R2R Good Foods. by D.K.Seehusen
Over the last week I observed my fellow R2R team mates while they spent time in the kitchen preparing meals. I hope to give you an in-depth look into the making of the perfect dish for a hungry cyclist.
Chicken Al Mataranca by Aaron Turner 
Serves 7- Preparation 10 mins- Cook 30 mins- $40
Chicken
Pasta
Dim Sims
Vegetables
Parmesan
Butter
Salsa Sauce
Soy Sauce
Care- the most important ingredient
A quintessential hawker favourite and popular evening meal in this part of Australia, Chicken Al Mataranca is a delicious marriage of juicy chicken and buttered pasta. While it has its roots in Pascoe Vale and Glenroy cooking, Turner’s chicken dish is now a ubiquitous offering at campsites across the region.
“Everyone should be full,” Turner told me at the Mataranca Caravan Park. “The trick isn’t to cater, it’s to over cater.” Chicken Al Mataranca is not only a joyous meal to intake but it leaves your stomach satisfied. The main ingredients-chicken and pasta- remain the same, but this take includes a set of three dim sims as the entre.
“Back in the 1950’s, Chicken Al Mataranca was prepared over three days,” he shares. If you have this time available, he suggests doing so. “The Chicken will be even more aromatic,” he promises.
“Not only was it quantity, the quality was also there. It would be a top ten for any traveller”- Johnny Chops, Camping Cuisine.
Overall rating- 14.5/25
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Peckish Pink Panther by Karina Ottosen 
Serves 6- Preparation 20mins- Cook 25mins- $15
Chicken
Cous Cous
Peanuts
Coconut Milk
Organge
Carrot
Broccoli
Garlic
Mustard
Soy Sauce
Oyster Sauce
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Parmesan
Tortia Bread
A culinary symbol of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, cous cous has long been regarded as an aphrodisiac.
“Cooking is one of the best ways to show we care. The entire process- from planning the menu to lugging the groceries on the bike and setting the dining room- is a labour of love, but the resulting smiles of satisfaction are all the encouragement we need to keep cooking dish after delicious dish.” Ottosen enlightened me as I devoured the delicious meal.
This was the first time Ottosen had prepared this healthy dish. The inspiration for such a meal came by Aaron Turner saying that you cannot cook with coconut milk without using rice. Good food speaks for itself.
“Ambitious as it was brilliant”- Timmy’s Tucker.
Overall rating- 14/25.
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The Old Spice Budget Barbie Beaut by Tim Holman 
Serves 5- Preparation 10mins- Cook 25mins- $30
Marinated Blade Steak
Rosemary
Garlic
Sausages
Instant Mash Potato
Bread
Tomato Sauce
Olive Oil
Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Holman learned to use the barbeque many years ago in the Dargo high plains and has now had the tongs in hand on over 50 occasions, including big events such as AFL Grand Final Day, Melbourne Cup and Australia Day.
“The toughest part of this dish was the inconsistent flame on the BBQ which was a challenge to keep the constant high heat on the steaks. Dad taught me from a young age that you need to adapt to different conditions.”
The hearty meal was complemented brilliantly by a Choice Café Biscuit Cheese Cake.
“Anyone looking for a new culinary classic should make this a priority dish. A master class.” – Elliot Ferale’, Hamster’s Hampers.
Overall rating- 15/25
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Spirals with Tuna and Vegetable Orgy by John Clark 
Serves 7- Preparation 10mins- Cook 20mins- $20
Pasta
Tuna
Pasta Bake Cream Sauce
Five Bean Mix
Diced Tomato
Corn
Asparagus
Garlic
The colonel surroundings of the landscape was all it took to inspire John Clark to organise an orgy of various vegetables. “The soft grass, cool breeze, relaxed cook space and comfortable core temperature really set the mood for such a dish,” Clark told me.
However, the dish was not all based on emotion. Science played a big part. “The mix of vegetables was to replace nutrients in the cyclist’s bodies and beans and tuna are a great source of protein to help muscle recovery”.
Clark ensures that this is not the last time he cook such a meal. “There is room for versatility with the use of fish, chicken or lamb. It ticks all the boxes.”
“A perfect meal when mum and dad are out. If you can open a can, you can cook this.” – Cherrie Cone, Teenage Taste.
Overall rating- 13.5/25