We are all time-strapped and wallet-wary, while still wanting to enjoy exciting, flavoursome, homemade meals at the drop of a hat. Basically, we want it all. And you know what? We can have it all. Introducing The Ice Kitchen Method of cooking, eating and (if it isn’t too over the top to say) living!
All the hard work and planning has been done for you: there will be no waste; there is always a use for that random carrot/chicken breast/lemon half; you’ll be able to tailor meals to your fussy children/ partner/guest; and dishes will be packed with vegetables, goodness and flavour.
You’ll cook once and eat twice; avoid expensive takeaways and instead indulge in delicious, wholesome meals that are cost-effective and quick, and where you know exactly what is in them.
All this is possible with your freezer.
The Ice Kitchen recipes
Long gone is the need for cardboard freezer pizza. Have your own, ready to go, with The Ice Kitchen Method. I’m not just talking about dough – I mean a pizza with all the toppings, just the way you like it, ready to pop into the oven and on your table in 15 minutes. Pass the chilli flakes!
GET THE RECIPE
Frozen veg is fantastic to have at your fingertips – see my Freeze tip for how to make your own.
GET THE RECIPE
Pulled pork can do no wrong in my eyes – it is great stuffed into a burger bun, mixed with rice or used to fill tacos or fajitas. The prep is easy peasy and it’s a ‘shove in the oven and wait’ wonder, so it makes sense to prepare a massive joint, shred it into portions, freeze and have pulled pork at your fingertips, ready in a snip of time, The Ice Kitchen Method!
GET THE RECIPE
Another testament to puff pastry perfection. Great for random bits and bobs in your fridge, like feta or olives, and perfect to tailor to fussy eaters. Don’t worry about exact quantities, just make sure your tarts are laden with delicious toppings.
GET THE RECIPE
Traybakes are the epitome of easy cooking and they really are a great way to use up leftover ingredients. Best of all, they freeze well and taste even better once reheated, truly embodying The Ice Kitchen’s amazing capabilities! This North African chicken traybake is one of my all-time favourites.
GET THE RECIPE
You can easily throw a meal together with a handful of these crowd-pleasers – they really need no further introduction.
GET THE RECIPE
Puff pastry deserves the highest praise for being able to give us the most glorious desserts with the most minimal effort. Amaretto and peach work so wonderfully together, especially with a dollop of mascarpone to serve. It is quite perfect for dinner parties.
GET THE RECIPE
Get your ice-cube trays out. I guarantee your future self will thank you for having a freezer stocked with cubes of different sauces, butters and dressings ready to jazz up the simplest of midweek meals – turning them from a basic bit of meat, fish, veg or salad into a tongue-tantalising experience.
GET THE RECIPES
This is an edited extract from The Ice Kitchen: Fast Fresh Food To Fill Your Family and Your Freezer by Shivi Ramoutar, published by HarperCollins on e-book (£7.99) and hardback (£16.99)