The global COVID-19-pandemic and subsequent lockdowns worldwide forced people into their homes for long periods of time. South Africa quickly responded to the unprecedented crisis and placed the country in national lockdown on 27 March 2020 as people were forced to stay at home. Like back in the good old days, kitchens once again became the hearts of homes, offering opportunities for families to spend long-overdue quality time together preparing and enjoying meals.
Melkbos Rotary Club took the initiative to compile and publish a cookbook, without pretence or prejudice, to encapsulate the South African morale during these trying times. All proceeds from the sales of the book will go towards strengthening the club’s community work and to alleviate hardship caused by the pandemic. “The recipe book was produced while maintaining social distancing and using new technologies. The members of the Rotary Club of Melkbos immediately realised when their traditional fundraising activities were brought to a standstill by COVID-19 that their responsibility to be of service to the community could not stop. Hence the book” (7).
Rotarians live out the motto “Service above self”. They are people of action that “believe in sharing Rotary with others. Being a Rotarian means more than the sum of what Rotarians believes about Rotary; it means maintaining high ethical standards in one’s business, one’s profession, and in one’s personal life” (110). Clem Sunter, honorary member of the Rotary Club of Melkbos, wrote that Lockdown Recipes & Stories “will also serve as a reminder of a time that was beyond our imagination. During lockdown a large number of people made use of the extra time to test and enjoy new recipes. You will also find their stories interesting.”
Celebrities, chefs, and home cooks contributed their favourite recipes and shared heart-warming stories in this beautifully presented recipe book consisting of 114 pages and three sections titled “Something Light”, “Main Meals”, and “Sweet Things”. Full colour photos entice the reader to try out 42 delicious recipes. Some of the well-known contributors are Anna-Mart van der Merwe (Artichoke and Parma Ham Salad), Cintaine Schutte (Tuna Quiche), Coenie de Villiers (Greek Flatbread), Milan Murray (Mutton & Bean Soup), Jak de Priester (Corn Bake), Luna Paige (Fish Curry), Margit Meyer (Chicken a la King), Reuben Riffel (Slow-braised Pork Belly), Katryn Kruger (Nutella Brownies), Marina Albertyn-Struwig (Chocolate Beet Cake), Simoné Pretorius (Choc-Chip Cookies), and many more.
Lourens and Esté Rabé of Bottomless Coffee Band wrote that the lockdown prompted them to experiment with different kinds of cooking methods. “The kitchen became a place of social interaction and comfort.” Their amazing All Seasons Butternut Soup can be found on page 16. Marina Albertyn-Struwig, author of the award-winning book and theatre production Melk & Vleis, commented: “The virus has been responsible for the devastation of economies, livelihoods and lives around the world. […] However, the pandemic has also brought together many families and communities in lockdown … some by force. It has also been responsible for a worldwide slow-down along with the shutdown, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.” Her delectable recipe for Chocolate Beet Cake is on page 96.
I consider myself fortunate to have my very own copy of Lockdown Recipes & Stories. I love the positive, encouraging and hope-filled stories of all the contributors. The recipes are easy, practical and economical. This is a definite must-have in the kitchen.
Get your copy of Lockdown Recipes & Stories here.
