Batch from Scratch, episode one - the Long family
Full time working mum, Fiona, is struggling to maintain order at mealtimes. Her four children, Isabel, Lucy, Fin and Archie have all flown the nest to nearby universities but are still at home more than they are away. Mum’s busy job and her children’s unpredictable schedules make meal planning a real challenge. Add to this her rugby-loving son’s expensive, protein-packed red meat diet and you have a dinnertime that’s stretching mum and the budget to the limit.
It’s out with the old and in with some new batching hacks and recipes to help them get organised and ready to dish up fuss-free meals that’ll boost their nutrition and reduce their food spend too!
Watch the episode on Monday 23 February at 8pm on Channel 4 or stream on Channel 4 after the episode has aired.
Introducing the Long family... In this episode, Joe and Suzanne help time-stretched single mum, Fiona, put budget-friendly nutritious meals on the table and provide her rugby-loving sons with healthier, protein-packed alternatives to red meat. But will the batching way be a hit or a miss for the Longs?
View the batch cooking recipes from episode one
Check out some of the recipes from this week's episode of Batch from Scratch below. You can see the full range of Batch from Scratch recipes here.
Download the Long family meal planner from episode one
If the Longs continue this journey for a year, they could expect to save £4,470 and 274 hours in the kitchen.
Tips that helped the Long family to batch cook
- 1
Stock up with frozen vegetables and fish
This gives you meals, without worrying about best before dates. Use what you want when you need it, reducing food waste.
- 2
Swap beef mince for chicken mince
Chicken mince is a great alternative to red mince. It’s healthier, cheaper and packed with protein – win-win!
- 3
Use tinned new potatoes to save time
These time-saving beauties are already peeled and easy to cook, perfect for adding some bulk to a quick meal.
