Andrews - Healthy Thermo Cooking for Busy Families

INTRODUCTION Day-to-day life is hectic, and just when you think things cant possibly get busier, they do. Like most parents, I want my family to eat well and feel good, and making sure we all get the best possible nutrition plays on my mind. But the daily juggle can make chasing a perfectly healthy diet tricky it often feels unachievable or more inaccessible than it should, be it due to cost of ingredients, lack of time or because youre navigating the ever-changing preferences of fussy eaters. Cooking smarter and faster is the only way I am able to strike some sort of balance between time pressures and health. When I finally came around to the idea of buying a thermo device, I fell hard. These all-in-one appliances can be a gift in the kitchen and a valuable tool for a busy family.

The extent to which a thermo device can become a part of everyday family life is quite extraordinary the magnitude of what you can achieve with this compact piece of equipment is nothing short of genius. I cook for a living, but even so I often find myself wondering how I managed before I owned a thermo. This may sound a little over-the-top but my thermo device really has changed the way mealtimes operate in my household. It alleviates so much of the workload of cooking a meal; it weighs ingredients, chops, grates and blends them, then cooks and steams them to perfection. But, for me, the real freedom comes from being able to leave it to get on with stirring and cooking while I do other things. And at the end of the meal, we arent left with a stack of dirty dishes and pans to deal with.

No drama! Not only has it changed the way we do things, we also feel much lighter and better on the inside now that theres less frying (oils dont get anywhere near the smoking point they do when frying), and steaming is now the norm. Theres no denying that some brands of thermo devices can be expensive, but I treat mine as an investment in our household. In the long run, our lifestyle, well-being and bank balance are better off. I make a heap of pantry staples as I need them, and you might find this is something that works for your family too. Whether that means milling your own flours, making your own milk, bread, butter, spreads or condiments your thermo can do it all. When I make these simple essentials, not only are they more nutritious than their supermarket equivalents because theyre made from whole, fresh ingredients, they also get a far better response from my family.

By making these staples in smaller amounts as needed, youll hopefully find you throw out far less food. Less waste is always a good thing. As great as all of these benefits are, perhaps the greatest benefit is the way we are able to plan ahead. Batch cooking is where my thermo really comes into its own, whether it be cooking something a day ahead or 3 months in advance. Next to a thermo device, Id say a freezer is one of the greatest allies a busy family can have (OK, and a dishwasher). Let those two things join forces and youll achieve next-level organisation.

Ive noted whenever a meal freezes well, which happens to be for the majority of the recipes in the book. One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is that if you can fit a double batch in your device, do it! Driving home on a busy day knowing you have a freezer full of healthy meals that only need reheating feels amazing. The recipes have been carefully thought out and created for cooks of any level, from beginners to avid thermo users alike. Youll find many classics and family favourites, plenty of traditional kids recipes (adapted and suitable for big kids too!) and a few exciting new combinations to try all with a healthy twist. Ive snuck in as much goodness and as many vegetables as I possibly can, hopefully in a way that no one feels like theyre missing out. There are simple sauces youll use again and again, as well as complete meals where the protein element, grains AND veggies are all cooked in the thermo at the same time.

This may seem ambitious, but I promise that once you start using your device this way, and cooking all the elements together, it will become a no-brainer. The Everyday Basics chapter includes some of my favourite go-to ingredients, like a great all-round pasta sauce, homemade butter, yoghurt and labne, and nut butters so delicious they should come with a warning label. You can make the base recipe for many of them, then turn them into other delightful staples to store in the fridge, freezer or cupboard. Its well worth making them up in advance for use later on. Ive used most of these basics in recipes throughout the book, but you can swap in store-bought equivalents if you havent had time to whip them up. Recipes that are quick, easy, healthy, nutritious, delicious and family-friendly are what we want, so the Super Soups and Weeknight Wonders chapters have been designed to tick every box.

Using a thermo device means youll barely need to lift a finger, except to direct the kids to the table. The majority of the recipes in the Slower Dinners chapter can be made ahead and frozen. These ones are great for weekend cook-ups that include the whole family or for preparing if youve got some really busy weeks coming up. You might be surprised to discover that your device can also churn out many more desserts beyond ice creams and sorbets. The Sweet Somethings chapter has a good range of yummy desserts, all of which use natural sugars (or offer alternatives) in much lower quantities than traditional recipes might use. There are even a few guilt-free dessert options too.

All in all, different things work for different families. Whatever your situation, I hope you enjoy cooking these recipes for your family. You now have the device, the information and the ability to create an endless amount of one-bowl wonders. Heres to happy and healthy thermo cooking, everyone!