All Things Festive & Scrumptious Featuring Chef Nino

Chef Nino , Head Chef and Founder of "All Things Scrumptious' pictured above :

Hey, Skinny Readers! I’m back! Happy 15th of November to each of you fabulous foodies! I hope your week has been amazing! Before we dive in, I want to give a massive shoutout to all my loyal readers, and to our new friends joining us, welcome to the Skinny Chef Diaries! You’re in for a treat!

Last week’s blog was a little on the intense side as I shared my experience with cannabis, but this week, let’s keep things light, festive, and downright delicious! With the holiday season officially upon us, it’s the perfect time to dream of those grand, indulgent feasts, with harvest tables overflowing and loved ones gathered around. This is the one time of the year where even I—the Skinny Chef—press pause on my intermittent fasting to savor every festive flavor! Yes, I might even add a few extra kilos, and I love it!

And I know some of you are already thinking about hiring a chef for those upcoming family gatherings, right? Well, get ready, because I’m introducing you to someone who knows how to turn a feast into an unforgettable experience. Say hello to my amazing friend and fellow food artist, Chef Nicole Mnisi—known to her fans as Chef Nino! Born and raised in Katlehong on Johannesburg East Rand, Chef Nino is the owner and culinary genius behind All Things Scrumptious, and today, she’s here to share her inspiration and holiday food secrets. Let’s jump in!

Skinny Chef: Hey, Chef! Thanks for joining us—it’s been way too long! So, what inspires you to do what you do?

Chef Nino: Hey, Skinny Chef, thanks for having me! For me, the heart of my inspiration is recognizing the creative power I have and knowing I’m deeply connected to my craft. It all comes from a place of love—a love that started in my GranMa’s kitchen, surrounded by family recipes and amazing cooks. I carry that legacy with me, blending tradition with my own creative twists. Cooking is art, and I proudly wear the title Food Artist.

Chef Nino's culinary artistry on full display Source: Instagram @_allthingsscrumptious

Skinny Chef: Love that! It’s so true; to thrive in this industry, passion is everything. A Food Artist you are, indeed! Now, can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced in running your business?

Chef Nino: Oh, it’s been a journey! One of the hardest seasons for me was losing clients and dealing with sabotage, all while trying to stay true to my vision. It felt like a knife to my heart, something I never expected. But you know what? I’m strong, and I’ve come out the other side wiser and even more determined. I’m looking ahead, and the future is incredibly bright!

Skinny Chef: Wow, that’s powerful. What’s been your biggest highlight so far?

Chef Nino: Definitely being featured on national radio (Metro FM) and TV (The Morning Show on eTV). Those were surreal moments, dreams I had longed for, and they happened at just the right time. God is good, and I’m so grateful for every blessing on this journey.

Skinny Chef: I’ve been watching you from afar, Chef, and you’re shining brightly! So, what advice would you give to someone wanting to break into the food business?

Chef Nino: My advice is simple but powerful: Just start! Know your purpose and hold onto it tightly. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment, because there isn’t one. I've had my own doubts, but every win and setback has shaped me. Surround yourself with the right people—mentors, motivators, even critics—because they’ll help guide you along the way.

Skinny Chef: Great advice, Chef! And for a fun one: what does your daily diet look like? After all, this is a healthy food blog! Haha!

Chef Nino: (Laughs) My daily diet? I’m such a grazer! I love fresh fruits, veggies, and, of course, a bit of cheese. I’m always whipping up random salads with whatever I find in my fridge. And yes, I have a taste for the finer things—I’m a bougie chef through and through!

A snippet of Chef Nino's Bougie culinary spread Source: Instagram @_allthingsscrumptious

Skinny Chef: Love it! You’re bougie, indeed! So there you have it, Skinny Readers—some fantastic insights from Chef Nino on keeping it scrumptious this festive season! She’ll also be sharing her recipe for Sunday’s Best Trifle, a show-stopping dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.

Sundaes Best Trifle

Chef nino's signature Trifle Source:Instagram @_allthingsscrumptious

An indulgent treat that is sure to captivate your senses during the festive season.

12 servings

Prep time : 1hr/overnight

Ingredients

1L vanilla flavoured custard

2 pkts strawberry flavoured jelly powder

2 cups hot water // 2 cups cold water

Freshly baked caramel Swiss roll

500ml whipping cream

1 cup raspberries

1 cup blueberries

1 cup strawberries

1 cup mulberries

handful cherries

edibles for garnish

Method

1. Prepare trifle glass bowl

2. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of hot water with 2 pkts of jelly. Whisking

through, add 2 cups of cold water.

3. Add ingredients in a trifle glass bowl.Place in fridge for an hour. The jelly

should be stiff & wobbly.

4. Using a electric mixer, beat whipping cream till stiff peak form.

5. Slice swiss roll.

6. Layer swiss roll slices on the sides of the trifle bowl & on top of the jelly. Add in custard as per layer. When reached to the top, add whipped cream.

7. Garnish with Berries.

8. Set overnight in the fridge.

Sad to see Chef Nino go ? Don't worry there's more where that came from ! Make sure to follow Chef Nino on all her socials :

Facebook : All Things Scrumptious

Instagram : @_allthingsscrumptious

Tiktok : Chef Nino -  @_allthingsscrumptious

Thank you all for tuning in—love and appreciate each one of you! Catch you next week, same time, same place!