Ted’s tucker takes March page

Moreton Bay pensioner Edwin “Ted” Bakke has become one of 12 winners in a national cooking competition.

The 80-year-old from Deception Bay is the March entry in a 2026 seniors’ cooking calendar by home-care provider Dovida.

Ted was chosen from more than 200 entries, submitted from across Australia, for his hearty Tucker Stew recipe.

On the calendar Ted says the recipe is his “signature dish”. It’s also “easy to make” and he enjoys cooking it “in a camp oven over the fire on hot coals”.

“It brings back memories of being on the road and spending time with friends and family, while sharing this meal with those around me,” he said.

“I’ve been doing it a long time and was asked if I wanted to go into the competition.”

Ted’s winning recipe ingredients

• 700 g Beef blade steak

• ¼ pumpkin, cubed

• 2 onions, sliced

• 4 potatoes, cubed

• 2 carrots, cubed

• 2 beef stock cubes and 2 cups water

• 1 ½ cups of plain flour

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon of curry powder

• A splash of Worcestershire sauce

• Green vegetables as desired

Method

In a plastic bag put 1 ¼ cups of flour, salt, pepper and curry powder then shake, rattle and roll until all mixed.

In batches, add the meat to coat and fry gently to brown. Add meat to casserole pot or slow cooker.