Make It Last: Smart Cooking, Mother's Day Hampers & Money-Saving Tips

It’s the third month of the year already - wow isn’t it going fast? Did anyone try the ham from last month? Did you like it? if you didn’t try it or haven’t seen it, take a look back at last month’s article for the details. It’s so tasty, helps you get a little more organised for the week, and ultimately saves you money.

Continuing on my saving money and reducing the amount of ultra-processed food I eat, I’ve been making stews, soups and breads. Did you know that buying a whole chicken doesn’t just have to feed you for one meal? With a bit of planning, it can last across several meals.

When buying an uncooked chicken, choose one slightly larger than you’d normally buy for a single meal. Cook as you would normally (and don’t forget, you can even cook a chicken in an air fryer!)

• Meal 1: Roast chicken and veg. Tip -buy seasonal veg, most supermarkets have offers on these.
• Meal 2: Chicken sandwiches or wraps. Tip -make your own fresh wraps using yoghurt and flour.
• Meal 3: Chicken soup. Tip -Use the left over veg from meal 1 and any veg you have to bulk it up.

Top Tip: People pay a fortune for bone broth. Squash your chicken carcass, cover with well-seasoned water & simmer gently for 4-6 hours (or in a slow cooker overnight). Strain and leave to cool, this should turn jelly like. Pop it in the freezer; It’s great for stews & soups etc

It’s Mother’s Day on the 15th of this month. If you’re lucky enough to still have your mum to look after, have you thought about what to get her? You don’t need to spend a fortune — small things can make a big impact, and often it’s the time we spend with our loved ones that leaves lasting memories, rather than the things we buy.

Maybe make that chicken dinner for her as a treat, or put together a little food or pamper hamper. You can pick up some great items from your local supermarket for just a few pounds.For a food hamper, think nice tea, chocolates, small jars of jam with a packet of scones, crackers with cheese, or even some old-fashioned sweets from the lady on Stockport Market to bring back memories.

If you’re leaning towards a pamper hamper, look at face masks, nice hand wash or hand creams, a microwave heat pad (check my previous post on how to make these yourself), nail varnish, a candle, or a lovely picture frame with an up-to-date family photo (you can print these at your local library). Find a nice box, add some tissue paper, arrange the items, and tie it all together with a ribbon — or even a pretty scarf she can reuse.

Have a great March, don’t forget we start next month with a nice early Easter bank holiday weekend