Batch cooking

Since just before my son was born, I batch cooked. I have got into the habit of bulk buying meat (it can be cheaper) and then making multiple meals in one go in order to freeze and eat later on. I’ll give a little insight into what I batch cook with

2kg Minced Beef

• cottage pie
• chilli
• spaghetti bolognese
• mince, and veg (for pies or pasties)

A whole chicken

• spanish chicken
• chicken curry
• chicken soup
• chicken in white wine sauce
• (I also use the carcass to boil for stock)
• fajita chicken

Pork

• BBQ pulled pork
• pork, veg, gravy
• pork curry

Lamb

• minted lamb in gravy
• kebabs
• lamb hotpot

These are all meals that you can prepare in one day, freeze and eat another day! I tend to freeze in plastic tubs. They’re much healthier than ready meals because you know exactly what has gone into them!. I may have missed a few bits off but because its bonfire night and I haven’t posted in a while, I thought I’d share a few bits whilst I have two minutes to myself! Tomorrow, I’ll post some slow cooker hacks! Some recipes I’ve found to be, not your everyday meals, but something indulgent and really fun!

Happy Bonfire Night from the UK!!!

It’s that’s time of year- comfort food!

So, I’m from Staffordshire and at this time of year we love a certain dish called lobby! It’s comforting, easy to make up and the best comfort food on these cold, dark evenings!! This is one of those recipes that every family does differently…so here’s mine! 

Ingredients

• Braising steak 
• 3 carrots
• 1 large onion
• 4 large potatoes
• 1 cup of peas 
• 2 beef stock cubes 
• Crusty bread
• Salt and pepper
• A glug of vinegar

Method

Chip all ingredients and add to a slow cooker (low and slow is best). Brown the meat in a pan and add to the slow cooker along with 2 stock cubes and some water. Leave for 4 hours on high and season at the end with a little salt and pepper. Add a glug if vinegar and serve with crusty bread…and thank me later! Also, may I add, we normally eat it 24 hours after it’s cooked (my family tradition I don’t know about anybody else). But, be my guest to eat it straight away!!!

I love dishes that originate from certain counties. The sense of tradition warms my heart! Give it a go!

best before dates, use by dates and WASTAGE

Has anybody ever sat back and really thought about how much food is wasted each day? The food that is perfectly good to eat yet may look a bit sad.

I’ve been watching my waste recently. Throwing out that stalk of broccoli or that sad looking pepper. Shoving products in the bin such as a chocolate bar because it’s gone past its best before date. And, it wasn’t until I sat back and watched how much I waste that I really realised how silly it is. For those who don’t know about these dates, I shall explain!

• use by dates- this is the date that the product needs to be used by. Products such as chicken, yoghurts, pork etc.
• Best before dates- these are the products that “best before the date on the package”. However, after this date, the products can be used. The taste or texture may change but they are still fit for consumption.

If you buy meat and struggle to use it before the use by date, freeze on day of purchase. This almost acts like time standing still. The product will still be fit for consumption for a period of time and stops you wasting food, and money.

I’ve also started using up all food that looks a little sad and bits of veg that I normally would never use! I’ve made “scrappy soup” as I call it. With sad looking peppers, tomatoes, broccoli stalks etc. With added seasoning and a little bit of love, the sad veg and the bits destined for garbage heaven, become a lovely comforting meal. (You have to add crusty bread…it’s a must!!) Also, batch cooking and freezing is a fantastic way of reducing the wastage of food in your household and in turn, SAVES YOU MONEY! (can’t grumble at that, eh?)

So, go and check your fridge!! don’t throw your sad looking veggies away! Plan what you eat around what you buy and cut your wastage! Use up them bits in different meals such as pasta sauces, in a curry, or like i said, scrappy soup!!!

Enjoy your night! I’m off to bake some brownies! x

Slow cookers!

I love slow cookers. Not only can you whack all your ingredients in and leave it all day and come back to a hot meal, but the food tastes so much better!! The meat is so tender and beautiful. So, I thought I’d share some of my favourite meals I use my slow cooker for! I’m in a bit of a rush as I’m making a Sunday roast today, however I will try to add some recipes later on!!

1. Beef casserole, chicken casserole and sausage casserole (especially on a chilly day!)
2. Curries! 
3. Chocolate cake (of course!!)
4. Pulled pork in BBQ sauce
5. Joints of meat on a bed of veggies
6. Bolognese 
7. Chilli 
8. Jacket potatoes 
9. Soups
10. Chicken in white wine sauce! 

Also, slow cookers are a lot more energy efficient than normal ovens and therefore save you money on gas and electric! 

Get your slow cookers out and use them!!!! 

Bye! X