We’ve been searching far and wide for the best things to keep us entertained during lockdown.  Our Lockdown Entertainment series currently consists of our Arts Edition,  Music Edition,  Gardening Edition and even a Celebrations Edition so far. This Cooking Edition is for the foodies out there.

We’ve put together some ideas of things to do with food while in lockdown. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a chef - some of the suggestions are simply meant to inspire. You might say these ideas will give you some food for thought (or is that too cheesy?). We’ll stop with the puns and let you read on!

Glossary

• Live stream : Video content which you are seeing live online, as you would on TV.

• Smartphone: A phone with the ability to use the internet, watch videos and see images.

• App: A program that you can add to your smartphone to meet a variety of needs.

• Social media: Online networking. Perfect for chatting and sharing photos and videos.

• Instagram: A social media app for photo, video and idea sharing.

Note: If you’re worried about shopping for produce because of social distancing and Covid-19, there are other options available to you. Check out our Guide to Safe Shopping here!

Learn Authentic Italian Cooking from an Authentic Italian Nonna

If you’ve ever been to Italy, you’ll know that the food there is never anything but amazing. If not, but you’re lucky enough to have had an Italian nonna, you’ll probably have tried the delicious, authentic food yourself.

If not, don’t worry. Someone else’s nonna is going to teach you how to make it! Nonna Nerina is 84 years old and she lives outside of Rome in Italy. She normally runs in-person cooking classes in her town, but due to lockdown, she’s had to get even more creative.

As a result, Nonna Nerina and her team of talented cooks are running online classes. You can attend in private, or in a group. These will be live-streamed over the internet.

Registration is essential, and there is a cost involved. To find out more and to make a booking, please visit the website. There’s the opportunity to make all kinds of dishes (particularly pasta), so be sure to check what’s on the menu so you can buy the right ingredients.

Take a MasterClass

If you’d like to take a formal approach to the culinary arts, you can take a masterclass - on MasterClass.com. For an annual fee, you get access to tutorials from the world’s best at almost everything! From interior design to gardening to creative writing, there are classes on topics to suit everyone. The streams are not live, but they’re easy to follow along with and you can watch at your own pace.

MasterClass has an incredible range of classes from the world’s best chefs. This includes experts such as Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Keller and Alice Waters. There are classes in Mexican cooking, Texan style BBQ, sauce making and so much more! You’ll learn not only to create from recipes, but how to truly develop an understanding of different flavour combinations and ingredients.

In addition to gourmet cooking classes, you can learn about wine appreciation and mixology as well. Restaurants may be off the cards at the moment, but you won’t miss out when the top chef is you!

Please note, you do have to pay for a subscription on this website. However, there is currently an offer: buy one, gift one free.

Bake Something Bright

Baking is a perfect way to spend your day. With so many recipes to choose from, you’ll stay entertained, and your tummy will thank you. No matter which level you’re at, you can try making cakes, bread, cookies and so much more.

Right now, we have a feeling that baking may be a great way to cheer you up! You may have seen that the rainbow is a symbol of hope during these difficult times over in the UK. It’s bold, it’s bright and it’s oh so colourful - which you can bring to baking!

We’ve found some fun rainbow recipes for you to try when you’re next baking at home. Just watch this video on YouTube!

Cook with Colin Fassnidge

You might recognise the name Colin Fassnidge. The Irish celebrity chef has made it big in Australia over the years, after cutting his teeth in European Kitchens. He’s a judge on My Kitchen Rules, and has been successful in creating some of Australia’s top restaurants.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, he’s made cooking a family affair. He’s posting classes on his Instagram page, featuring his lovely daughters. Recipes are simple, and he focuses on healthy food and reducing waste.

It’s free to watch these classes. When you follow this link, all you have to do is click the button that says IGTV. You’ll then be able to watch whichever video you choose.

It’s worth also noting that Colin has a real philanthropic spirit. In the wake of job losses due to the pandemic, Colin’s restaurants gave away free meals to families in need.

Watch this TedTalk about Nutrition

“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old” - that’s what Dr. Stella Vope says in her TedTalk, “Exercise and nutrition for middle-age and older individuals”.

The second half of the talk discusses food, and our relationship with it. Perhaps lockdown is the best time to think about what we’re putting in our bodies? If you’re an older person, you grew up in a time where people spent an average of 40 minutes preparing meals. Now it is just 10 minutes! This shows that we’ve started favouring convenience over anything else.

Please note, you cannot treat a TedTalk as medical advice. Consider consulting your doctor before making any major dietary changes.

Get in Touch

If you are an older person or a person with disabilities requiring assistance at this difficult time, you can contact us on 1300 941 750. We offer a wide range of services relating to in home care, including private in home nursing. We can even help you with food preparation!

Feeling worried? Remember that this, too, shall pass. Right now, COVID-19 is bigger than all of us. Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay home.