Breaking Bread (Virtually)

The lockdown as a consequence of the pandemic came with a lot of changes in the way we lead our lives. Life came to a sudden standstill, and time was suddenly too much and yet too little. With the rise in pandemic food trends such as ‘dalgona’ coffee, banana bread, sourdough bread, and other such delicacies, food has turned into an avenue for experimentation and excitement, and also a way to keep away the pandemic blues.

The wariness of ordering food from restaurants also led to people trying to make things that were made never before in their kitchens.

Figure 1: Ghee rice and Chilli chicken; Image credit: Amala Benny

With the rise of cooking channels on YouTube and recipe blogs, this welcomed a flurry of recipes being exchanged on group chats.

Figure 2: Marble Cake; Image credit: Self

My friends and I would challenge ourselves to make a few of these recipes.

Figure 3: Momos; Image credit: Amala Benny

Some would end up being absolute disasters, while others would turn into permanent fixtures in our cooking recipe repertoires, while certain other dishes would be the surprising last-minute performers that would end up tasting much better than what their appearances would lead you to presume.

Figure 4: Chocolate stuffed donut balls; Image credit: Indulekha S R

The group chat was filled with food pictures-- whole, half-eaten, and crumbs and empty plates-- and delectable descriptions that were intended to seduce and tempt.

Figure 5: Chocolate glazed donuts; Image credit: Indulekha S R

While these cooking attempts may or may not have improved our skills in the kitchen, what these exercises definitely did do was bring us closer together--albeit separated by miles but still connected by virtual networks-- and made us want to taste and experience each other’s creations, also made us crave for each other’s company again.

Figure 6: Butter Naan; Image credit:Indulekha S R

Figure 7: Pizza ; Image credit: Amala Benny