Tag: Budget Cooking

  • Today’s Too Good To Go box was another massive win 17 premium sauces for just £20.97!

    Today’s Too Good To Go box was another massive win 17 premium sauces for just £20.97!


    Inside were jars and bottles from brands like Stokes, Heinz, Raju, Bibigo, and Blue Dragon. Plus a surprise jar of Bisto turkey gravy that made the box feel extra special all in date.


    The mix included everything from everyday staples to bold world flavours:

    Stokes Coronation Sauce sweet, spicy, and perfect for wraps or cold chicken.

    Stokes Habanero Chilli Mayo smooth heat with a hint of smoke.

    Stokes Beer Chutney rich and earthy, ideal with cheese or pork.

    Tingly Ted’s Extra Tingly Sauce fiery and fun.

    Tangy BBQ Tamarind, Sweet Chilli Mango, and Hot Jang Chilli global favourites for stir-fries or marinades.

    Heinz Garlic & Caramelised Onion Mayo, Smoky Baconnaise, and Tomato Ketchup these are popular comfort classics.

    Old El Paso Soured Cream used for cooling down those spicy dishes!

    It’s a brilliant example of what Too Good To Go can offer. Premium groceries saved from waste, giving home cooks like me the chance to stock the pantry sustainably and affordably.

    Solaris Kitchen Tip: Enjoying sauces with diabetes

    Solaris Kitchen Tip: Enjoying sauces with diabetes

    As someone with type 2 diabetes, I use these in moderation. A spoon or two for flavour goes a long way. Pair sweeter sauces with lean proteins or fibre-rich vegetables to help balance blood sugar levels. Cooking from home with variety like this makes healthy eating much easier and tastier too.

    Final Thoughts:


    For £20.97, this box easily contained over £54 worth of sauces. an incredible saving and another reason to love Too Good To Go. Every jar adds a little inspiration to the kitchen, turning budget meals into flavour-packed dishes.

    Would I buy it again?


    Absolutely.


    Next up: the Drinks Box 36 cans of Diet Cola arriving soon!

    Further Reading

    https://www.toogoodtogo.com

    Too Good To Go Seasoning Box Massive Win for Budget Cooking! (£20.97)

    Sustainable Meals Inspired by Ancient Diets

  • Too Good To Go Seasoning Box Massive Win for Budget Cooking! (£20.97)

    Too Good To Go Seasoning Box Massive Win for Budget Cooking! (£20.97)

    Four meal seasoning packs displayed on a black surface, including 'Taste of Spain One Pan Chicken & Rice,' 'Southern Fried Wedges,' 'Taste of Italy Chicken Risotto,' and 'Grande Nachos Smoky Chipotle' from Schwartz.
    A variety of meal seasoning packs from the Too Good To Go Seasoning Box,. Featuring Southern Fried Wedges, Grande Nachos Smoky Chipotle. Taste of Italy Chicken Risotto, and Taste of Spain One Pan Chicken & Rice.

    This week, I received my Too Good To Go Seasoning Box. In all honestly, it’s one of the best I’ve had so far.
    Inside were 40 meal seasoning packs (8 of each type):

    Southern Fried Wedges

    Grande Nachos Smoky Chipotle

    Taste of Italy Chicken Risotto

    Taste of Spain One Pan Chicken & Rice

    All sealed, all long-dated, and perfect for quick budget meals. I paid £20.97 for the box, which works out at just 52p per pack incredible value when these usually cost £1.50–£2.00 each in supermarkets.

    This haul will easily cover months of dinners. From crispy wedges, creamy risottos, smoky nachos, and hearty one-pan rice meals all with just a few fresh ingredients added.

    Close-up of the 'Too Good To Go' logo on a box made of brown cardboard, featuring two overlapping oval shapes and the text 'TOO GOOD TO GO' in a circular pattern.
    Too Good To Go packaging featuring the brand logo, highlighting an affordable and diverse meal solution.

    📦 Verdict: A perfect box for anyone looking to stock their pantry affordably while still cooking flavourful, varied meals.

    Further Reading

    https://www.toogoodtogo.com/

    Explore Healthy Recipes at Solaris Kitchen

  • Easy Warm Fruit & Custard Recipe Under £1

    Easy Warm Fruit & Custard Recipe Under £1

    Cost per serving: £0.87
    Cooking time: 10–15 minutes
    Appliances: Air fryer or oven
    Dietary: Diabetic-friendly, low waste, simple ingredients

    A Comfort Breakfast with Ancient Roots

    Breakfast doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.


    This warm fruit and custard bowl costs less than £1 per serving. It takes just minutes to make, and blends ancient orchard ingredients with a little modern creativity.

    It’s sweet, creamy, and comforting, yet naturally light . A perfect start for cold mornings or when you want warmth without heavy sugar.

    Ingredients (Serves 1)

    6 blueberries

    8 raspberries

    1 small apple, chopped (skin on for fibre)

    100ml light or low-sugar custard

    Method

    Prepare the fruit:
    Add the chopped apple, blueberries, and raspberries to a small silver foil tray.
    You can lightly spray with low-fat cooking oil if you want extra shine, but it’s not essential.

    Cook the fruit.
    Place the tray in the air fryer at 180°C (or oven at 190°C) for 5 minutes. until the berries start to soften and release their juice.

    Add the custard:
    Pour the custard over the warm fruit. Return the tray to the air fryer for another 8 minutes. until the custard thickens and bubbles lightly at the edges.

    Stir and serve.
    Once cooked, gently mix the fruit and custard together. The berries will swirl through the cream, creating a rich marbled colour. Serve warm straight from the tray or pour into a small bowl.

    Taste & Texture

    The heat caramelises the fruit slightly, giving it a deep jammy sweetness that balances the creamy custard.


    The apple stays firm, adding texture, while the berries burst with colour. Purple, red, and gold — like something from an autumn feast.

    History Note.. Apples Through the Ages

    Apples have grown in Britain since the Neolithic era, though early types were wild crab apples tart and small.


    The Romans later introduced sweeter varieties, and by the Anglo-Saxon period, orchard apples were common across Mercia and Wessex.


    Stewed apples and berries were eaten with grains, honey, or curds. Simple meals that warmed the body before work in the fields.


    This modern take, baked with custard, keeps that same comfort alive 1,500 years later.

    💷 Under £1 Breakdown (approx.):

    1 apple – 25p

    6 blueberries – 15p

    8 raspberries – 20p

    100ml light custard – 27p

    Total: £0.87 per portion

    💡 Storage Tip:

    Cool leftovers and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Eat cold or reheat gently.

    Health Benefits of Warm Fruit & Custard

    This simple £1 breakfast looks indulgent., But it’s full of natural goodness and balance ideal for steady energy and gentle digestion.

    Apple – Fibre & Heart Health High in soluble fibre (pectin) which helps stabilise blood sugar and support digestion. Has antioxidants that reduce cholesterol and inflammation.

    The natural sweetness means you don’t need extra sugar.

    Blueberries – Brain & Blood Sugar SupportRich in anthocyanins, the deep-blue plant compounds that improve blood flow and memory.

    Shown in studies to help balance blood glucose levels especially helpful for type 2 diabetes.

    Low-calorie but nutrient-dense: vitamin C, K, and manganese.

    Raspberries – Fibre & Gut

    Health One of the highest-fibre fruits keeps you full and aids digestion. Has natural anti-inflammatory compounds and vitamin C.

    Their low glycaemic index makes them a smart fruit choice for diabetics.

    Light Custard – Protein & Comfort.

    Provides a small amount of protein and calcium for bone strength.When made with low-fat milk and reduced sugar, it adds creaminess without spiking blood sugar.The warmth helps soothe digestion, especially in colder weather.In balance:

    Natural fruit sugars are moderated by the fibre and protein from the custard.

    Quick, filling, and kind to the stomach ideal for slow mornings or a light recovery meal.

    Every ingredient is budget-friendly and rooted in traditional British produce.

    Further Recipes :

    Explore Healthy Recipes at Solaris Kitchen

  • Budget-Friendly Samhain Meal Under £2

    Budget-Friendly Samhain Meal Under £2

    Hearty Samhain Hearth Bowl featuring sausages, minced beef, beans, and mixed vegetables, embodying comfort and simplicity.

    By E. L. Hewitt – Solaris Kitchen

    As the nights draw in and the air turns crisp, there’s something comforting about a meal that feels both ancient and homely. This Samhain Hearth Bowl brings together the warmth of sausages, the heartiness of mince, and the earthiness of beans and garden veg — all cooked in simple foil trays.

    It’s an easy, budget-friendly feast inspired by old harvest suppers, where everything came together around the fire.

    Ingredients

    (Serves 2 — ready in 30 minutes)

    2 sausages (any kind you prefer)

    100 g minced beef

    150 g frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn)

    ½ tin baked beans (about 200 g)

    Optional: sprinkle of cheese or herbs to serve

    Cost Breakdown


    Ingredient Amount Cost
    Sausages 100 g £0.50
    Mince beef 100 g £0.80
    Mixed veg 150 g £0.30
    Baked beans ½ tin £0.25
    Seasoning / oil £0.05

    Total cost: £1.90
    Cost per serving: ~£0.95

    Simple, filling, and under £1 per plate true Solaris Kitchen cooking.

    Method

    Preheat the air fryer to 200 °C.

    Place sausages in one foil tray and mixed veg in another. Cook for 10 minutes.

    Drain the veg if needed, then add baked beans to the same tray.

    Add mince to the sausages’ tray and cook both for another 10 minutes.

    Once everything is cooked through, mix the mince, sausage, beans, and veg together.

    Split into two trays and return to the air fryer for a final 5 minutes to blend flavours and soften any remaining crunch.

    Serve warm, and if you like, top with cheese or herbs. It’s perfect for an evening by candlelight or just when you need something hearty that reminds you of home.

    Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)Nutrient Amount


    Calories 380 kcal
    Protein 26 g
    Carbs 30 g
    Fibre 7 g
    Fat 18 g
    Saturated fat 7 g
    Salt 1.4 g

    Balanced, protein-rich, and slow-burning energy ideal for diabetic-friendly, everyday eating.

    Serving Suggestion

    Best enjoyed with crusty bread or a small baked potato. If celebrating Samhain, add a little apple cider or herbal tea on the side a quiet nod to the season of change.

    Dietary Notes

    This recipe is diabetic-friendly and gluten-free when made with no-added-sugar baked beans and gluten-free sausages.

    Notes from Solaris Kitchen

    This dish is part of my “Ancient Hearth Meals” recipes that honour simplicity, sustainability, and warmth.
    If you enjoy this, you might also like:

    Capricorn Artwork: Capricorn Artwork: Strength and Endurance in Acrylic

    Samhain: Samhain: The Veil Between Storms

    Visit :Solaris Kitchen
    for more seasonal, budget-friendly meals that draw on Britain’s ancient roots.

  • Delicious Gluten Free Diabetic Friendly Low Carb Budget Crumble

    Delicious Gluten Free Diabetic Friendly Low Carb Budget Crumble

    Fruit Crumble

    Written by
    emma.stormbornelore

    Ingredients
    Wild berries: 2 cups (blackberries, raspberries, sloes)

    Tart crab apples or sour apples: 2 small, peeled and chopped

    Hazelnut flour: ½ cup (or crushed toasted hazelnuts)

    Lupin flour: ¼ cup (adds protein, lowers carbs)

    Arrowroot flour: 2 tbsp (for crumble texture)

    Erythritol, monk fruit, or xylitol: 3 tbsp (sweetener)

    Nut oil or coconut oil: 2 tbsp (for crumble topping)

    Cinnamon (optional): a pinch

    Water: a splash to stew the fruit

    Method
    Stew the Fruit:

    In a small pot over the fire or stovetop, combine berries, chopped apples, a splash of water, and 1 tbsp of sweetener.

    Cook gently until the fruit softens and releases its juices (~10 minutes).

    Prepare the Crumble:

    In a bowl, mix hazelnut flour, lupin flour, arrowroot flour, remaining sweetener, and oil.

    Rub together until it forms a crumbly texture. Add cinnamon if desired.

    Assemble and Cook:

    In a heat-safe dish or wrapped leaf pouch, layer the stewed fruit.

    Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly on top.

    Place on warm stones or in a low oven (~175°C / 350°F) for 20–30 minutes until golden.

    Serve
    Enjoy warm. Optional: a small drizzle of almond milk or coconut cream for richness.

    Historical / Fantasy Note:
    Served in Emberhelm to celebrate the return of the sun, or after battles, this crumble honors the land’s bounty. Tart fruits and nut flours reflect what ancient Britons might have used in a sweet dish without modern sugars.

    Dietary Notes:
    Diabetic-friendly: Uses low-glycemic sweeteners; high protein & fat balance fruit sugars.

    Gluten-free: No oats or wheat, all flours naturally gluten-free.

    Vegan-friendly: No an8imal products used.

    If you recreate this recipe, tag #StormborneLore so I can see your version.