Cookalong
The Cookalong group started in 2020 when grounded by the Pandemic, a few of us keen cooks decided to choose a recipe each month, make and 'share' our creations over Zoom. Even though at that stage we couldn't taste each others' makes, it was amazing to see how differently the same recipe had turned out in our kitchens.
As soon as we were able to mix again we continued in this way all making the same recipe except of course this time we could properly enjoy the goodies and marvel at how differently each one had turned out. The group has evolved over the years and now rather than all make the same recipe, we have a monthly theme chosen by the meeting host. Savoury tarts, soups, 1970s throw back, cooking with grains, comfort food, Spanish tapas, Winter and Summer puds have all been greatly enjoyed. This month's theme was an afternoon Coronation tea party: 21st Century Coronation chicken vol-au vent, crustless quiches, pistachio meringue kisses were some of the tempting delights and show cased the great baking skills amongst the group. I think we all enjoy the chat and the foodie talk as much as sharing our makes and it's been a great way to discover some new recipes. It's always pleasing to see others in the group enjoying making something that we've introduced.
NEXT MEETING
If you are interested in joining this group, setting up or being part of a companion group, please contact Jane Jones .
Since we take it in turns to host in our own homes, numbers are limited but, if you would be interested in joining we currently have a space or if you would like to be part of a companion Cookalong group, then please contact Jane Jones via this page and we can make arrangements(see below).
No great cooking skill required, just a desire to share new recipes amongst friends.
Please contact Jane Jones for more information.
PAST MONTHLY MEETINGS
MARCH 2023 Biscuits
FEBRUARY 2023 After reminiscing about past food trends, Cookalong’s challenge this month was to delve back through our 1970s cook books and to recreate recipes from that time. We remembered all those classics like cheesey pineapple sticks, prawn cocktail, apple snow and Black Forest gateau. We all enjoyed finding recipes, some of them with sentimental value having been passed down by family members. We all agreed it had been a fun challenge and a good talking point amongst family and friends. Next month we’ll be making sweet and savoury biscuits.
JANUARY 2023
On a blustery, rainy afternoon, Cookalong’s first challenge for the New Year was to bring along our favourite “comfort food” . We ignored the dismal weather and caught up on Christmas news and general foodie chat, whilst working our way through 9 completely different makes! Mushroom lasagna, lentil savoury bake, sausage and bean casserole, veggie curry, tartiflette, chicken casserole, patatas bravas and various macaroni bakes. We came away with lots of great new Winter recipe ideas.
2022
DECEMBER 2022 In the run up to Christmas, December’s challenge was savoury canapés.
NOVEMBER 2022 The proof of the pudding is in the eating…
Cookalong happily rose to the challenge and sampled 11(!) different Winter puds. Some delicious bread and butter puddings each with different flavour/bread combinations. German apple cake, almond torte, lemon curdy pud, apple pud, mincemeat frangipane tart and rich, decadent chocolate ginger torte and fondant brownies.
Lots of new gluten free recipes were shared and a super speedy fruit crumble. A great afternoon of sharing recipes, tasting and chat.
OCTOBER 2022 We made recipes using Squashes, therefore taking advantage of the availability of autumnal fruits such as Pumpkins and Butternut squashes. Recipes included soups, quiche, breakfast muffins, scones, a warming stew and our afternoon was completed with a cuppa and a chat and a Happy Birthday Cake for one of our members.
SEPTEMBER 2022 challenge, a savoury tart, frittata. We’re always surprised at the different variations we come up with! Gluten free, oil based pastry, recipes with a back story all made for fun foodie chat and the sharing of new recipes.
AUGUST 2022 Break, No meeting.
JULY 2022 'Summer Desserts'
Recipes tried and tasted included: Lemon Gateau, Red Fruit Compote, Loganberry Roulade, Individual 'It's not Key Lime Pies', Iced Lemon Terrine, Strawberry Cheesecake, Lemon Posset with Not-Ginger Snaps, Healthier Mini Cheesecakes, and a Danish Dessert called 'Rodgrod med Flode' (Red Fruit Pudding - served with cream.)
JUNE 2022 In anticipation of warmer Summer days with less time spent in the kitchen, the Cookalong group shared and sampled hearty salads using grains and pulses.
MAY 2022 We cooked savoury breads eg. corn bread, chapati, naan, soda bread, focaccia.
HOW DID WE GET STARTED?
Ever wondered how two people can make the same recipe, with very different results? It was from a conversation along these lines that inspired our Cookalong group – a bit like Bake Off, but without the prize!
From curries to cakes, pates to puds, each month someone chooses the dish (or dishes) to be made and hosts a sampling afternoon. Not only has it been really interesting to taste the variations, it has also caused great hilarity when some have clearly not turned out quite as intended!
This group is open to novice and experienced cooks alike.
"I would never have considered making chutney or pickles from scratch but knowing we're going to meet and share our results has given me the confidence to branch out. Pooling ideas for Christmas and Easter cookery was a great success too and some of the recipes shared amongst us will become firm favourites."
Our group chat has extended to all matters foodie with recipe ideas regularly shared within our group.
A Zoom talk with chef Ian Dowding, inventor of the famous Banoffi Pie, led to an invitation to join Ian for a bread making tutorial. This was such a success we were next invited to make fresh pasta! Next planned 'Cookalong with Ian' will be cooking with fish, dates to be confirmed.