WHETHER you live ‘married unaccompanied’ or your spouse is deployed or away on exercise, it’s all too tempting to avoid cooking altogether and tuck into a glass of wine and a bag of crisps. Our food editor AJ Sharp has been investigating what spouses eat or cook when they’re eating for one…
Food for thought: Hannah Garrick (left) and Jo Phillips
“SOME weeks I’m organised and manage to batch cook at the weekend ready for the week, things like spaghetti bolognaise, curry and lasagne portions,” said Hannah Garrick, who’s posted to Inverness.
“If it’s not been an easy week then poached eggs on toast is my go-to, I’ve even been known to have porridge when my kids were really little.”
Jo Phillips, currently living in Catterick, admits it was her neighbours who pulled her through: “I survived thanks to my group of friends on the patch.
“During the last tour we all took it in turns to host kids’ tea to feed both the children and spouses. It was also an excuse to open a bottle of wine, have a moan or a giggle.”
Bristol-based Charlie Manning tells a similar story: “I can never be bothered to cook just for me so there’s a lot of beans on toast or scrambled eggs when my spouse is away.
“I’ve been so lucky to have wonderful neighbours who’ve embraced cooking for two – they often pop a plate over and vice versa. It means you eat better, share costs and spend time with friends.”
Super switches
Sometimes it can all get a bit too much, so consider stocking these healthier alternatives:
- Breakfast is a really important meal of the day and a quick and easy alternative is belVita Breakfast 30 per cent less sugar chocolate chip biscuits. Made with wholegrains, these biscuits are packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Try new scrumptious seaweed crisps by Abacus Foods made from seaweed harvested from the deep blue seas of South Korea and coated with a thin layer of tapioca to create the crunchiest snack. Available in lightly salted, salt and vinegar and cheese flavours and made without any nasties, they are gluten-free, vegan, and only contain about 100 calories per bag.
The Protein Ball Co. has created a range of bite-sized protein pieces to snack on. Nothing keeps your health and immunity stronger than quality protein and these balls contain no added sugar, high fibre and vegan-friendly protein (£1.99 per 45g bag).
- Gosnells of Peckham has launched four exciting mead flavours: citra sea, hibiscus, hopped and sour. Why drink 12-14 per cent volume wine when you can drink something just as complex and elegant at 4 per cent (£15 for a 4-pack)?