THE CREDIT CRUNCH COOKBOOK
Delicious recipes & clever ideas for cooking on a budget
Executive Editor Katy Denny – Hamlyn – NZ$25

Hamlyn is part of the Octopus Group which in turn is part of the Hachette Livre UK Publishing Group and to them I am extending an award for their initiative in publishing this most timely and useful publication. Published in the UK last month and due for release in NZ and Australia in March the book is great value in terms of both content and price.

The book is in four broad sections:
– waste not, want not
-budget basics
-impress for less
-dine in

Waste not, want not – this section deals with such subjects as eggs, dairy products, bread, potatoes, pasta and rice, beans and pulses, fish and seafood, poultry, meat, vegetables and fruit and under each of these headings practical advice is given on how to stretch the food budget and how to make good use of leftovers.

Budget basics deals with light meals, main meals and sweet things and is loaded with great recipes for the family all aimed at nutrition, taste and budget.

Impress for less – under the headings – starters, sides, mains & desserts – this section shows how with a bit of creative thinking, intelligent planning and crafty shopping you can be impressive without spending a fortune.

Dine in – So it is Saturday night and you feel like going out to dinner or at least having takeaways but the budget will not allow it. OK, decide than which kind of food you’d like – Italian, Mexican, Thai, Indian or Chinese – open this section and prepare a fantastic meal right in your own kitchen.

I’m really impressed with this chubby publication and believe it should be widely owned especially by those finding the going a bit tough right now but actually the recipes and sensible advice wil be of use to everyone regardless of financial circumstances.
I made the special egg-fried rice from the Chinese section and it went down a treat. When the weather cools a little I’m going to make the pork sausage and bean casserole.