Instructions

Now you're going to come up with some new recipe ideas!  First, review the research you conducted on local foods in Step 2 of the challenge. Next, consider the kinds of foods you like to eat and what kind of dish could be made using ingredients that are grown in your region. 

Activity 

Now, make a list of 5 or more dishes that you would like to make using some or all of the ingredients on your list. Don't spend too long the detail on any individual dish at this stage - the aim is to get lots of ideas flowing!  Set yourself a time limit of, say, 10 minutes, and get as many ideas down as you can.

Brainstorming can be a great way to do this.  It involves getting a group together so that everyone can suggest lots of new ideas.  Try it with friends or family!

It's ok if a few of the ingredients you would need to use to make your dish don't grow or aren't produced locally. Don't feel pressure to make a gourmet recipe or know everything that would go into a particular dish, or exactly how much of it. The goal of brainstorming is to come up with exciting ideas. We encourage you to be creative! 

Brainstorming Tips

Whether you're working alone or in a group, here are some tips to help:

1. Wild ideas lead to creativity: Do not filter anything out at this stage, even if it doesn't seem "practical" or "possible." Keep an open mind - ideas can become more specific and feasible as we develop them further. At this stage, anything is possible.

2. Aim for as many ideas as you can.  Whatever comes to mind, get it down on paper or typed into a meaningful document - make sure you're creating a record of what you're thinking. These thoughts can be words, visuals, ideas, images, materials, objects, places - at this stage, it doesn't matter.

3. Inspiration can come from anywhere: look around your home and your local area for inspiration. Explore local shops, see what people are growing in their gardens or allotments in your area.  Take inspiration from what you see in the local countryside or farms.  Look for restaurants that take a pride in using local produce and see what dishes they are offering.

>> Proceed to Step 4.

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