Live Webchat with Jack Monroe: Wednesday 5 March, 12.30 - 1.30PM

[KateHMumsnet]

We're very pleased to announce that pioneering food blogger Jack Monroe will be coming into MNHQ for a webchat on Wednesday 5 March from 12.30-1.30PM.

Facing head-on the realities of modern Britain as a single mum and responding with a 'make do and mend' way of thinking, Jack has earned a reputation as a fierce anti-austerity activist. She is best known for her blog A Girl Called Jack and is a freelance writer for The Guardian, The Independent and The Daily Mirror encouraging people to explore, enjoy and experiment with food, all on a (tiny) budget. Her first book, A Girl Called Jack, has just been published by Michael Joseph.

You can post a question for Jack in advance below, or join us in welcoming her on Wednesday between 12.30 and 1.30PM.

[lavesh]

Hi Jack, just a thank you for being brave enough to tough out the inevitable right wing backlash from the privileged media/political elites who would love for people like you and Owen Jones to stop being so inconvenient! I know I wouldn't be brave enough to do so.

My question is did you join WHOGA when you left WHSG? I would've rather stabbed my own eyes out

[FunLovinBunster]

Congratulations on your fab book.
What are your hopes for your son and yourself for the future?
All the best.

[Faverolles]

Hello, no question from me either, just thanks for your blog and recipes.
My dh had a stroke last year and was unable to work for a few months.
With 4 children and many pets, your recipes helped us to stay afloat (just!)
Luckily dh is fully recovered and back to work, but it don't think people realise how easy it is to run out of money for whatever reason.

[Toowittoowoo]

As an avid reader of your blog and recipes in The Guardian I have just bought your book (half price in WHSmith - so I hope you still get the same cut from my purchase! ).

Anyway, I wanted to know which of the recipes is you and your son's favourite or which one you cook most often?

We eat your fish tagine from the guardian at least every fortnight as well all love it. My DH was very dubious about a sauce made out tinned tomatoes, tinned mandarins and cumin but we are all agreed that it is seriously delicious.

[EmpressOfTheWellOfLostPlots]

Another question, partly inspired by the current MN thread. As someone who became famous almost by accident, is all this attention (and dissection) something you would have chosen if it was up to you?

[teaandcustardcreams]

Hi Jack,

Fellow Essex girl here. Really admire everything you're doing to raise awareness of food poverty in Britain. I wondered who is your inspiration? Also, do you have any cheap but healthy ideas/tips for weekday lunches?

[PeteCampbellsRecedingHairline]

Hi Jack,

Just wanted to say I bought your book from my local book shop and made not meatballs and tomato sauce for the family. DC wolfed it down, DH ate it but is sceptical about meat free meals. I'll convert him eventually!

So no question just a big congratulations for the great book and blog.

[BlackeyedSusan]

how do you take the costs of fuel into account in the costing of your recipes, (eg tinned beans v soak and cook for 50 minutes)

[Lottapianos]

Hi Jack, you are a brave and inspirational person. Your story is absolutely heart breaking and I know I'm not the only one who has cried reading your blog. I'm speechless that anyone would give you a hard time about any of it and cannot believe the criticisms and personal slurs you've had to deal with. I hope all those people are ashamed of themselves

I wish you all the luck in the world both personally and in your public advocacy. We needore people like you.

[changeforthebetter]

Jack,

I have two small fussy girls so I do struggle a bit to get them to eat kidney beans etc, even though they see me eat all sorts. I empathise with the PP who mentioned basics sausages! Any tips on converting kids?

Anyway, your work on raising awareness of and campaigning against poverty is fantastic. Wishing you and SB a bright and successful future.

[Felyne]

Can't think of a question that hasn't already been asked but I do want to say I think you're brilliant. I love your blog and your determination and you deserve every success and happiness. Keep up the good work.

[JackMonroe]

Hi!! So I'm here in Mumsnet Towers, they've buttered me up with cake and tea, and I'm going to clumsily attempt to answer your questions. Bear with me, I've spent the last year or so typing on my mobile phone so all this computer fandangled bollocks is a bit terrifying - but I'll give it a shot.... xxx

[MarmaladeShatkins]

Hello Jack,

What's your favourite biscuit?

She swore in her first post. I like her even better now!

[JackMonroe]

@changeforthebetter

Jack,

I have two small fussy girls so I do struggle a bit to get them to eat kidney beans etc, even though they see me eat all sorts. I empathise with the PP who mentioned basics sausages! Any tips on converting kids?

Anyway, your work on raising awareness of and campaigning against poverty is fantastic. Wishing you and SB a bright and successful future.

Hiya! I try to involve my son in the kitchen as much as possible, from parking him in the corner at a young age and chattering away to him about what I'm doing. Now he's three, I can sit him on the kitchen table and give him a whisk or a wooden spoon, he can add a pinch of salt or some herbs... Even the fussiest kids are likely to eat something that they feel involved in or a sense of ownership over, (you know those sticky cookies they bring back from nursery or misshapen cakes they proudly proffer? If they'll eat that they'll eat anything - because they made it...) so give it a go...

[BlackeyedSusan]

bloody hell mnhq that is a lurid orange! makes reading difficult.

tea? you should demand request gin

[domesticslattern]

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your Twitter feed and that Observer article with the heading about you being a "lefty liberal lezza cook". Hurrah!
I worry though as you seem v v busy and sometimes knackered and ill so have a and .
No question, just lots of support and I do a small cheer when you come on the radio or in the press.

[JackMonroe]

@MarmaladeShatkins

Hello Jack,

What's your favourite biscuit?

She swore in her first post. I like her even better now!

I have five in front of me at the moment and it's impossible to choose! Errrrrr viennese whirl? That's yummy. chomp

[JackMonroe]

@domesticslattern

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your Twitter feed and that Observer article with the heading about you being a "lefty liberal lezza cook". Hurrah!
I worry though as you seem v v busy and sometimes knackered and ill so have a and .
No question, just lots of support and I do a small cheer when you come on the radio or in the press.

Thankyou, that's lovely. Have some kisses xxxxx

[Mopswerver]

Jack, you are now the poster girl for Austerity and becoming the darling of the media too which must be a tricky balancing act. Which direction do you think you will you go in with your next book?

[JackMonroe]

@BlackeyedSusan

bloody hell mnhq that is a lurid orange! makes reading difficult.

tea? you should demand request gin

gin! Where's my gin?! :) Don't give me ideas, I'm dangerous enough on my own...

[JackMonroe]

@Mopswerver

Jack, you are now the poster girl for Austerity and becoming the darling of the media too which must be a tricky balancing act. Which direction do you think you will you go in with your next book?

I'm actually writing my next book right now, and it's in the same direction as the last - simple basic food using accessible ingredients, non-threatening, non-patronising, well I hope that's how it comes across anyway!

[LuisSuarezTeeth]

Late to the party, sorry, and Welcome Jack.

I'd like to ask if you got the chance to speak to Ms Currie off air? Or any of the other participants in the "debate"?

[JackMonroe]

@BlackeyedSusan

how do you take the costs of fuel into account in the costing of your recipes, (eg tinned beans v soak and cook for 50 minutes)

I just try to use my head and a bit of common sense: chickpeas seem to take an absolute age to cook, up to two hours, so I use them canned. Partly for fuel costs, nobody likes that big bill at the end of the quarter, and partly because I don't often have a spare two hours in my day to babysit a pot of chickpeas... I can't work out everyone's fuel costs, because we all have different suppliers and tarriffs, but I generally try to keep my recipes quick and simple to keep costs down.

[letsgotostonehenge]

Hello Jack, love your blog and recipes, now for the serious question...who is your favourite, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker or Princess Leia?