Lockdown DIY kits: A Review (Updated)

The lockdown life has meant missing out on our favourite food places. At the start, the options were very limited. However, week by week we have more delivery options and the new craze has been the DIY kits.

I had to start off with a burger kit and was then luckily gifted a pizza kit. These are such great ideas as not only do you get restaurant quality ingredients, but also a step by step guide on how to make it. Lastly, a great reason to do this, is that it comes at a great price too.
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Burger & Beyond

As par the course, I had to have a burger first. I was very indecisive at first. I didn't want to spend any extra money than the weekly food shop and some places wouldn't deliver and I believed I could do it myself.

Slowly, but surely, all three issues were address. 
1 - when you break it down, the pack of 4 burgers at about £25 works out at about £6.25 each - which is actually cheaper than eating in.
2 - What I did for the Burger & beyond delivery was to get it sent to my brothers place and collected it from there. Most places are now extending their zones to reach Enfield. Thanks.
3 - Once you try, you realise that the quality of products (ingredients) mean that unless you go to the local butches/bakers etc, it won't be as good.

Onto the Burger & Beyond DIY Kit.
What more can I say. "just do it" and order it now. They now have nationwide delivery and at £25 it is great value.

My advice would be to clear the kitchen and get all you need ready. This includes a few pans, space and instructions to hand.

The whole process took about 20 mins and you immediately notice how good the produce is. The supermarket produce is never nearly as good. If you want to recreate your own without the kit, the a trip to the butchers is needed.

Pizza Pilgrims

This was a delightful birthday gift from my friend. This was a surprise but I had been given a slight clue beforehand. I was excited about this, mainly due to the fact I didn't have to prepare and make the dough.

What stands out with the kit was the simplicity and ease to create. Everything is pre packed and ready to open and use.

The instructions on the pdf were on point and relatively clear. I should have watched the instruction video, mainly to understand when the pizza was done. As you can see from the pic below, the one on the right could have done with a bit longer under the grill.

One other little nag, was that my pizza box was wet and the dough had exploded slightly too. it was a bit sticky, but most of it was saved and used.

A quick summary of DIY kits:

• JUST DO IT
  
• The instructions and process is very straightforward and easy
  
• Be prepared for a bit of chaos in the kitchen
  
• Quality ingredients are the key here and the reason why you should do it

Thanks to all the restaurants for adapting and sharing their recipes and food. We miss you.

Mac & Wild - Venimoo Kit (Update)

After the success of the Burger & Beyond burger, I had to get another DIY kit. The options I had given myself were between Mac&Wild and Patty&Bun. After a bit of consultation and web issues, I ordered Mac&Wild's Venimoo burger kit.

This is one impressive beast of a burger. The pack includes enough ingredients for 8 burgers, but is intended for 4. Venison patties, beef patties, onions, bernaise sauce, sauce, cheese, mustard, gherkins, lettuce and more.

BASICALLY - STACK IT UP.
If you get this kit, 100% watch the video before hand. It is a good way to ensure you are ready, prepared and know what to expect at every step.

The burger was very tasty. The USP of this, the venison is by itself a bit plain, but with the cheese and onions and sauce and bernaise and and and... it all combines to be a great burger.

I am all for burger kits, but cannot wait for restaurants to open.