The Batch Lady

January 20, 2020
U.K. food vlogger Mulholland calls on “easy cheats” for a “fuss-free” approach to home cooking in this useful debut. Pulled together with assembly line efficiency, her dishes are reminiscent of cafeteria comfort food with an international twist. Mulholland uses few whole ingredients (save fresh meats and fish) relying instead on frozen chopped vegetables, seasoning packets, and canned items from the grocery. These mostly dinner recipes are organized by key proteins (poultry, meat, fish) and vegetarian meals. Freezable baked dishes abound: There’s Lazy Lasagna (made with frozen carrots, mushrooms, and onions); cottage pie with root vegetables; and a shepherd’s pie with sweet potato mash. Lamb and feta burgers can be tossed onto a salad or molded into meatballs, while fish cakes get a twist with Thai flavors and sweet potatoes. Desserts include no-bake fudge, as well as a sweetened condensed milk–based ice cream. Mulholland includes weekly meal planning suggestions, tips for freezing and defrosting, and shopping lists for four 10-meals-in-an-hour prep sessions. The recipes are far from inventive, yet Mulholland’s batch method and freezing strategies can streamline dinner prep and deliver minimal food waste, economy, and satisfying meals. This volume is best suited for busy home cooks looking to easily feed hungry mouths.