Save time and money with our staycation batch cook
If you are planning a getaway this summer, you could save time and money with batch cooking! Suzanne Mulholland, is here to help with her delicious, time-saving recipes for all the family.
From tips to keeping your food fresh for longer to multi-use ingredients, Suzanne has got you covered for a stress-free staycation!
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TRANSPORT MEALS?
Don't worry if you don't have a freezer in your holiday house, packing frozen meals correctly will keep
them cold as you travel. You can use them in a certain order as they defrost throughout the week eg. fish first, then chicken, then red meat dishes.
TOP TIP: Freeze each meal flat in bags to help keep your ice box cold for longer.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON BREAKFAST:
Look for frozen croissants in the supermarket aisles. These cost around £3 for a pack of 6 croissants -
making them just 50p per croissant. If you were to buy them individually from a coffee shop this could cost you £3.90 per croissant.
TOP TIP: Splash the croissants with water before putting them in the oven to make them extra fluffy.
WHAT ABOUT EASY LUNCHES FOR ON THE GO?:
Homemade sausage rolls and pizza pinwheels are an easy lunchtime snack for days when you are on the go. These can be made in advance and frozen. On the day, just stick them in the oven and take them with you.
Not only is this a simple, hassle-free option, it’s also so much cheaper. For example: a Greggs sausage roll costs £1.45, whereas making them at home costs just 80p each.
TOP TIP: Look for pre-made sausage meat instead of using sausages with the skin in - This works out cheaper if you are making them in batches and saves you time peeling.
AND YOU’VE EVEN GOT SOME ONE POT MEALS IDEAL FOR CAMPING?
One pot meals are great if you are camping or staying in a caravan as all you need is a single gas hob or camping stove. One pot also means minimal washing up and more time to enjoy your trip!
TOP TIP: Make sure to reheat your batched meal until piping hot.
BATCH COOK A FAKEAWAY FOR A FAMILY NIGHT IN:
Plan a curry night and batch cook your favourite takeaway for a fun, family night in. This way you can enjoy holiday food that is a little different to normal but still saves you money.
On average, a takeaway curry costs around £80 for a family of 4 but making a chicken curry at home with poppadoms and naans will only cost you around £9 for the whole family.
TOP TIP: Buying frozen chicken breast instead of chilled will save you extra money. Defrost thoroughly before cooking.
WHAT ABOUT IF YOU FANCY A SWEET TREAT WHILE YOU ARE AWAY?:
Traybakes are great to batch cook and bring with you on your trip. Most traybakes like flapjacks, millionaires shortbread and brownies will freeze well. One tray bake slice costs just 25p to make, compared to buying at a coffee shop where this would usually cost you around £3.50 per slice.
TOP TIP: Save time by mixing up all the ingredients for your different tray bakes at the same time. If you have limited oven space, stagger cooking over a few days and keep them in the freezer.