Do you find yourself always looking for new and unique ways too surprise your taste buds? If you’re nodding your head, you’re what we like to call ‘The Foodie’ Fakecationer.
Now that we’re all at home, it’s easy to run out of inspiration and get stuck making the same few meals on rotation. But who says you can’t dive into a delicious globally-inspired dish from the comfort of your home? Not us. That’s why we have some fun ideas to help you get started.
Your Culinary Fakecation Guide
Ready to discover something you’ll love to make? Let’s get started with a fresh take on global recipes you can make at home. Then we’ll introduce you to some ideas that will help elevate your dining experience!
For extra recipe ideas, check out Littlemissottawa.*
Make pasta without a pasta machine
Want authentic pasta, but don’t have the tools? We have a recipe that helps you easily recreate the pasta you love, without all the intricate cooking instruments. See the recipe and instructions below.
Homemade white pesto
Now that you have your delicious pasta ready, it’s time to create your very own sauce. Follow the steps below for an easy and flavourful homemade recipe that you can call your own. We won’t tell anyone.
Create a signature cocktail
Getting bored of the usual beverages you make at home? Why not make a signature drink from a restaurant you love? Try looking up your favourite restaurant’s drink menu and then searching for similar recipes online. In the meantime, here’s a delicious Elderflower-Scotch Sour recipe for some inspiration.
Create the ambiance
Now that you have your delicious recipes, here are some ideas on how you can elevate your meals to the next level, all at home.
1) Set the mood
Using the proper lighting can instantly create a luxurious setting in your home without doing much. All you have to do is turn off or dim the lights and add a few candles to the table. Not only does it add a warm and inviting feeling to the room, but it truly makes you feel like you're somewhere else (like a fancy restaurant).
2) Turn up the music
By adding an element of music to the table, you instantly block out less desirable sounds like screaming kids, garbage trucks and construction. For something beautiful and elegant music, try this.
3) Dress the part
Showing up to the table presentable and put together not only makes you feel good, but it lets your loved ones know that you’re taking this meal seriously. Plus, it’s not like we’re dressing up as much these days, so it’s a nice way of changing up the routine for everyone in the house.
4) Fold a fancy napkin
Folding a fancy napkin isn’t just an impressive party trick, it’s a small, but impactful touch that makes any meal you’re making look even better. Click here to make one yourself.
5) Make a reservation sign
Adding a reservation sign to your table gives you the same VIP treatment as in a restaurant, except it’s in the comfort of your home. And in these times, who doesn’t want a little VIP treatment every now and then? Feel free to cut and print out the example sign below for your own table, or enlarge it on your tablet or mobile screen and set it on the table digitally!
6)Master the silverware
If you’re feeling extra fancy, setting the table the proper way can feel rewarding once the job is complete. You’ll feel accomplished and will have acquired a new skill you can show off at your parents’, in-laws’ or friends’ homes (once it’s safe, of course). Here’s an example of how you can set the table the proper, “fancy” way.
Enjoy your Fakecation!
We hope these ideas help you plan a Fakecation you’ll love. Share it on social with #MyFakecation and don’t forget to tag Manulife!