Reigniting the old-style ways

Toonie

It's been some time since I posted and whilst I have popped in at various points I was never one for being a regular contributor. I have been reassessing my Old Style ways as recently I've moved in with my partner and started I've a new job (less money but fewer hours meaning I am not constantly exhausted).


Unfortunately I've been off work for a few weeks after badly dislocating my shoulder meaning I've been on Statutory Sick Pay. And after covering housing and bills money I find I'm left with a minus and I'm dipping into my dwindling savings.


So, in an effort to spend as little as possible I've inventoried the cupboards and freezers and I'm trying to make do with minimal food spends until I'm back at work (at least three weeks away). The good news is that I'm now out of a sling so I've been able to start cooking again (I'm the more competent cook out of the two of us) and I've even been able to bake a few things so we've had a couple treats (drop scones and a lemon drizzle cake).


The biggest difficulty is due to my medical condition I'm quite limited on foods (have trouble with my digestive system) so lots of things are off the menu for me (no alliums, no mushrooms, no cruciferous veggies amongst various other things) and cooking can be a repetitive. My partner and I have started doing a meal per week separate so that we both can indulge in the things we like that the other one doesn't.



I think one of the best things about coming back to this board is reading through some of the older threads which get brought back. They've lifted my spirits at a time when I feel a little useless and rather downhearted (worried about my new job as I'm on probation but can't go back until I'm fit as it's physically demanding). So, thanks to all the posters who have unknowingly made my time off work a little more bearable.

thriftwizard

Hope your shoulder recovers soon, Toonie! And that your new employers are patient.

You are not alone; I'm beginning to realise that following some surgery etc. last year & this spring, I've been left with a digestive system that's much less resilient than it previously was. I love mushrooms, but it seems I'm better off avoiding them, and need to cook alliums thoroughly, and shouldn't take the crucifers for granted any longer! As for legumes... treat with extreme caution. It's a nuisance, as I love growing, cooking & preserving veg of all sorts, but something I'm going to have to live with, for a while if not permanently.

Toonie

Thanks thriftwizard. It certainly hasn't been easy when so many recipes start with "fry onion and garlic" and I just have to say "nope". I suppose it has meant I've learnt how to cook for myself, but it's not fun when trying to balance out meals for other people.

Brambling

Toonie I understand the spice asafoetida is used as its taste replicates the taste of onion and garlic. I've never tried it but it seems it is used by some Indians who aren't allowed to eat them. Sorry i only saw part of a cookery program when they were talking about it

D&DD

I spent years struggling with my son's eating due to his ASD and it is extremely hard when other family members can enjoy something different.It makes so much more work all round which I can imagine must make things difficult with your health issues.


The internet has been a blessing for help in which foods to avoid and substitutes for things.


How about batch cooking or doubling up on your favourite *single night* recipes and freeze one each so the next time you have separate meals it will give you a night off from prepping it all?

VfM4meplse

Brambling wrote: »

Toonie I understand the spice asafoetida is used as its taste replicates the taste of onion and garlic. I've never tried it but it seems it is used by some Indians who aren't allowed to eat them. Sorry i only saw part of a cookery program when they were talking about it

True, but be warned it is very pungent so a small pinch will do

Toonie

D&DD doubling up is a good idea. Now the weather is cooling down the slow cooker and casserole pots will definitely be coming out.


Brambling and VfM4meplse Unfortunately I can't have asafoetida either! My gut is very sensitive to a lot of things.

GreenQueen

Try googling "low FODMAP" recipes. Designed for IBS sufferers, they exclude alliums, cruciferous veg, gluten, etc which sound responsible for your symptoms.