This Cooking Hotline is dedicated to the people of Victoria who went into COVID Lockdown 2.0 last night. While everyone is welcome to use this post to ask any questions about recipes or cooking, if you mention that you are in Victoria, I will prioritise responding to your questions.
Just leave your question in the comments section of this post and I will answer it promptly!
Victoria COVID Lockdown II
Over the weekend, Victoria (the second most populous state in Australia) declared a State of Disaster due to a second wave of coronavirus. Sweeping new restrictions, including night time curfews and strict rules on movements restricted to essentials such as medical, food and 1 hour of exercise per day, came into force last night.
These Stage 4 restrictions will be in place for 6 weeks. The Federal and State government has deemed these measures necessary due to the alarmingly high rate of community transmission in the state, and getting COVID under control in Victoria has serious ramifications for the rest of Australia.
I know this is a very difficult period for Victorians. Saying that I’m thinking of you, to stay strong and positive, that we’re with you in spirit – it just doesn’t seem like enough.
So I’ve decided to offer up my services doing what I know best – personalised cooking help.
Offering up my services!
With COVID Lockdown 2.0 restrictions on movements and purchase limits back in force, and because I hope that you will stay home as much as you can, this once again creates challenges around making do with what you’ve got and menu planning so you can minimise grocery outings.
So Victorians, I’m here for you to ask me anything at all about cooking. No boundaries. Whether it’s ideas, or what to make with x, y, z, a recipe you’re after or a specific cooking question you have, drop them below and I’ll answer them as a priority over questions I get on any other recipe for the duration of your lockdown.
While this recipe hotline is dedicated to the people of Victoria and I will prioritise questions from Victorians, everyone is welcome to leave general cooking questions on this post!
Victorians – sending all my love down to you. We’re thinking of you. Please stay strong – and stay home! – Nagi x
PS Dozer is still on standby for virtual hugs, 24-7.
Angela Jones says
Another Victorian here needs help with home made Yoghurt. Bought a multicooker and made a massive amount of yoghurt but didn’t put enough sugar in it. What can I do with all this Greek style yoghurt and what recipe should I use to make it lovely and sweet for the man if the house ?
PS. I think you are brilliant x
Ange, Buninyong, Victoria
Nagi says
I’m back! HOW could I have forgotten this Greek Chicken Gyros which is made with a yogurt marinade, one of my all time most popular recipes! https://www.recipetineats.com/greek-chicken-gyros-with-tzatziki/
Also, some more cakes made using yogurt:
https://www.recipetineats.com/lemon-cake/
https://www.recipetineats.com/blueberry-lemon-yoghurt-cake/
https://www.recipetineats.com/blueberry-lemon-loaf/
And did you know the Butter Chicken and Tandoor chicken marinades are made with yogurt?? If your yogurt is hardly sweet at all, it is perfect to use for these recipes! N x
Ange says
Oh my goodness, so many fabulous ideas. Thank you so much & a massive Thankyou from all of us down here in lockdown x
Nagi says
Hi Angela, you could always mix it with honey to sweeten it – or you can use it in cakes, curries, muffins! One of my latest cakes you’ll love: https://www.recipetineats.com/easy-strawberry-cake/ N x
Steve says
Do you ever use a microwave, and do you issue microwave recipes?
Nagi says
Hi Steve, I generally use a microwave to reheat meals, melt chocolate, or cook my brie – maybe something I’ll have to visit in the future though! N x
Michaela says
Do you know where I can buy “American burger cheese” it’s yellow?
Nagi says
Yep! It’s sold at Woolies and Coles -> https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/615052/dairylea-burger-cheese-slices
Susanna says
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts Nagi and Dozer xoxo
Nagi says
You’re so welcome Suzanna!! N x
Linda says
Hey Nagi, I’m in Melbourne too and don’t have a question at moment but just want to tell you how much I love your website. I only discovered it 3 or 4 months ago and it has become my go-to ( See ya later taste.com !). Thanks for your thoughts…… we’ll make through xx
Nagi says
Woah what a great compliment, thanks so much Linda!! N x
Amanda Graham says
You’re a wonderful human being
Thanks Nagi
Xx
Nagi says
Thanks so much Amanda 🙂 N x
Lorraine says
Thank you Nagi for kind words and generosity.
Nagi says
You’re so welcome! N x
Clare says
Hi Nagi, thanks for all your amazing recipes!
Do you think you could create an emergency dry brownie/blondie mix to keep on the cupboard (and then just add oil/eggs/vanilla) for when we get that “need”?! X
Nagi says
I love this idea Clare!! N x
JILL says
Thank you Nagi for your special thoughts to us here in Victoria.
We are all in this together and will come out the other side stronger and more caring of our fellow humans.
Have loved your website (even more) in the last few months as I seek inspiration to keep meals tasty and enticing.
Thank you for being you.
Be sure to keep Dozer and yourself safe xx
Nagi says
We will all get through this! Our pants may be a little tighter after all of this – but at least we will be smiling 🙂 N x
Jan says
H Nagi, I have to say thank you for your recipes, I love them.
I’ve wanted to be able to make a pavlova like the Swanlake brand pavs i.e. cooked in a tin. Any hints?
Nagi says
You’re so welcome Jan – let me come back to you on the Pav, I need to look into it 🙂 N x
Jacqueline Mitrovits says
Hi Nagi … not from Melbourne so when you get a chance could you do a recipe for Spaghetti Vongole .. thank you!
Nagi says
I love this – will pop it on my recipe request page as i have a long list I’m working through 🙂 N x
Dianne Allen says
Hi Nagi and Dozer,
Not a recipe question from MEL other than what a lovely obedient boy you have in Dozer How come he did not eat the Philadelphia! Have not had a golden for a number of years. My last girl died at 17! I watch Dozer with great joy. Best wishes. Dianne
Nagi says
They truly are the best aren’t they Dianne?! 17 – woah that’s amazing!! N x
Bronwyn Dunstan says
Thank you so much from a Victorian who is grateful for your kind words and gesture.
Nagi says
Thanks so much Bronwyn – stay safe!! ❤️ N x
Ann Treiser says
Nagi you are my HERO. I am in Melbourne,(and think my husbands business will be closed – whew – what can we do.) Just to say Your recipes are so clear, so easy to follow and turn out amazingly well. I follow you every day and want to thank you for your explicit instructions, video and fun ending with Dozer sampling anything and everything. He LOVES your cooking too. THANKS for your kind and caring thoughts and you stay safe and well and LET’S COOK!!
Nagi says
Wishing you all the best Ann, I’m so glad you’re loving my recipes, stay safe! N x
Helen Webb-Johnson says
Thank you Nagi for your kindness to us here in Victoria.
No question, just wanted to thank you so much for your wonderful recipes. I tell everyone about your website. You are the first port of call for any cooking I want to do and all our family meals pre Covid-19 consisted of your recipes. Everyone thinks I am a fabulous cook but I always give you the credit. Also, I love Dozer. I really look forward to all his antics. Thank you for making me look good in the kitchen. Take care and stay safe.
Nagi says
That’s so kind of you Helen, thank you so much!! N x
Linda says
Again no question but a HUGE Thank You Nagi, I’m in the Vic Mallee and your kind and thoughtful gesture is much appreciated.
Nagi says
You’re so welcome Linda!! N x
Kym says
Thank you for your wonderful tips an recipes .one big fan here . In Victoria. Keep it up. 😀
Nagi says
Thanks so much Kym 🙂 N x
Eha Carr says
I am a NSW gal – Victoria – methinks each and every one of us here has you in our thoughts and prayers. There will be an end to this . . . just hold on.
Nagi says
Exactly right Eha – N x
Helen says
I am Scottish originally…so I will say what a thoughtful and kind wee lassie you are!! xxxxx
Nagi says
Thanks so much Helen!! N x
Michelle says
Hi Nagi, given the fresh food shortages in my area of Melbourne some healthy recipes with frozen or canned veg would be good.
Nagi says
Hi Michelle, one of my favourites is this one: https://www.recipetineats.com/corn-chowder-soup/ or even https://www.recipetineats.com/chilli-con-carne. I always have lentils in my cupboard too – https://www.recipetineats.com/lentil-soup/ N x