Ideas for holding cooking competitions with friends
These ideas are aimed at anyone who loves food-related activities but doesn't want to break the bank. If you're on a budget but still don't want to miss out on an amazing lunch or dinner and the chance to show off your cooking skills, read on because we have two challenges for you to take on at home with your friends.
Challenge 1: surprise recipe with different ingredients
Preparation time: depends on the recipe.
Number of guests: minimum of four.
Ingredients:
- One surprise ingredient per guest.
- Creativity to come up with your own recipe.
- A fun-loving attitude.
Method: only suitable for adventurous people who aren't afraid of throwing caution to the wind. Each guest brings a surprise ingredient and the aim is to come up with a menu using all the ingredients. The menu should include an appetiser, starter, main course and dessert. Guests are free to bring absolutely any ingredient they want, so it's up to them how unusual the final menu will be. What could go wrong? Well, plenty could go wrong… but you're sure to have an amazing time.
Challenge 2: different recipes using the same ingredient
Preparation time: depends on the recipe.
Number of guests: minimum of four.
Ingredients:
- One ingredient to be the same in all the recipes.
- The ingredients each participant needs for their recipes.
- An acceptance speech for in case your recipe wins.
- A fun-loving attitude.
Method: choose an ingredient and then challenge each guest to come up with a recipe starring the chosen ingredient. Once the food is ready, put them in the middle and choose a winner. It's a fun way for everyone to show off their ingenuity and culinary skills. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or a pro – the whole point is to learn, enjoy some good food and, above all, have fun!
Shopping list
Here's a shopping list of the essentials you will need for each of these challenges. Pens and paper at the ready:
Knives: both a good paring knife and a knife like this one from the IKEA 365+ range are essential for any recipe. You could also get a set of three like this one. Don't skip this step if you want to become a top chef!
A good chopping board: there's no time like the present, because we've just lowered the prices on our LÄMPLIG chopping boards, including the small ones. These boards are made of bamboo, so they're sure to stand the test of time!
Mixing bowl: our BLANDA BLANK stainless steel bowl is something all kitchens need. This mixing bowl doubles up as a serving bowl. It's undoubtedly one of the best ways you can invest EUR 2.99.
Pots: this basic bit of kit is needed for all recipes. Get yourself a good set of pots like our ANNONS pots and they will last a lifetime.
Frying pans: finding that perfect non-stick frying pan that your food won't stick to is no mean feat. But once you find it, you'll never want to give it up. Find yours here.
Did you get all that? Now all that's left to do is to let your friends know and set a date to release your inner chefs.
These are our two challenges for next time you get together with your friends. We're sure you'll savour every moment, and every morsel! Bon appetit!
