Step aside Julie, Adam and Justin, there are some new master chefs in town. And their delectable delights have been captured in a state-wide Ingenia Lifestyle cookbook to raise money for the Cancer Council.

To create the cookbook, a hot and tasty cook-off was hosted at Lakeside Lara, judged officially by MasterChef semi-finalist Tim Bone – so there can be no doubt about the sensational culinary abilities of the talented residents.

The cook-off at Lakeside Lara involved 12 talented cooks and a gaggle of onlookers just hoping for a spare slice of cake.

Each resident competitor brought their dishes to the Community Clubhouse where they were professionally photographed to feature in the cookbook, then served to the esteemed judge in front of the live crowd.

Tim treated onlookers to expert commentary on the dishes and was liberal with his (well deserved) praise. In the break between savoury and dessert judging, Tim even served up his famous gourmet toasties.

“It’s such an honour to be judging the Ingenia Lifestyle cook-offs. I love the sense of community and camaraderie amongst the residents and the highlight of the day for me was definitely hearing the stories and the history behind each dish,” said celebrity cook-off judge Tim.

Even though all the dishes were given top marks, a few competitors stood out from the rest. Sharon, creator of the winning dish – chicken in white wine sauce – took home Tim’s praise, a picture of her with the MasterChef legend wearing his recognisable apron, and a $250 voucher.

“I knew immediately what I was going to cook: My ex mother-in-law’s chicken in white wine sauce, a family recipe from Spain. I was not expecting to win as Ingenia has some wonderful cooks!” said Sharon – now sporting the title of Lakeside Lara 2023 Cook-off Champion.

Sharon’s recipe, alongside all dishes presented as part of the cook-off, features in the community cookbook with resident recipes from Ingenia communities across Victoria. The cookbook is available for purchase for $20 with all funds raised going directly to the Cancer Council.

The cook-off is just an example of the exciting events run regularly in our welcoming community, and with two and three bedroom homes to suit your lifestyle, as well as incredible resort-style facilities to enjoy, it’s the perfect time to write your next chapter (and have some fun) at Lakeside Lara.

If you’d like to get your hands on a cookbook or you’re ready to tour one of our display homes, contact Rhonda on 0491 229 257.

Bon appetit!