Research by Australian Eggs revealed Albury-Wodonga residents spent more time in the kitchen under COVID-19 restrictions to unwind (23 per cent), make mealtimes entertaining (24 per cent) and test recipes (27 per cent).

It showed 75 per cent of Albury-Wodonga residents wanted to retain the positive changes to their life post-lockdown.

Social researcher Dr Rebecca Huntley said research revealed people were now more focused on the social connection of making a meal together rather than on perfection.

"The focus isn't on improving our culinary skills and creating gourmet meals," she said.

"While we've been spending so much time at home, we've had to find entertainment and the biggest movement for this has been food.

"We now have more time at home without the daily commute, so we're looking to make the most of that time and not by trying to become expert cooks but come together in something we all love: food."

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Dr Huntley said the research showed people were generally making the most of forced time spent together.

"With over 78 per cent of respondents confirming they are confident the positive changes to their lifestyle gained as a result of lockdown will continue even after, we're adjusting and looking at the positives," Dr Huntley said.

In October 2019, the biggest barriers to cooking together at home were conflicting schedules and social activities.

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