Forget Delia, let's have some food cheats you can actually eat!

[MummyDoIt]

That series was such a wasted opportunity. Some genuine, time-saving tips would be ideal. Anyone got any that don't involve tinned mince and frozen mash?

I nearly always use garlic puree instead of fresh garlic - much quicker than peeling and crushing. Same for ginger. You can buy tubes of ginger paste which are a quick substitute for fresh ginger root.

I keep thoose jars of already chopped ginger,garlic and chilli. They keep for ages in the fridge.

If i am making Yorkshire puddings then i always make at least a dozen and freeze whats left, ok they don't look as pretty as Aunt bessies but they taste fine when reheated .

Keep lots of cured meats/pates , pickles and cheese and rather than cooking lay out a spread of them with salad, nice bread and crackers.
That's nice bread, not crap bread

Another great way of storing fresh ginger for ages is to put it in a jam jar and cover completely with cheap sherry. Store in the fridge. Then just grate off what you need.

Or freeze it and do the same.

If you buy fresh herbs and have some left over chop them up and freeze them in ice cube trays. Just chuck them in a sauce when needed.

I've also found frozen garlic, from Morrison's I think.