Dinner Parties Go Online
Over the past 5 or so months, I’m sure one can relate to the fact that we’ve been cooking more, eating out less, and spending most of our time in our own homes. This can push one’s self to get creative in different activities for each day, many, if not all, revolving around food.
Top (left to right): My Aunt Linda, my sister Annie, my cousin Elise / Bottom: Yours truly :), My Mom with my sister Caroline, my Aunt Lara
My extended family is quite fond of each other, but we are all spread out around the country (3 states with 3 time zones). Somehow, the idea sprang up that we should try cooking together! We would pick a recipe to make together over Zoom, and then eat the finished product all altogether at the end. What fun! Well, after about 4 different dinner parties with this bunch, I have a few tips & tricks for you to keep in mind when hosting a family “cook-off” of your own, in this virtual world we currently live in:
Tip #1: Timing is Key.
It’s really important to take into consideration everyone’s time zones … this proved to be tricky in my family … we decided to begin cooking at 5pm PST, which is usually incredibly early for us to start dinner, but for my aunt that’s 7pm and for my sister that’s 8pm, so we all had to shuffle a bit to make it work.
Tip #2: Ingredient Availability
Another part you may need to consider when choosing the menu, is food availability for everyone involved. For example, my aunt lives in a very small town in the midwest, so soy paste probably isn’t something she is going to find at her gorcery store. I made this mistake last time… we decided to make homemade wontons, but about 25% of the ingredients were very specific for asian cuisine, which my aunt probably won’t be able to find in her town (Edit: if you’re ever in this dilemma, try searching food on Amazon! You may be surprised what’s available). Unfortunately, she decided to sit out on this particular cook-off, so be sure to keep that in mind.
Recipe: Bon Appetit and Asian cucumber salad
Tip #3: Designate a Host
I’m not just talking about a Zoom host (though that’s important, and make sure they have a premium account so you can go past the 40 min. time limit), but it’s also helpful for someone to guide the others through the recipe step by step. Most people will likely have the recipe pulled up on their screen as well, but sometimes it helps to do your homework and read through the instructions beforehand so you can answer questions or offer suggestions along the way. Note: not everyone will be working at the same pace — cooking can be stressful for some, especially if they’re less experienced than others on the call, so it’s important to offer reassurance and time to catch up.
Recipe by Half Baked Harvest
Tip #4: Don’t forget a side!
Many times, you’ll need a side dish to go along with the main entree you’re making together. My recommendation, if you’re not making a side together, is to keep it quick & simple. A salad, or sautéed greens are the perfect solution. You can even stick rice in your rice cooker or instant pot before you begin cooking with others — it’s an easy one-and-done recipe that you won’t have to check on while you’re cooking and chatting away with your people.
Recipe by Half Baked Harvest
Tip #5: Pour a Glass and Enjoy!
The glass of wine part really should be tip #1 (we usually almost always have a beverage of choice while cooking on these Zoom calls), but now is the relaxing part of enjoying your well-prepared meal with your crew. I firmly believe that food always tastes better when you put your own effort into it, and almost always I’m exhausted after these dinners (we’re a high energy bunch!), but they’re always worth it, and it’s been such a fun way to connect with family all over the country. Please let me know if you decide to try a Zoom cook-off with your own family and/or friends! It has been such a meaningful way to stay connected with family when we miss them the most. Enjoy!
