Whether you burn spaghetti bolognese in a frying pan or bake cakes blindfolded, you'll adore this weekend idea: a Cooking Contest with Friends. It works perfectly with family, neighbors, or anyone fun—even your goldfish. Here's how to make it happen.
1. A group of friends, cousins, or neighbors who bring positive vibes and laughter. Skip the grumpy colleague, overly emotional aunt, or perpetually sighing teen. We want good energy (and hopefully edible food).
2. A cooking space—size and equipment don't matter much; imperfections add to the fun! Just ensure it's more than three sticks and a flint. (We're not cavemen in 2015.)
3. Three jars, bowls, or containers for drawing secret slips of paper.
4. Paper and working pens.
5. A killer playlist. Music elevates the vibe. Go for heart-pumping classics you know by heart ('Tu m'oublieras' by Larusso, 'Ce rêve bleu' from Aladdin) or food-themed tracks like 'La Femme Chocolat' by Olivia Ruiz, 'Du Ketchup pour Mon Hamburger' by William Sheller, 'Fruit Salad' by Bourvil, 'Le Cake d'Amour' from Peau d'Âne, or 'Banana Split' by Lio.
6. A trophy for the top Chef or team: a cookbook, giant Kinder egg, Barbie kitchen set, chef's hat, or cooking class voucher. Winning doesn't mean you're pro—especially if the competition is weak.
1. Coffee brainstorming. After stylish invitations (parchment-style like Almost Perfect Dinner, themed with petals), meet at a café. Everyone brings a recipe book (bought, borrowed, or 'acquired'). Over coffee, Coke, or sangria, pick at least 3 starters, 3 mains, and 3 desserts. Ignore harmony—chance decides! Tip: Choose recipes with shared ingredients to simplify shopping.
Alternative: Select ingredients instead, like eggs, bread, whiting, or strawberries.
2. Greedy draw. Shop together (trolley races optional), then head to the kitchen. Form teams with fun names and battle cries (e.g., Team Marmoset: 'Ouistitiii!'). Write recipes on slips: starters in one jar, mains in another, desserts in the last. A neutral drawer (or Frédéric Nadjar impersonator) picks one starter, one main, one dessert per turn. End up with one menu everyone cooks.
Alternative continued: For ingredients, draw 2 per course (or more if ambitious).
To read: "I'm the Next Great Pastry Chef: A Little Contest Between Friends—28 Challenges to Become the Great Pastry Chef" by Tiphaine Campet, packed with challenge ideas.
3. The race begins. Timer starts for the three dishes. All tactics allowed—no cameras or judges here. Fight for the microwave! Stop at recipe time, hands up like a heist movie. Plate starters first, then mains, then desserts.
4. Judging. Options: Invite a neutral referee (a bad cook friend) or let participants argue it out (bad faith encouraged). Crown the winner with Champions League music, cheers, and tears. Then: Eat fast before it gets cold!
Good luck and bon appétit!
