If ever a cookbook like this was needed, it is definitely now.
We are experiencing what it's like living during a Cost-of-Living crisis...and it ain't pretty. In March, food prices rose to 17.5%, the highest on record, and the ninth month of double-digit grocery price inflation.
Inflation overall has dropped a little and supermarkets do their best to help where they can, but food shortages continue and prices are not likely to fall for a few months at least.
Cooking from scratch is becoming a necessity - not a choice. When it comes to quality, many households are buying at least one level below their usual. We are discovering that a surprising number of budget recipes are boring and not very tasty. We also worry that a growing dependence on 'value' ingredients could affect the health of our loved ones.
Don't panic.
A new digital cookbook ‘Fabulously Frugal from 67goingon50’ (print version coming) by local writer Bonita Lee (lso a longtime Conservative voluinteer) offers solutions.
Fabulously Frugal is a mouthwatering collection of frugal/wallet-friendly recipes that also happen to be healthy. Many of the book's recipes have been tested by staff in the Hampstead and Kilburn Conservative Office.
Early comments on the book ‘Fabulously Frugal from 67goingon50’ include:
- 'Delicious must-have in every kitchen; so many recipes I plan to try': wine journalist/foodie
- 'Healthy budget food you want to eat': political organiser/mum
- 'Makes me want dinner. Or lunch. Or a snack': tech giant staffer
The author is no stranger to food/well being. Her blog: 67goingon50: recipes and tips for graceful ageing, whatever your years or income has been running since 2015. It has a global audience covering the full range of age and income. It has never had a paywall.
The cookbook is based on the author's time setting up and running a Lottery funded Lunch Club in one of of the most unhealthy areas of London. Bonita took on the roles of chef, meal planner, shopper, server and teacher, all on a voluntary basis.
The author also drew on 10 years experience as a chef in London's financial district and high-end hotels.
The Club and blog wwere initially aimed at older people on limited incomes with obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease & high blood pressure. But young health-conscious professionals also wanted to be catered for.
Cooks, whether newbies or kitchen buffs, find the recipes easy, often quick and don’t require expensive equipment.
And the recipes help households become and stay HEALTHY. Imaginative use of common-all-garden ingredients cut fat, salt and sugar, and increase fibre without affecting taste or texture.
Whether your palate is simple or sophisticated, there is much to enjoy. International food, skinny versions of junk food and sweet treata, new food trends — they’re all in Fabulously Frugal from 67goingon50.
Find out more at 7 pm Wednesday 19 April at Hampstead & Kilburn Tory Association, South End Green, opposite the train station. Bus: 24, 268 and C11. Tube: Belsize Park, Northern Line. Overground: Hampstead Heath
£5 ticket includes a contribution to military charity SSAFA and:
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- Samples of FabFrugal dishes costing £2.50 or less
- A look at the book and an opportunity to buy it on the spot
- An explanation of the Book’s philosophy
- Questions & answers
- Chats with the human guinea pigs who help the blog’s recipes so successful