Economy Gastronomy - new budget cookery programme; BBC

ginnyknit

I guess it was really a peek at 'How the other half lives'. We are all somewhat experts or experts in creation on here so to most of us it was either shocking or funny (or both).
I have an excess of cheese in my fridge at the mo because I got some cheap in Mr T's yesterday and that will feed us for a week as well as quiche for my son and his mates, who love it when I send food parcels to him. What with the tray bakes and fab hobknobs we eat very well for very little, add in a slow cooker and its a recipe for success - mainly thanks to all on here and of course the wonderful Martin. Anyway must go my onion marmalade is getting out of hand and Ive a cheap curry to make.

Amarillo

The all in one white sauce is Delia's, the recipe is here http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/allinonewhitesauce_66114.shtml .

I've found it makes a lovely lump free sauce where as when I do it the traditional way I end up with lumps, but that could just be my rubbish cooking !

beckstrous

Must admit, that programme made me crave macaroni cheese even though I am not a huge fan of it. Used to love it, but find it a bit rich, and a bit...erm...cheesy. Which is an odd thing to say as I love cheese and really like cauliflower cheese. I quite like it with bacon and mushrooms, but I don't think I'd add artichokes to it.

frugallily

It shocked me when you consider how we all manage!! Navarin of lamb!!! Shan't be following too much of these programmes. Was horrified not just at the family but also at the amount they still spent after the advice. We should make a programme. "How to manage on much less!!!!"

Jolinar

I don't post here often but I've been having a little look around the board as I've a little one on the way in December and we'll have to manage on much less than we do now. I have to say as an outsider I find some of the attitudes expressed here as quite off putting. It's certainly made me think twice about engaging in any meaningful dialogue. If that family posted on here wanting help would they be greeted with such derision and scorn? I certainly hope not.

Is it so hard to accept that some people are not as informed as some people on here? Or that not everyone wants to get into hardcore frugality but just save a bit of money? Takes all sorts to make the world go around, I for one applaud the family for wanting to get help.

blueberrypie

LilacPixie wrote: »

I find it difficult not to judge a family who seem pretty similar to my own size and age wise. I just find it shocking that a mother found it acceptable to feed her kids total rubbish without an attempt to really cook. 'Oh i made mac cheese once but it was too rich so i haven't bothered since'.

The family were obviously not uneducated and aparently not lacking the skills so my only theory is laziness.

I think a lot of people don't have a great deal of confidence in the kitchen, and certainly when you have two children under two, you probably don't have time to experiment and learn.

As the saying goes, when you know better, you do better. Those parents obviously wanted to learn to do better, and when they were given the chance, they made the effort. So the mum had a bit of a moan about being tired - she's got three kids and a house and a job, and she was in the middle of a big learning experience - of course she was tired! Wasn't she entitled to have a moment of self-pity?

The family made an effort, and the programme says they were keeping it up weeks after the chefs left them to it - I say, good for them! Okay, so they're still spending a lot more than many of us on this board, but they're doing a lot better than before. They've just cut their food-budget almost in half, which is a real achievement. Maybe in a few months, they'll have been able to cut it down even further - or maybe they'll have decided that they're happy with their spending level. Either way, I think they deserve a big pat on the back, rather than criticism.

PasturesNew

Those banana muffins looked a bit tasty ... once cooked. Looked minging during the mixing process.

Nitha

Jolinar wrote: »

.

Is it so hard to accept that some people are not as informed as some people on here? Or that not everyone wants to get into hardcore frugality but just save a bit of money? Takes all sorts to make the world go around, I for one applaud the family for wanting to get help.

I completely agree with you. My parents spend nearly £100 per week on just the two of them and would never make the cutbacks I have because frankly they have no need too. However the show would definitely be useful for them in the months they're saving for holidays (or my wedding- )

rosy

redmel1621 wrote: »

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:

Mel x

You could serve it with a tomato salad on the side but I have to confess I love it served with baked beans ( might not be to everyone's taste, definitely comfort food , very filling! ) I might give it a go with the artichokes - not that I think macaroni cheese needs anything else in it, just because I'm really curious to see how it would taste.

cw18

blueberrypie - I have to say I agree with you. And add into the equation that Mum was probably partly stressed about the upcoming loss of her job, as I know stress from that (albeit combined with serious health issues in the family) caused me to feel drained all the time.

If the family appeared on the GC thread asking for further help, then I honestly don't think anyone on MSE would slate them for what they're spending - after all there are already people on that thread spending much more than others, as they're there by choice (to save money for other things) rather than necessity (because of low income).