We are trying to cut our grocery bill as its become extortionate and although we eat in a lot, we buy mostly Taste the Difference stuff as its easier to cook and tastes good, hence its still fairly expensive. Like a lot of people who worked /work long hours, we were (relatively) cash rich and time poor hence wanted good food on our plates as easily and as fast as possible and tried to forget that we were probably paying over the odds.

Times have changed and habits need to. I have recently discovered the art of the casserole and am looking to be able to cook better using cheaper cuts of meat and fish without losing too much flavour. Unfortunately I never really learnt to cook from scratch so its a bit hit and miss. It doesn't help in my view that decent tasty ingredients still cost a fortune compared to France where it tends to be standard fare.

I was wondering whether anyone had any interesting recipes to share on this thread?

Although we only have a small garden we are also considering growing our own food this spring and summer in patio containers adn raised beds ie new potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, salads, any other vegetables- is anyone else thinking of doing this and had success? It would be good to hear from someone who has started from scratch with , like us, no previous experience or particular skills in this area.