The year was 2020, and the world was, well, at a total standstill. We looked for a way to escape the reality of being confined to our small spaces (and sheer boredom too). Insert TikTok and the rise in food trends that suddenly seemed to flood everyone’s ‘For You’ pages just when we needed some entertainment. But, the fun should not stop just because we are on the tail end of the pandemic (hopefully). So, if you are still keen to give these viral food hacks a try, we’ve got you covered: 

Dalgona Coffee (Whipped Coffee)

Heard of Dalgona Coffee? We’re sure you have! If not, here’s what you need to know. Named after the spongy South Korean coffee candy, all you need is a tablespoon of instant coffee, some sweetener (optional) and a splash of water, whipped until thickened and able to hold its foamy shape. In a glass, add ice and your choice of milk, top with foamy mixture, and enjoy.  Homemade iced coffees will never be the same!

Cloud Bread

Is it bread? Or isn’t? Either way because it’s so light, fluffy and easy to make, cloud bread is worth the try! All it takes is three ingredients: egg whites, cornstarch and sugar. You can even be creative and add a dash of food colouring. Remember, though it’s called bread, it is not a bread replacement so eat those carbs — girl!

Baked Feta Pasta

This baked feta pasta ended up becoming so popular that grocery stores in Finland apparently ran out of feta. The recipe is simple — add a hearty block of feta, cherry tomatoes, a little pasta water and garlic to a baking pan, and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 40 – 45 mins on a steady heat at 180° C. Once done and the tomatoes have blistered, mix together until combined. Season to taste, and garnish with a few leaves of basil. Welcome to pasta heaven!

Baked oats 

If you haven’t tried baked oats yet, we suggest you do so now. It is like eating cake for breakfast while still getting all the nutritional benefits. What more could a person want? The basic recipe consists of blending oats, egg, banana, maple syrup and baking powder together until smooth then transferring into to a baking dish to be baked in the oven at 180° C for 25 – 30 minutes. But the best part about this food hack? There are literally thousands of variations on Tik Tok that will certainly make your bowl of morning oats a lot more exciting! 

Words: Francesca Rattle | Photography: Unsplash