By Isle of Wight Observer
Home cooking is the new going out, as people are using the lockdown to develop their culinary skills.
With restaurants closed and a trip to a takeaway out of reach to those who are self-isolating, the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis is inspiring home chefs to get a bit creative.
Islanders are dusting off long-neglected recipe books or cooking along to online tutorials from celebrity chefs.
Amid its important messages about staying safe and saving lives, the Isle of Wight Council is also publishing a weekly recipe from its own lockdown kitchen.
“And even in my inexperienced hands, there’s usually something nice to eat at the end of the process,” – council spokesperson.
The dishes are inspired by everyday ingredients, leftovers or random groceries, hunted and gathered during the early days of coronavirus stockpiling.
For example, this week’s recipe uses chickpeas, a tin of which was discovered unloved in the pantry of one of the council’s recipe contributors.
With the addition of garlic, olive oil and few other bits and bobs, plus the application of a fair dollop of elbow grease, easy-peasy hummus was born – perfect for dipping your crudités.
Pausing to wash their hands and wipe them dry on a clean towel, a council spokesperson said, “I usually eat out, so learning new skills and enjoying unusual dishes is a fun way to spend lockdown.
“And even in my inexperienced hands, there’s usually something nice to eat at the end of the process.”
Discover the lockdown kitchen recipes, join in the discussion and add your own ideas via the council’s Facebook page.
Visit Facebook.com/isleofwightcouncil
