Batch cooking savings with Joe Swash to air on Channel 4

Can batch cooking truly transform our dinnertimes?

In a six-part series, beginning this coming week, Joe Swash and batch cooking expert Suzanne Mulholland, aka The Batch Lady, dish out a proper helping of inspiration as they help families with great time-saving tips and easy-to-follow recipes, and prove that anyone can make mealtimes stress-free, transforming family life.

In the first episode, which airs on Monday, Joe and Suzanne head to Hull to rescue the Powell family from their mealtime mayhem.

Parents Clare and Richard are struggling to balance their jobs with the demands of family life with their three energetic kids. With busy schedules and after-school activities taking priority, the Powell kitchen has become a free-for-all. The kids often raid the cupboards, while Clare whips up separate meals to meet her protein goals and Richard relies on instant noodles more often than he’d like.

This chaotic approach leaves them with less nutritious meals than they would like, and little quality time together as a family. Determined to turn things around, Joe and Suzanne dive into the family’s eating habits and scrutinise their shopping receipts to tackle the staggering £250-a-week food bill and 50 trips to the shops each month.

Suzanne revamps their kitchen, while Joe shows them some savvy shopping tips at the supermarket.

With everything in order, Suzanne teaches Clare and Richard the art of batch cooking, whipping up delicious meals including a super easy lasagna, hearty Spanish-style stew, and a creamy chicken korma, all designed to save time and stress. She also leaves them with a 28-day meal plan designed to save time, cut costs and bring the family back to the dinner table. But will it work? Joe returns to see if the Powells have embraced their new routine.

Batch from Scratch: Cooking for Less, Channel 4, Monday, February 17th at 8 pm on Channel 4