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 Parkside Lucas, 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 Parkside Lucas involved 15 talented cooks and a gaggle of onlookers just hoping for a spare slice of cake.

Each resident competitor brought their dishes to the sales suite kitchen 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 Tim, a Ballarat local as well as renowned MasterChef competitor.

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

“I dusted off a couple of recipes that I have made for many years for my family and they now make for their families. I was stunned when it was announced I had won and thrilled to meet Tim Bone as I had watched him on Masterchef,” said Pam – now sporting the title of Parkside Lucas 2023 Cook-off Champion (and enduring some lighthearted teasing for it after also winning the Christmas raffle!).

Pam’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 set to open early next year, it’s the perfect time to write your next chapter (and have some fun) at Parkside Lucas.

If you’d like to get your hands on a cookbook or you’re ready to tour our five display homes, contact Karen on 0467 946 339.

Bon appetit!