always a big part of our lives. Whether it was celebrating things or just everyday life, we always incorporated food. It’s just in my blood,” Karen shared.

Her culinary skills won the hearts and palates of judges for the last 13 weeks, and Karen took first prize during an exciting season finale on November 29.

Karen said she remembers how speechless she was when her name was called out. “My children were making snow angels when the confetti poppers popped. It was just amazing.”

Aside from the R75 000 cash prize, she also received a KOO hamper, Le Creuset homeware, a Nutribullet, an Instant Pot air-fryer, a KitchenAid thermomixer and the opportunity to sharpen her culinary skills under mentorship from internationally acclaimed chef Reuben Riffel.

“My journey has been a very exciting one. I am elated to have won Colour Your Plate season two. Even though this was a competition, we were bonded by a common love for food which has been a defining characteristic of our culture for centuries.”

“KOO has been a part of my family’s history for generations. The ability to showcase my skills using products I grew up enjoying, while adding new and exciting weapons to my arsenal, is my greatest accomplishment. Hopefully it will inspire the next generation of kitchen enthusiasts to remain relentless in their pursuit of their passions and dreams.”

Here is a recap of her winning dishes:

• Baked Beans Challenge – Baked bean falafel with pita

• Heritage Challenge (team win with Thuliswa) – Chicken feet with cornbread

• Fine Dining Challenge – Duck with crispy duck skin and Thai-inspired carrot and peach puree

Fine Dining Tasting Menu Challenge:

• Starter: Pear and potato soup with cabbage and pear puree

• Mains: Tempura Pilchards with sage

• Dessert: Baked corn custard, caramel popcorn and caramel smear

Season Finale Challenge:

• Mains: Sirloin steak with Parmesan panko crumb on a bed of butterbean puree

• Dessert: Eclairs with milk tart filling, apple strudel topped with spun sugar

“With multiple wins under her belt, Karen knows how to elevate any meal with the help of KOO’s products, their versatility and convenience. Her win, and the participation of the other talented contestants we have had on the show this season further entrenched KOO’s mandate of not only educating South African households on picking up better and healthier eating habits, but also using this platform to highlight the culinary maestros South Africa possesses.

“It is clear that Karen was incredibly deserving of this win and title, and we can’t wait to see where her culinary journey takes her,” said the KOO team.

This and that

She was born and bred in Glenvista with her brother.

After matriculating at Hoërskool President High School she took time to travel around the world.

In 2006 she met her husband, Eugene, and they got married in 2012.

“I met my husband, who is my Viking, through mutual friends,” she said.

They have two beautiful children, a two-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter. Karen is a stay-at-home mum and she loves it.

In her spare time, she does some work for her husband’s business or cooks for families.

She is also the co-owner of Proe, which is a catering business, with her best friend Tenille Dreyer. The duo are running on tight schedules due to Proe being very popular.

“I even prepare lunchboxes four times a week for working mums who are unable to pack a lunchbox.”

Clay pigeon shooting is one of her hobbies, and she adores farm life as well.

“I take every opportunity to get my bum on the farm,” she said giggling.

In her life, she finds inspiration in her husband because he supports her in every aspect and makes everything he does work.

Karen described herself as a very determined individual who enjoys challenges and trying out new things.

The motto she lives by is to be yourself at all times.