Six lockdown foodie trends that are simple and delicious

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced people indoors, and while the isolation and various restrictions have been incredibly challenging, there are a few good things that have emerged during this time.

One of them has been the advancement of culinary skills and the sharing of recipes.

ALSO READ: How to make extra money during lockdown

In an effort to minimise social interaction, many recipes are tailored to what people already have in their kitchens, and a number of them have become entrenched trends of lockdown.

If you feel like you’re an outsider looking for a way in, then here is a look at some of the biggest lockdown foodie trends at the moment.

WHIPPED COFFEE (aka Dalgona coffee recipe)
If you’ve missed meeting a friend for a really well-made coffee, then fire up a video chat and make yourself one of these delicious whipped coffees at home.

Ingredients
2 tbsp of granulated sugar
2 tbsp of coffee creamer (optional)
2 tbsp of instant coffee
1/2 cup of milk
2 tbsp of hot water
Method
Mix the instant coffee, sugar and hot water in a mixing bowl.
Beat the mixture for 5 minutes by hand, or on high speed with an electric mixer for a minute, until it is thick.
Fill a coffee mug halfway with milk and creamer (if you like, although just milk will work).
Dollop the whipped coffee on top of the milk and enjoy!

CREMORA TART
This is a really easy South African favourite that will go really well with your whipped coffee.

Ingredients
1 packet of tennis biscuits
100g butter/margarine
1 can condensed milk
½ cup fresh lemon juice
2 cups of Cremora powder
1 cup of water
Method
Crush the biscuits and mix with butter to form a crumbly mixture.
Line a pie dish with the mixture and place in the fridge to cool.
Mix the condensed milk and lemon juice.
Whisk the Cremora powder and water until thickish.
Combine the Cremora and condensed milk mixtures and pour over the biscuit base.
Chill for half an hour and enjoy.

INSTANT POT RECIPE
This is a winter must-try which is delicious, filling, and only takes about 20 minutes to make.
It does require a few more ingredients (and an instant pot), but most of these ingredients can be found in the kitchen.

Ingredients
2 slices of chopped bacon
½ finely chopped onion
1 stick of chopped celery
1 tsp minced garlic
¼ tsp of dried thyme
1/8 tsp of black pepper
1 tsp salt
2 ½ cups chicken broth
15 small chopped potatoes
Corn kernels from 4 ears of corn
½ cup milk and ½ cup of cream
1 tbsp corn starch
Grated cheese
Method
Turn the instant pot onto saute and add bacon and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until brown.
Add celery, garlic, salt, thyme and pepper. Stir after a minute.
Add the broth and mix. Turn off the instant pot.
Add potatoes and corn.
Put on the lid, turn valve to sealing and select manual or pressure cook for 2 minutes.
It should take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure, then count down from there.
Let the pressure release for a few minutes and open the valve. Turn to saute.
Whisk cream and corn starch and stir into mixture.
Serve with grated cheese.

MUG BROWNIE
If the last one was too complex, then perhaps this one is more to your liking.

Ingredients
4 tsp of flour
4 tsp of sugar
2 tsp of cocoa
2 tsp of water
2 tsp of oil
¼ tsp of vanilla essence
Method
Simply mix together and microwave for 30 seconds.

PIZZA DOUGH
Forget the sour dough craze, it’s all about pizzas now! Try this really simple pizza dough recipe at home.

Ingredients
350g of flour
2 ¾ tsp baking power
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp oil
Toppings of your choice
Method
Heat the oven to 180 degrees.
Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Then add the oil and water.
Stir until it forms a ball, and add more water if it’s too stiff. It should be soft, but not sticky.
Knead out the dough on a floured surface for 3-4 minutes.
Roll into 2 balls and flatten out.
Add toppings and bake for 15 minutes.

MARIE BISCUIT BROWNIES
This one is another great option that only needs a microwave, no oven!

Ingredients
2 packets of Marie biscuits
2 eggs
250g of butter
100ml sifted cocoa
500g sifted icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
Method
Break the Marie biscuits in a bowl.
Beat the eggs.
Melt the butter in a large, microwaveable dish. Add cocoa, icing sugar, vanilla essence and eggs. Mix well.
Cook the chocolate mixture in the microwave for 2 minutes.
Add the biscuit to the chocolate mixture and mix thoroughly.
Spread the mixture in a pan lined with baking paper.
Leave in the fridge for about 2 hours.

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