Economy Gastronomy - new budget cookery programme; BBC

tartantotty

ubamother wrote: »

I'm sure the programme isn't designed for OS experts, but for the millions out there who might be enthused into making positive changes - and that has to be a good thing surely, for them, for local food providers, local shops etc.? Any 'hardcore' programme might frighten off those who need the encouragement and support to take the first little steps that many on here recommend to newbies.

I have to agree with this - granted I only watched about the last 20 mins as I had forgotten it was on, but I think the idea is that its more general- people who are new to having to think about saving a bit of money, and not those who have to really cut down. Also to demonstrate what a waste of money constant takeways etc are, and that is can be reasonably simple to create somthing from scratch even if you have panic attacks at the thought of going near a kitchen.

I use a lot of OS ideas in my day to day life, due to necessity, but it was a fair culture shock for me! Surely its a good thing to be showing people how to make small savings here and there to avoid them having to end up in a mess like I did?

Amarillo

DH & I both watched it and enjoyed it. I was a bit shocked they gave them £130 as a budget but I guess that still saves them the equivalent of her annual salary and by not making it horrendously tight will give them more incentive to keep it going as it will be more achievable. I'd love them to follow up in a year to see how they are doing, I'd love to see that they've got the budget down further and she's not so tired and hasn't been under pressure to find work.

Just looked at the macaroni cheese recipe and was disappointed to see that they've given traditional method for making white sauce rather than the all in one which is a doddle. On an aside, I was actually quite shocked when I was waiting to pay at the Co-op the other day and noticed on an italian promotion that they had jars of white sauce for something like £1.69 - I rather naively didn't know you could buy white sauce in a jar !

cw18

Amarillo wrote: »

I rather naively didn't know you could buy white sauce in a jar !

And I have to plead guillty of buying it (just the once) many years ago.....

The kids always complained that mine was lumpy, so decided to give it a try. It has horrible -- really tart and vinegary :eek: But it served it's purpose, in that the kids stopped complaining about mine

russetred

We watched the show as a family and really enjoyed it.The comments on here written during and after were hilarious too.I didn't learn anything new,I even knew to use the cheese rinds, but this family got a crash course in meal planning and cooking which considering their starting abilities was desperately needed.We found the show really funny in places but that was maybe a little unkind as the family shown were really clueless.My kids were appalled at the boy's behaviour but it was good to see that the twins being younger and more adaptable were loving their new menu,even pinching off each other's plates! I think next week's show will be an eye opener for us OSers and could well be a guiness world record for the greatest number of people gasping in disbelief at one time.:rotfl:Can hardly wait.

thriftlady_2

Amarillo wrote: »

Just looked at the macaroni cheese recipe and was disappointed to see that they've given traditional method for making white sauce rather than the all in one which is a doddle.

So is the traditional method. Melt butter, stir in flour, cook for a while, gradually add milk.

Floxxie

ifonlyitwaseasier wrote: »

not the annabel karmel but my mac & cheese is basic white sauce, add grated cheddar and a little bit of mustard,
cook the mac and tip into a casserole dish, add the cheese sauce and mix together then i just chuck it in the oven for 10 mins et voila, served with chopped up cucumber (and tomatoes for those who like them)

Sorry missed the question. Exactly the same as Annabel Karmel but she uses a variety of cheeses ..cheddar, gruyere and parmesan. Mustard is mustard powder. (Of course I freeze the parmesan I don't use and the gruyere I use in other recipes). You can also add bacon bits.

Only have the book so no idea of a link.

tinkerbellsmum_2

Bongedone wrote: »

and they even called it butter. tut tut.

think thats a derby thing i call my marg butter to lol

FZwanab

Amarillo wrote: »

Just looked at the macaroni cheese recipe and was disappointed to see that they've given traditional method for making white sauce rather than the all in one which is a doddle.

How do you do it all in one and is it lump free?

Nitha

I liked the fact they talked about using up everything - it's definitely something society needs to do. I think OSers are still rare - all of my work collegues can't believe I feed my family for less than £30 a week (which I find very easy!)

Bought a can of hotdogs today!

redmel1621

Amarillo wrote: »

Just looked at the macaroni cheese recipe and was disappointed to see that they've given traditional method for making white sauce rather than the all in one which is a doddle. On an aside, I was actually quite shocked when I was waiting to pay at the Co-op the other day and noticed on an italian promotion that they had jars of white sauce for something like £1.69 - I rather naively didn't know you could buy white sauce in a jar !

I have often bought the white sauce in a jar:o:o How do you do the all in one white sauce please??

What would you serve macaroni cheese with. I don't think I would add artichokes or lardons to the recipe...sounds a bit expensive to me but Dh would probably look at me like I had two heads if I just served up a plate of cheesy pasta:rolleyes:

With regards to the mince dishes, do any of you do the initial braising technique? I haven't, but it looks quite interesting, and I might give it a go....once it is done, I can freeze it, can't I?:D

Mel x