BY CATHERINE ARMITSTEAD

 

A spirited and feisty young mother encourages us to cook her inexpensive but tasty recipes.

Jack Monroe started a blog in 2012, which has resulted in this book. In a courageous piece, which she spoke about in Parliament, she describes how she once earned £27K but then became unemployed and needed to sell her possessions to pay her rent. Now, as a single parent, she aims to cook nutritious and interesting meals for herself and her son.

From the start she provides advice on cheap foods to have on standby and enthuses about growing your own herbs. Many of her recipes use fresh herbs for taste, so you would need to grow your own, to avoid the cost of buying them in packets from the supermarket.

The recipes offer plenty of meat and vegetarian options, with other sections focussing on fish, rice and pasta dishes, soups, bread and sweet treats. Tips after the recipes give additional suggestions, while attractive photos show you what to aim for.

I tried the fish pie first. It took a while to prepare and the fresh fish was pricey. However, it made a large amount, some of which could be frozen for another day. It was certainly less creamy, more fishy, than a shop-bought pie, so felt lighter and less-processed.

The mushroom and spinach pasta, as well as the courgette, tomato and brie gratin, tasted nutritious, warm and comforting, although I did add plenty of cheese. There are no suggestions, apart from lentils, beans and pulses, for using protein substitutes such as soya. However, these fairly simple dishes make a welcome change from the usual pasta with tomato sauce from a jar.

The white chocolate and peach tray bake was a great success. I halved the amount of sugar but it was still delicious and sweet, with squidgy tinned peaches adding flavour and texture, then surprise chunks of milky white chocolate.

Monroe’s ideas motivate us to reduce waste and use up any wilting vegetables left unwanted in the fridge. Her final piece is moving, as she relates how her circumstances have improved but she refuses to forget that others struggle and need support.

This is an inspiring book of ideas for healthy and appetizing recipes, by a spirited young advocate for social change.

 

This book was published by Michael Joseph and is available to buy for £12.99. It can also be borrowed from The Hive as well as other Worcestershire libraries. Click here to check availability and check it out.