Starting from scratch

[Deleted User]

It has been ages since I posted in this section of the forum. I've been really busy and just when things were about to calm down I got the opportunity to move to Australia with work so here I am in my second week. I was out here for a couple of weeks before Christmas and now this is me for at least the next 2 years.

Now that I am finally set up in my little apartment I need to start stocking up my cupboards because I have nothing at the moment except some eggs, a couple of mushrooms and some olive oil. What store cupboard staples to the Old Style MSE recommend having?

I also need some help with meal planning. I was lucky in the last place I worked had a heavily subsidised canteen (£2.80 for a full roast beef dinner with Yorkshire puddings) so for the last 2 years I didn't have to do much cooking when I got home, even though I do enjoy cooking. It also means I need to start thinking about lunches for work although I guess I could just take leftovers from dinner which is what I used to do previously.

I guess I just feel a bit overwhelmed with all the changes going on and need some help from the Old Stylers.

[Deleted User]

I went into a book shop today and I found a book called "Plan, Buy Cook" which sounds exactly like what I need. It contains a list of store cupboard, fridge and freezer staples and is about batch cooking and quick meals. Best of all it had money off. I also found NOSH Vegan based on a suggestion by MovingForward on another thread so those two books should keep me going.

I very nearly bought a book called "Bake Australia Great" because who doesn't want to know how to make a Dame Edna shaped cake, but I put it back on the shelf for another day.

I joined the gym at work because it's pretty cheap and very convenient. It's my first foray into a gym for a while because usually my exercise comes in the form of cycling. I have brought my road bike out to Oz with me but it's so flipping hot outside I haven't been on a long ride yet. I did find an outlet village though and managed to score a pair of New Balance trainers for $48 which is just a smidgen over £25 at today's exchange rates. I also bought 2.5 sets of gym clothes from Addidas for under $70 so that should keep me going for a while.

Prinzessilein

I keep a supply of brown rice, and couscous and also quinoa on my shelf...ph and my favourite porridge mix (not an 'instant mix'...it is a mix of oats, barley, rye and flax seeds).

Tins of baked beans, and usually some tinned tuna.

I am rather fond of PBFit and have a jar of that on the go most of the year...it is a sort of powdered peanut butter...great to add to soup or curries, and mix with a little water for a smooth peanut butter for toast when wanted.

If you can get hold of a copy (it's an old-ish book) Economy Gastronomy (McEvedy and Merrett, Penguin 2009) is a really good guide to cooking on a budget.

If you're in OZ at this time of year...don't forget your Sunscreen!

[Deleted User]

Thank you for those tips. I haven't heard of PBFit before and I think it would be handy for adding to soups and curries. I used my slow cooker a lot in Scotland so I think I'll get another one out here because I found it really good for making dahl amongst other things.

I am slathering myself in factor 50, wearing a hat and sunglasses, whilst generally keeping covered up and so far so good. I am by far the whitest person in Western Australia at the moment, even the goths are envious. :rotfl: