Baking boom as we spend 14 more hours a week in kitchens
IT would explain all those saggy bottoms...families are spending an extra 14 hours a week in the kitchen and most are eating more than usual, a poll found.
Six in 10 of us have turned to bread-makers, sandwich toasters, food processors, ice cream makers and pizza ovens during lockdown.
Seven in 10 parents are spending more time baking with their children, with cooking a way of keeping everyone entertained.
Of 2,000 households quizzed, half have tried to bake cakes or made pizzas from scratch, while more than a third have attempted a new pud.
Toasties have also become a regular lunchtime treat in 39 per cent of homes – but pancakes are even more popular, featuring in half of homes.
Half of families say eating together during lockdown has
become the main form of evening entertainment at home.
Other popular gadgets dusted down or bought new include air fryers, waffle irons, smoothie makers and coffee machines. Recipe books have also made a comeback in six in 10 homes. As a result of cooking up a storm, six in 10 of us say we are eating more than in normal times. The survey was carried out for energy firm Utilita, which warned people to be aware their gastronomic adventures may add to bills.
Eight in 10 of those quizzed had no idea how power-hungry their gadgets are – and more than half had not even thought about it.
Utilita said: “A renewed focus on cooking has undoubtedly helped to keep people’s spirits up during the pandemic.
“But it’s important that we all consider what these gadgets are costing in terms of the impact on our pockets.”
Its tips include checking the energy consumption – wattage – of gadgets, investing in a slow cooker to save money and not overfilling the kettle.
The experts also suggest taking food out the fridge 30 minutes before cooking – it will take less time – and not leaving appliances on stand-by.
They say to fill the freezer so it runs efficiently and use pan lids to stop energy escaping.