Meal Mates – Cook, Share, Care is a new initiative from the Jersey charity Caring Cooks. I am very proud to be supporting this amazing idea alongside the Channel Islands Co-op. So, I am costing out a series of healthy, nutritious, easy-to-cook recipes that are just great to share. Caring Cooks started in the home of a Jersey island mum. She began cooking an extra meal for local families in need, while preparing dinner for her children. Today, their ‘Weekly Meal Service’ now allows families to sit down together at least once a week to share a nutritious and homemade two course meal. And all supplied without the worry of having to cook or spend money on ingredients.
Food Poverty
Food poverty in Jersey, like the rest of the British Isles, is a complex problem, is caused by several factors. One of the primary causes of food poverty in Jersey is high living costs. The cost of living is among the highest in Europe. This means that many families and individuals struggle to make ends meet. This can make it difficult for them to afford nutritious food, especially fresh fruits, and vegetables. One way of combatting these problems is for individuals and local communities to pull together where possible. The Meal Mates initiative aims to do just that by cooking and sharing.
An Island Chef Meal Mates Recipes
Each of the following recipes has been created with the aim to share. The recipe details will set out the number of portions. I have also costed out the recipes per portion based on my local supermarket prices. You may be able to find offers that are better value or buy cheaper in bulk. My aim is to cost out each dishes thoroughly but you will soon find that you will be building up a useful selection of spices, herbs and other flavourings to make lots more great food.
Click on the following pictures for direct links to the Meal Mates Recipes
Baked Potatoes with Ratatouille
Baked Potatoes with Ratatouille. Today’s Meal Mates recipe is a great dish to make for loads of people. Very little extra effort is required to cook the dish for two or ten. After a busy day at work or running around at the weekend this is a really simple and hearty dish, perfect for families and vegan friendly.
Smoky Sausage, Butter Bean, and Red Pepper Casserole
The weather in Jersey this Easter has certainly been a mixed bag. One day bright sunshine. Storms the next. Right now the wind and rain are battering the window panes. So, I have decided on something hearty and filling for supper. A store cupboard staples recipe with some bits and pieces I always have in the fridge to add plenty of flavour.
Chicken Mandi Biriyani
Middle Eastern spiced chicken and rice. Traditionally baked in an oven like the Indian tandoor the meat is cooked over the rice so it absorbs the cooking juices. Like an Indian Biryani a Mandi consists of fragrant spice infused rice
Pea, Mint, and Spring Onion Soup
I love making soups all through the year. Some of the best soups are really easy like this post. I think the secret to a good soup is to let the flavours of the main ingredients shine through. However, you need a few key base ingredients to add layers to the flavours.
Great tasting Tuna Pasta
What I can cook from the cupboard that’s tasty and filling and really easy for a mid-week meal. What’s more what is great as a Meal Mates recipe to share.
Swedish style Meatballs
I think the last time I watched the Eurovision was as a student and coincidentally that was also when I visited Scandinavia. I can remember the beautiful scenery. The scarily expensive beer. Mountains of delicious seafood. Smorgasbords. Brunost, a creamy caramel flavoured whey cheese. And of course, the meatballs.
