Zero Waste Batch Cooking

Join me as I dive into the cupboards to cook up anything that is approaching to be out of date.
Frugal Queen in France
We are a British couple living in Brittany on a budget.
Frugal recipes, days out, home renovations and day to day making do in France.
We’ll give you hints, tips, advice and an insight into our life in France.
Website www.frugalquee...
Instagram / frugalqueen. .
Equipment used
Camera : iPhone
Editing : iMovie on a Mac mini
Music:
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Epidemic Sound
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Artist: audionautix.com/
Some Sound from Zapsplat.com
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Apple iMovie*

[@bria2596]

I love to batch cook early in the day - today: baked chicken, egg roll in a bowl, and crunchy broccoli salad with cranberries, red onions, and walnuts, and chicken veg soup. There is something so satisfying about looking into the fridge and freezer, knowing no food is going to waste, and there is something minutes away from being able to serve as dinner.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Love that! I feel that too

[@LaundryFaerie]

This, but since I'm not an early riser I will often batch cook in the middle of the night, especially this time of year when it starts to get blazing hot in North America.

[@rena4220]

Thanks for mentioning broccoli salad. I have all the ingredients. Just right for this hot weather we are having.

[@emmacampbell1663]

Girl after my own heart!!…… Being able to make a feast from a relative famine in these times of escalating costs is for sure a winner!! ☺️💜💃

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@emmacampbell1663 thanks so much

[@evgeniagasumova4487]

I love watching your videos, not just for money saving tips but for proper English. English is my second language, and listening to correct English helps me learn.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@evgeniagasumova4487 Thank you so much. Your written English is perfect.

[@JulieRees-b7w]

Thankyou for sharing these recipes.. they all looked delicious 😊❤

[@amandaparadis5069]

Very productive morning!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes it was!

[@belindacopson2390]

Lovely hearty food! I'm currently squirrelling away home grown soft fruit for winter puddings , cakes and jams - love a blackberry/apple cake.

[@Katesharpandvoice]

Good Idea! I did that for the Fourth of July and have food leftover for the rest of the week. I used up the shredded cabbage I had sitting in a container by taking a granny smith apple which was on it's last legs, cutting it into matchsticks, combining it with the cabbage, some lemon juice (so the apple didn't go brown) and some poppy seeds to make apple/cabbage slaw. Then I cooked my potatoes which were going soft after cubing them for potato salad. I used a homemade (with store mayo which needed using up) garlic aioli and chopped up some onions which were also going soft. It was a perfect accompaniment to the bratwurst and buns I had in the freezer. The next day I made a farro salad with things I had in my pantry: farro which was at the end of the best by date, a small jar of marinated artichokes, sun dried tomatoes which were open, a can of cannelini beans which was just past the best by date, a cup of olives sliced which were almost at the best by date and some spices, some oil and vinegar. Very yummy! I love the fact that being frugal forces creativity. Necessity is truly the mother of invention. Cheers!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great

[@lindajacquot5391]

101F (38.3C) here. Saving money by not eating. Absolutely no desire to eat when it is so hot! Anyway, you've probably said this before, but it has hit me that everything you do is intentional. I've been trained to multitask (military, teaching, motherhood) and it is difficult to get out of that mindset. Saving money is an intentional task. Not wasting food is intentional. You have to focus and think about it, plan and adjust as needed. Epiphanies come to me more slowly at 64!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@lynnestait8011]

great tip with the garlic & herb cream cheese for the risotto, will remember that one - I love having a morning in the kitchen batch cooking for the freezer - fake away tonight with home made pizza using some discounted smoked ham from Lidl, and using up onions that were fried up yesterday for the meal, and sour milk that Id left to turn - I notice one of your dogs is wearing 'the cone of shame ;-) hope all is OK with her

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

So good!

[@janetstonerook4552]

Creative and inspiring! Thanks, Jane. I do a 48-hr fast every few weeks and have to make sure I use up whatever is fresh or leftovers in the fridge before I begin my fast. Last night, I sauteed a pan of fresh veggies and refrigerated them and then made fruit smoothies from the ripe mangos, peaches and bananas and froze them. That way nothing will go to waste AND I'll have food ready to eat when I finish my fast. Win-win! And the fruit flies won't be hanging around my fruit bowl! Ha!😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

That’s a great idea

[@Dianne-ut5vr]

What a fabulous morning's work, I try not to waste food so I always check what we have and what can be made. You are all set there, I love the look of those puddings. Have a lovely week. ☺

[@sharonparsons9804]

Love the look of everything, but especially your clever risotto. I thought I had to buy special Aborio rice, but you made yours with short grain which I always have on hand.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much

[@iriswelch3553]

Everything looks so good! I'm going to try that risotto. I'm in the process of going through my freezer for a good clean-out.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Hope you enjoy

[@bettyhowatt8167]

your meals always look so good!!!!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@marypeterson1053]

Your pure joy..Thank you.

[@lenaharden5486]

Great ideas Jane!

[@tracyaf6084]

Lovely meals. I love the tip about adding cream cheese to a risotto. I like this style of cooking. I feel a little like being on top chef when I have a challenge to use specific ingredients 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks, us too

[@lynnbrown9164]

Hi Jane. Great video. Next time can you kindly cook it? Also, do you like glass or cooking containers better for freezing?

[@tikacalifornia7876]

Wow. So excellent! My family moved in with me for about the next year. And I am NOT used to cooking for 6 people because it has been just me and the doggy for many years. I am having to learn how much each of us eats, (my 8 yr old granddaughter eats more than I do!) and to try to portion ingredients accordingly. So far each meal has had lots of left-overs and we are eating them for lunch and supper the following days. It is just not practical for us to have any food waste at all. Fortunately, I have lots of food in the house and the only things we are buying are fresh vegetables, fruit and other highly perishable items. Thank you for your plans. I will totally adapt them to my situation.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@tikacalifornia7876 thank you

[@cm-nj]

I love batch cooking and cleaning out the bits from fridge and freezer to create meals. I just love your jacket you started and ended in. Very cute and the colors/pattern flatter you.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@cm-nj thanks

[@happydodson6920]

Effective and delicious! You are inspiring me to clean out my stored foods, as well, and hopefully create good meals from them.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@happydodson6920 good luck

[@muttersmenu2422]

Terrific meals from the back of the fridge and freezer ✔️No waste in your kitchen. Also a great way of having a productive stay at home day 😊 Lovely jam sponge puffy with custard -delicious Thank you Mike and Jane also doggies for another great video 👍🇦🇺

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@muttersmenu2422 thank you so much

[@muttersmenu2422]

Hopefully you are still taking time to enjoy the cycling 🚴 in France 🇫🇷

[@tinkerbell9399]

Wow that all looks very tasty Jane! Simple ideas with ingredients we all have! Thanks for sharing. Have a good weekend , from a rain soaked UK❤️🇬🇧

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you! You too!

[@sharonhughes588]

I would so love to share some of our summer with you!!! The heat index has been over 110 almost every day for weeks....and the humidity is over 70 percent.....so very uncomfortable!

[@trishacarlson4122]

Thanks for the inspo, Jane! I've just moved & I need to clear some stocked up pantry items since our new space is different, and now I must find new homes. Wish me luck :D

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You can do it!

[@skimusic3773]

Maybe I missed it but I would enjoy seeing your canning process. Not American jars - so I'm curious. My cousins in San Antonio, Texas, make Tex-Mex migas with Chorizo, scrambling it into eggs along with onions, peppers, crumbled fried corn shells (or chips for us mortals) and cheese. Good any time of day. Thanks, as always, for your clarity and good work!

[@pattyperkins5007]

Lovely cooking !

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much

[@misfit7610]

Thank you Jane for explaining the difference between a pudding and a cake as I've always wondered. Everything looked wonderful. We are also eating through our fridge, freezer and cupboard for the whole month of July. I want to see how little I can spend on groceries and warned my family that no extras will be purchased this month unless they are purchasing their own 😊. So far so good 👍

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@loydacoulombe1397]

Fantastic video. I love using up what we have. And now to you tube how to make jam sponge pudding! Looked so yummy

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@Sally-wm5jh]

Your batch cooking looks so delicious especially the jam pudding. I hope your dog is okay, since she's wearing a cone around her neck. Great video ideas.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@rebacarmack8335]

After celebrating Independence Day here in the states- there were lots of leftovers to share or repurpose or freeze. Great ideas

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@juliemoore6957]

You are a creative genius! It all looks wonderful! I'm inspired to go clean out my food stores!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@craftycalley]

Batch cooking saves money. Split it up into one portion containers and put in the freezer. Get one out at night before going to bed and put it in the fridge in the morning. Come in from work and whilst cooking some pasta, rice etc whilst getting changed and then whack in the microwave. Almost instant food.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Great idea!!

[@CreamPuff-ek8fd]

Wish I could batch cook today but it was 38 c with 80 per cent humidity and my ac was not working! But they are announcing milder temps soon and some rain which hopefully will get rid of all of this humidity and allow me a full day in the kitchen. It was a salad and Greek yogurt day for meals. With ice cream and lots of water. Great recipes today! Have a great weekend.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@sheila1013]

All looks lovely Jane. Some great tips as usual. I'm currently winding down my freezer as it's ready for defrosting. Yes, the weather is strange right now. Being told we're in for another heatwave later next week. Will believe it when it comes. Thank you both for sharing this. 🤗🥰

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I'd just like it not to be cold.

[@sheila1013]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Me too. 🤗

[@loriella6250]

Inspiring! Thank you, Jane.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome!

[@Alicesgardenau]

I love cooking like this

[@ph6561]

I add it to to drained pasta (hot) stir it in with some leftover ham, or other cooked meat, some cooked veg, a little parmesan - or any cheese, delicious. I also serve it with any salad that wants using up too. P.❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@paulinegagne-bertrand9871]

As always looks delicious! Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

My pleasure 😊

[@Cheryl-gu1hv]

As always everything looks delicious. Thanks for sharing Jane Mike and puppies ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@lisadawson2652]

This was great 👍🏾

[@SharonMcGee-b2i]

Jam sponge pudding looks so yummy!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It was!

[@suebee1540]

It all looks so delicious.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@Leelee...]

Those are some beautiful meals.😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you 😋

[@elizaC3024]

Oh my goodness Jane those are fabulous recipes. I am working through things in my chest freezer and batch cooking as well. It is such a great use of time. Make multiple meals all in one sitting and using up what you have on hand. We too here in the tip of the mit (mitten of Michigan), are not getting a typical summer either. I am grateful not to be getting what my children in California,and Oklahoma are getting, 104,112 degree days.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I’m much happier with too cool than too hot

[@auntiali9344]

You did an amazing job. Here on the east coast in the US it is extremely hot and humid.

[@yvettenj]

Jane thanks so much for explaining about cake or pudding. I may try this during the holidays later, looks delicious! Also what happened with the pup Dolly or Mary?

[@LauraMacMillan-el2kc]

I bought some onion chip-dips a treat, on the weekend when I was away with my daughter; but I bought much too much! I'm going to use it to "creamy up" my soup like you did with the cream cheese. Should be good! I also had some on my toast and egg this morning instead of butter. It was good, too. I'm going to try freezing some as well. It will probably change the texture a bit - but for cooking? Who cares. 😊

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Sounds great!

[@BrittanyLucy]

What a great answer to the 'what's the difference between a cake and a pudding' question! Though then there's bread pudding (not bread and butter pudding) which can be eaten with hands... Maybe that's like the little word 'seize' in the i before e rule. All looks very delicious and inspiring anyway!

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thanks

[@lindagbukvic9441]

We're about to re-do our kitchen, so we're trying to get some food ready that we can easily heat up in the microwave. The fridge/freezer and the microwave will be in the dining room during the disruption.

[@Barneysma]

You are an amazing cook Jane! Can I ask, was it Home Economics that you taught?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@Barneysma no it wasn’t . Thanks for watching.

[@paulamccarthy8197]

All looks yummy, do you list the ingredients and recipes somewhere at all, some I could do no problem but just wondering please

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

It was!

[@beverlyanntaylor9652]

😊💜.....thank you for all you share.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

You are so welcome

[@lynnhensley4326]

Thanks for sharing.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Our pleasure!

[@sandra-bb5xq]

I noticed that you said you defrosted your fish, did you cook it before freezing again. Some great ideas, I like a quiche and a good healthy soup. I like risotto but my hubby not keen.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yes I did

[@cindymccorkle7440]

Hi Jane and Mike!! I’m new to sponge pudding. I was wondering how it is cooked, I believe you mentioned the oven, does it have to be in a dish with water and at what temperature? I’m also gluten-free, did you use gluten-free flour for the sponge cake? Thank you for your help. Looking forward to making it.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@cindymccorkle7440 all my cooking is GF. Baked in the oven at 180°c for 20-30 minutes and no water bath

[@christinebrush4399]

I see the answer for the pud recip belowe. maybe I missed it in the video, but are the eggs weighed in the shell? and is the pud steamed or baked. If baked, what temp please. And if steamed how long. Greetings from an old Brummie in North bay Ontario:):)

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Google Victoria sponge recipe. It was baked

[@christinebrush4399]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thank you.

[@Mirth-l7l]

Oh my! Lucky you that I don't know where you live or I would have invited myself to that delicious risotto!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great job! I hope your doctor's appointment goes well.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@Mirth-l7l all good, three monthly check up

[@anetteolofsson4315]

Can you give us the recepie on the pudding, please❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@anetteolofsson4315 sponge is same weight of eggs, butter, sugar and flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Add cooked apples to the sponge and jam to the base of the pudding.

[@anetteolofsson4315]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thank you!!!

[@smiley9987]

Fantastic! Batch cooking excellence. Everything looks delicious. That pudding,jam...sponge....looks so yummy. I never made such in my life,because really avoiding sugar foods. But I admit I am tempted looking at yours. And you said apples,that was it. Deserts with apples are always lovely and delicate. Batch cooking is such a life changing strategy,let's just admit it. You did a great job! Organized,yummy ( I trust) and various. Zero waste. 👍🏻🥳

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Thank you so much

[@TheLittleCottageGB]

What a great spread. Home cooked meals are always the best. I’ve never got the appeal of takeaways. If I want someone to prepare a nice exotic meal for me as a treat or celebrations I’d rather go to a restaurant, than have it come cold In polystyrene. And these pizza and burger joints do nothing for me. Apart from a chippy once or twice a year on our holiday. Homemade so much better and cheaper. 25 years ago home cooking was the everyday, now they are convinced they can’t cook and need to buy takeaways or ultra processed meals.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I don't understand it either

[@jewelgaither1504]

Jane, you said equal parts of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter for your sponge pudding. How much did you use for the two puddings you made?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I weigh the eggs first, used four eggs and then the same weight for each other ingredient. Google Victoria Sponge recipe.

[@jewelgaither1504]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Thank you so much! Have a blessed day.

[@lornajeanrobinson1734]

We call it sponge pudding ding ding as we cook and heat it up in the microwave.

[@sophiawolthof1238]

👍👍👍

[@lovechangesus]

Oh, poor baby is wearing a cone. I hope all is well.

[@janeaquilina6745]

A good and interesting video. Yesterday I cooked your leak and potatoes open pie. It was jummy. Thanks for sharing ❤

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

Yummy

[@maureencasey7500]

How does the mash freeze?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@maureencasey7500 ok if you cook from frozen

[@maureencasey7500]

@@FrugalQueeninFrancethanks. Do you out it in the oven for n low or 350 degrees?

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@maureencasey7500 180 centigrade until cooked

[@maureencasey7500]

@@FrugalQueeninFranceThank you Jane.

[@Amanda-pv9kz]

Looks great! Your future self will thank you. What happened to the puppy with cone on??

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@Amanda-pv9kz ear infection

[@sandrawhitacre]

Thanks for yummy ideas. I hope the puppy is ok, I notice a cone on her. Thank you Jane Mike and puppies.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@sandrawhitacre she keeps scratching her ears, she has an ongoing ear infection that's being treated

[@sandrawhitacre]

@@FrugalQueeninFrance Hope she heals quickly. Thanks.

[@LaundryFaerie]

​​@@FrugalQueeninFrancePoor pup. Hoping the infection clears up quickly. We once had a cat who scratched herself constantly and shook her head so violently the tips of her ears started to droop from structural damage. We took her to the vet, thinking she might have fleas or some other parasite. Turned out she had an allergy to the additives in her food that was causing her skin and ears to itch constantly. Putting her on a different food fixed the issue in days. I was distressed that she suffered as long as she did because she couldn't tell us what was happening.

[@lorelei9393]

Those all look great. What a productive morning. Hope the pup is better soon

[@LaundryFaerie]

I've also heard some Brits use "pudding" as a synonym for dessert, as in "lovely meal, dear, what's for pudding?" This feels a bit like the "candy/sweets" divide, actually. The differences in the way we wield our shared language are endlessly fascinating to me

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

I like the analogy

[@joannadee3565]

Can you and your husband get everything done that you want to in Brittany without speaking French? I know you said that you were taking French lessons.

[@FrugalQueeninFrance]

@@joannadee3565 speaking French is essential, especially for all matters medical. We speak sufficient French to do what we need to do