This Month

The three basic principles of Fiona Beckett's The Frugal Cook are Buy Cleverly, Waste Less and Eat Well. Not as easy as you think, particularly in these credit-crunch times when the mass appeal of BOGOFs and the like are hard to resist.

Let’s face it, we’ve got to get creative with whatever we can afford these days and this is the book to inspire you. Fiona insists on making the most of everything, from storage space to oven power. She doesn’t just launch straight into 50 ways with a brown banana – she gives you 20 ways to cut your food bill by 20%; how to use leftovers and stretch food (including a section on portion sizes – something I reckon we all could do with a little help with) and – most importantly – how to shop for and source your food as economically as possible.

She confirms what Food Lovers already know – she’s more in favour of shopping at independent, local shops rather than supermarkets. There’s no doubt that own-brand products can dramatically reduce the bill, but it all comes back to her theme of buying cleverly – using what’s at your disposal and buying only what you need when you’re going to use it, so that you’re naturally wasting less.  There’s even a comprehensive A-Z of ingredients and how to utilise their leftovers.

The recipes themselves cover breakfast to entertaining on a budget, each with suggestions for leftovers and Thrifty Tips. I particularly like the Slow Roast Lamb, Empress of Puddings and the Wholemeal Porridge Bread, made with oats and delicious with cheese. Nothing about her recipes feels mean – or indeed frugal – in any way; on the contrary they’re generous, satisfying and healthy without being worthy. 

Not one to talk the talk without walking the walk, Fiona regularly updates her blog with new recipes, tips on how and where to make savings and good deals she’s spotted.  I can think of no better New Year Resolution for my wallet than to follow her lead.