There is a difference between being frugal and being just plain mean. We all know people who will invite you over for the afternoon but not offer you a cup of tea… that’s mean. There are those who invite you over and offer you a cup of tea with a big slice of apple pie (the fruit having been swapped with the lady down the road for some tomatoes that grew in amazing profusion)… that’s frugal. Get the drift?
Times are tough just now. More people are looking to make cut-backs and that might include a change in lifestyle. This doesn’t have to be a painful process with regard to home economics. You might be forced to re-evaluate the necessity for meals out and take-aways, but your health and your finances might thank you for taking a different approach.
Fiona Beckett has penned The Frugal Cook not as a new fad diet, although it’s probable that you might lose that “slight chubbiness” if you take Fiona’s advice. It’s about making the best of the food you already buy and looking for some alternatives. You could find that you save both time and money.
The Frugal Cook is stuffed with advice on buying produce at a reasonable price, stretching meals so the Sunday roast lingers for a delicious Monday lunch, and avoiding waste. It isn’t rocket science but we sometimes need a reminder that food in the bin is money down the drain.
You might expect this book to have chapter headings such as “1001 things to do with leftover sprout water”, “How to save a fortune by keeping a cow”. There is nothing nasty or outlandish. None of those folksy, woodsy sermons on wearing vegetarian sandals. It’s sensible stuff. Great recipes that just happen to be frugal. Your family won’t notice that you have made economies and they won’t feel deprived. There will be new meals to enjoy and perhaps a few lovely afternoons hunting blackberries.
Kids are notoriously picky but there are plenty of dishes that will soon become new family favourites. Meatloaf is bound to be a winner. The meat is padded out with oats. This is a flexible dish and can be seasoned to become an Italian Meatloaf (add Oregano), American (serve with BBQ sauce) or Mexican (add some chilli). It’s also a sandwich filler that’s hearty and sustaining.
The pizza moped might be a regular sight chez vous but it’s possible to have the same meal for a fraction of the price. Why not buy the basic, thin crust Margherita and add more toppings? The kids will be enthusiastic about designing their own pizza (probably chocolate and ketchup) and they’ll be eating it in less time than it would normally take Dwayne to arrive with the greasy box.
So that’s week-day meals and the youngsters sorted, but you’ll want to consider feeding guests. Cooking for dinner parties is always a financial fright. We want to be generous hosts but it’s easy to blow the week’s food budget on just one meal. First thing to remember is that friends come to see us and not to criticise the food. Pies are trendy at the moment and Fiona offers a Frugal Fish Pie that gives not a hint of frugality. Use small frozen prawns and “basic” white fish (it’s just good “fish” and I use it all the time. Most supermarkets have a version.) The result is luxurious but it’s a simple recipe and ideal for smart entertaining.
The Frugal Cook is a delightful recipe book. The bonus is that you’ll save money and time. Fiona Beckett has pointed the direction for the future. We might not “need” to take her approach but most of us will want to. A practical and positive guide to better living.
The Frugal Cook
Author: Fiona Beckett
Published by: Absolute Press
Price: £14.99
ISBN 9781904573852
Cookbook review by Chrissie Walker © 2018