My new annual shows you how to cook and eat affordbly, resourcefully and deliciously
I’ve always believed that cooking good, flavoursome food doesn’t require fancy techniques or spending up a storm buying expensive ingredients. With a bit of planning and know-how you can be a whizz in the kitchen, cooking fab food to delight and nourish, whatever your budget.
So my new annual Annabel Langbein A Free Range Life: Cheap Thrills is all about transforming simple, affordable, everyday ingredients into delicious, nutritious meals.
There’s food to cover all your day-to-day needs, from breakfasts with international flair and mains based around inexpensive mince and seasonal veges, to ideas for turning the humble apple into delicious desserts and baking, plus my signature Fridge Fixings – versatile sauces and flavourings that pull all these meals together.
I've also come up with recipes for different occasions, whether it's making the most of a night in with a dim sum feast, enjoying a weekend away with family and friends, eating al fresco while tramping in the great outdoors or indulging in sweet treats made with a little dab of moreish maple syrup.
Eating with the seasons is one of my cornerstones for being frugal in the kitchen, as produce is cheapest when it’s most plentiful. It also tastes the best and is at its nutritional peak, so eating with the seasons is a win-win all round! In my new annual I've included a handy chart detailing which fruits, veges and herbs are at their most plentiful during spring, summer, autumn and winter. I’ve also made more detailed lists, broken down by month on my website here.
Over the years, I’ve learnt a lot about running a home resourcefully so I’ve also included some of my best tips for saving money, making the most of your pantry with smart food swaps, entertaining on a budget and minimising wastage in the kitchen.
And of course I’ve included six weeks worth of menus using recipes from the annual. Planning meals in advance is one of the best ways to save money on your food budget so these menu plans and their accompanying shopping lists (you can download them here) are a really valuable resource for saving money on your food bills.
I hope you’ll enjoy everything the book has to offer, and that it helps you cook meals to savour while being a savvy saver!
Annabel Langbein A Free Range Life: Cheap Thrills is only $24.95 from Paper Plus, The Warehouse and all good supermarkets and bookshops across New Zealand. Overseas orders are welcome via my online shop or in Australia you can order from Mighty Ape.
