Article: Lesego Motsepe's from Unite Against Hunger Plate campaign
Image: Fairlady

The smell of freshly baked cake, any baking really, reminds me of growing up. My aunt was always baking cakes or bread, and so was my mom. The smell of baking and vanilla essence really takes me back. And custard on Sundays: fresh, home-made custard served with a just-baked pudding, of course. Or maybe jelly. Even now, just a whiff of fresh custard reminds me of my mother preparing food at meal times, scooping out the custard bowl, and giving it to us kids to lick out. It was divine.

Having said that, I don't really have a sweet tooth. I'm more of a savoury girl. Put as much fine chocolate as you like before me, I won't give in. But cheese – now that's another story!

I've never been to France but I believe it will be an absolutely wonderful experience, especially with all that cheese. I can't wait.

Eating out is great for celebrating the finer things in life or experiencing a different culture.

I recently went out to a Vietnamese restaurant with friends and the food was delicious. I loved the fact that everything is shared – everyone simply takes their chopsticks and helps themselves from each other's dishes.

Not your usual Anglo-Saxon meal experience! But then again, not everyone likes nuts and coconut milk.

I myself am not mad about pasta: it tends to make me feel bloated. Besides, I'd rather have traditional pap. Celebrations are like a thanksgiving. I love cooking and entertaining but friends will often ask: what are we celebrating? And I just say: life. My friends say I make a mean roast lamb. I do it with lemon and fresh herbs. I'm always experimenting with the basting sauce: cooking the onions; adding a bit of soya; maybe some Worcestershire sauce; more fresh herbs... until it's just right. Then I baste away, put the meat in the oven, and that's it! It is always a huge success.

The one dish that is my absolute favourite – it's a traditional Tswana dish that my mother makes – is diretlwa (tripe) . It always works for me and whenever I go home, I put in an order and mom makes enough for me to take back as a 'take-away' and to freeze at home. I don't have the patience to clean tripe – and I don't want to either! – but I love the fact that she loves making it on my behalf.

I do a lot of charity work but, when I was approached by Unite Against Hunger, I thought wow, these people really make a difference. It's such an honour to be involved with them.

LESEGO MOTSEPE is one of SA's most promising young actresses. She plays the popular Letti Matabane in Isidingo and has previously appeared in several musicals, including Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and The Fantasticks. Go to www.isidingo.co.za for more information.