According to Google (and the empty shelves at the supermarket), we were cooking up a storm whilst at home during ISO. From prom cakes to bread and more, people were heading to the kitchen to keep themselves entertained.
And perhaps we’re onto something? If you’re interested in reigniting your interest in cooking, here are a few interesting ways you may be able to add some fun and flavour.
With modern-day life often busy and full of long to-do lists, there is one good thing that isolating at home gave us ‒ time. And when it comes to food, there is an opportunity to enjoy the process of preparing and cooking delicious meals to eat. You might be surprised at how much joy it brings you. Because there might be no better feeling than making and then eating your own bread from scratch (if you can get your hands on flour, that is).
As a trip to the supermarket became slightly more stressful than it used to be, many people tried their best to use up all the food they had hidden in the back of the cupboard and freezer. You could try the same, and get creative! Find new flavour combinations, cook meals that make you feel good when you eat them and learn something new.
In most households, there is one main person who takes care of the cooking. But with everyone spending more time at home, perhaps you should share the responsibility, to make it interesting and fun! Everyone, including the kids, can take turns to dish up dinner.
You could also take inspiration from MasterChef and incorporate a few of their challenges into mealtimes. Choose two items from the cupboard that have to be included in the dish, or get family members to compete again each other with different courses.
At the core of this, for people with children or teens, it is an amazing opportunity to teach them how to cook even simple meals. It’s certainly a valuable life lesson that is often lost in the busy-ness of life.
Keep connected with friends and family outside of your home by ‘inviting them to dinner’, or share photos of what’s cooking in your kitchen. You could even start a recipe exchange where you send tried and true recipes for others to try and they return the favour (or should we say ‘flavour’?).
What about starting a ‘cooking club’ where you choose a theme or specific country to make a meal from? It is a great way to explore different flavours and maybe discover a new favourite dish to add to your repertoire.
But you don’t need a special meal to catch up with friends and family. Simply arrange a time to sit down together at mealtime. Even if it’s over a webinar with interstate relatives. Just chatting and having a laugh with those you cherish, but can’t necessarily visit, will surely make it a dinner to remember.
