Jenna Dupay, a 37-year-old mum-of-two from Essex, has become a batch-cooking champion with 120 home-cooked dinners stored in her freezer. She has shared her expertise in making healthy meals for her family, with kids’ portions costing as little as 50p and adult portions priced at just £2. Jenna, who works as a hairdresser, shops affordably at Aldi or Lidl and batch cooks up to 20 portions at once to stay organized and save time.
In an interview with the money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk, Jenna revealed that she leads an incredibly busy household where she not only feeds her two kids but also friends and tradesmen. Despite having a hectic work schedule that includes working until 9pm three times a week, Jenna finds time to batch cook and prepare meals in advance. She believes that batch cooking is a way to be prepared with good-sized and healthier portions at an affordable price.
Jenna emphasized that freezing the food is essential to make it last, as she tends to cook 10 to 20 portions at a time. Her favorite recipes include those by popular chefs like Joe Wicks, Hairy Bikers, and Jamie Oliver. Jenna shares her cooking skills on her Instagram account @mrsdupay_aka_mrsbatch, where she inspires others to adopt batch cooking as a cost-effective and time-saving meal preparation method.
Jenna’s weekly go-to meals include a variety of dishes such as pasta, overnight oats, chilli con carne, sweet potato cottage pie, spaghetti bolognese, and chicken curry. She ensures that all her family meals are packed with vegetables and goodness, making them not only affordable but also nutritious. Jenna believes that batch cooking saves money and eliminates food waste since the meals can be frozen and enjoyed later.
As families look for ways to save money amid a cost of living crisis, Jenna’s approach to batch cooking offers a practical solution. By following simple tips such as looking out for discounted products, making a shopping list, opting for own-brand items, and taking advantage of supermarket schemes, families can reduce their grocery bills significantly. Jenna’s success in feeding her family for just £2 per meal serves as an inspiration for others looking to cut costs without compromising on quality.
In conclusion, Jenna Dupay’s batch cooking skills have not only helped her save money and time but also provided her family with delicious and nutritious meals. Her dedication to preparing home-cooked dinners in advance and freezing them for later consumption showcases the benefits of batch cooking in today’s busy world. By following Jenna’s example and implementing cost-saving strategies, families can enjoy affordable and healthy meals without breaking the bank.
