I’ve been really impressed with the latest series of Food and Drink. It’s the only cookery show extolling the virtues of budget cuisine. And they mean what they say. Not declaring a meal as purse-friendly, and then pulling out crabmeat or sirloin or the like. Too many TV chefs do this, in my opinion. But Food and Drink has been refreshingly different so far this series. For example, guest chef Tom Kerridge served a lamb dish that was accompanied by broccoli stalks. Frugal cookery at its finest.
Later on in Episode 2, Arabella Weir raised an interesting debate about poverty and healthy eating. She made some very matter-of-fact points that I personally agree with. On the other hand, Kerridge came across as out of touch. He said, regardless of budget, we all care about where our food comes from. I’m not making a personal comment when I say that this sounds like the chef has never felt true hunger. If you’re only having one meal of the day, I doubt you give two hoots about where in the world your supper came from. Naturally, we’d all like to make the right choices, but if it’s a decision between dinner on the table or not, there is ultimately one answer. As Arabella argued, what keeps you full for longest at the cheapest price? The sad truth is junk food. But education and knowledge is pivotal, and I think Food and Drink is doing a grand job at providing such information.
One of the best ways, I think, to eat well on a budget is to bulk buy. Thanks to my recent boost of funds, I have ventured down a new path. For the very first time, I’ve completed an online shop. And I must say, it was awfully exciting. ASDA provided some competitive prices where their gluten-free produce was concerned. It was also nice to get some variety after being mostly dependant on Sainsbury’s for these past three years. £30 worth of groceries will be whizzing its way to me on Monday. I shall inform you what I bought and my first experience of online shopping then. It will be wonderful to have the cupboards full once more.
The Domestic Storyteller 
I have been reluctantly impressed with Asda’s special diet offer after years of regarding them as just a place for cheapish food with dubious employment practices in their Walmart guise. I still loathe the vibe of Asda stores, but maybe online is the way to go. Less temptation to pop jars of jam and crisps in the basket too!
By the way, how are yo finding Aldi for nuts these days? Neither of the Leicester ones had anything but walnuts last couple of visits, and apparently we’re due a big almond price hike. I’d stock up if you can still find any.
I’ve been enjoying the bits of Food and Drink that I’ve seen too, Arabella was totally right with what she was saying this week.
It will be like Christmas when your groceries are delivered. I do like Asda for the bargains they have but I really don’t like the ‘feel ‘ of the place, it’s strange 😦