Love at First Bite (Pastries & Cakes featuring Pastry Chef Bianca De Matos)

Hey Skinny Readers—what’s cooking? I hope you’ve all had a blessed and flavorful week! Welcome back to another sweet and tasty episode of The Skinny Chef Diaries Weekly Blog.

Here’s a fun foodie fact: yesterday in South Africa, we celebrated Eat More Fruits & Vegetables Day and National Vanilla Pudding Day! How cool is that?

Happy Vanilla Pudding day

This week, I’ve been experiencing the undeniable power of manifestation again. I know I keep bringing it up—but that’s only because it really works! If you’ve been following along, go back about 48 blogs to find those techniques. Whoop whoop! Because guess what? This is blog number 49—and that’s worth celebrating.

Right now, I’m tasting the sweet fruits of my labor—literally and metaphorically. It got me thinking about some of the incredible pastries and cakes I’ve encountered over the years. Each bite has been a memory—of storytelling, of family events, of celebrating culture, heritage, and loved ones. Baking, I’ve come to realize, is more than just a skill. It’s therapy. It’s connection. It’s art.

Michelin Star Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen pictured above :

The culinary world is filled with creatives who turn desserts into unforgettable experiences. Shoutout to the legendary Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, the first South African chef to receive a Michelin star back in 2019. Respect!

This week, I’m thrilled to introduce you all—my sweet and loyal Skinny Readers—to a long-time friend and incredibly talented pastry chef, Bianca De Matos! Or as I like to call her, Chef Bee. She’s come to my rescue so many times when I needed a cake for a birthday or special event. So let’s show some love and give her a warm welcome.

Pastry Chef and dear friend Bianca De Matos pictured above

Skinny Chef: Hey Bianca, thanks so much for joining me—and our amazing Skinny Readers. Let’s kick things off! Who is Bianca?

Bianca: Hey Rod! It’s been a minute—thanks for having me!

I’m a bubbly, high-energy creative with an insatiable appetite for adventure—especially in the culinary world. My passion lies in pushing boundaries, connecting with people from all walks of life, and exploring food as both a sensory experience and a form of art.

Bianca expresses her love for food and fine art in her masterful culinary creations

From a young age, art was my language. In high school, my artwork was chosen to be exhibited at the University of Johannesburg to inspire their art students—an incredible honor that affirmed my creative path. I graduated with a full art distinction, but I decided not to pursue fine arts formally. Instead, I merged my love for art and food, and found my true expression in pastry and cake design.

Each creation I make tells a story. I like to challenge perspectives and invite people to see food through a different lens. I love transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary experiences.

Whether I’m in the kitchen or sharing stories through flavor, my goal is always the same: to inspire, to evoke emotion, and to turn every bite into a moment of wonder.

Skinny Chef: I totally love that, Bee! So tell us—how long did it take you to perfect your pastry craft?

Bianca: After completing a full Culinary Arts Diploma, I jumped straight into professional kitchens, getting hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. My love for pastry only grew stronger from there. I volunteered at some of the top cake shops at the time to sharpen my skills.

What started as baking birthday cakes for my family turned into a full-blown obsession with edible art. It took me about four years of constant practice to really master my cake skills. Now, 11 years later, I’m still just as passionate—crafting visually stunning and delicious masterpieces that blend flavor with fine art.

A tasty but scary culinary delight

Skinny Chef: That’s incredible! So what advice would you give to someone thinking about diving into the world of pastry?

Bianca: Start with passion, not perfection!I always tell people to begin with a love for creativity and food. Perfection comes with time and experience. The most important thing is to enjoy the journey.

Skinny Chef: Okay, I’ve got to ask this next question—it’s a health blog after all! Do you follow any fitness routine?

Rock Climbing provides you with a full body workout which enhances overall Fitness

Bianca: Haha, yes I do! I’m actually quite active and I love the outdoors. One of my favorite things to do is rock climbing—whether it’s out in the mountains or at the gym. That’s usually how I spend my weekends off.

Skinny Chef: Love that balance! Alright, to end off on a light and tasty note—what’s your favorite food to eat?

Bianca: Even though I’m a chef and I love exploring modern food trends, my all-time favorite food is super simple—crispy, batter-free chicken wings with a great dipping sauce, or my mom’s homemade lasagna. Some might call it boring, but to me, it’s pure comfort.

Skinny Chef: Thank you so much, Bianca, for sharing your delicious journey with us. And there you have it, Skinny Readers—that’s a wrap for this week’s blog! Chef Bee came through and brought the flavor AND the inspiration.

Thanks for tuning in. I can’t wait for next week—it’s a big one because we’re officially turning 50, baby! Love you all, stay safe, and most importantly—stay skinny. Same time, same place. See you next week!

Creative Director: Shadre Leonard