About

Bangers & Mash is a blog for anyone who, like me, is trying to cook good family food and eat well on a budget.

My name is Vanesther and I’m a working mum based in Bristol, England.

You might have a family to feed, or not. But you are looking for ideas and recipes to keep meals interesting without breaking the bank and without compromising on taste or quality of ingredients.

When my children were small, I changed the way I cook and shop, and pretty much halved my grocery budget in the process, simply by putting a bit more time into planning our meals.

As well as slashing costs, I’ve also cut down on food waste and my family is eating a healthier, more varied diet.

I’m not an expert in the kitchen by any stretch of the imagination. Before having children, I could barely cook at all. But I enjoy learning and see the kitchen as the starting point for all kinds of culinary adventures. Some might be surprised at the ingredients I use when cooking for children and it’s true, I do use all kinds of spicy and strong-flavoured ingredients. I should point out though that my children are not foodie saints. They do not eat everything that’s served up to them. One despises mushrooms – they are the devil’s food, while the other cannot stand prawns and mussels and other ‘funny looking’ things from the sea.

But I believe it’s all about constantly trying new things with children, opening them up to that sense of adventure, curiosity and excitement when it comes to food. If the adults around them delight in good and interesting food, then that’s got to give such a strong message to the kids.

When I’m not cooking, writing or thinking about food you’ll find me supporting NHS communications. Sometimes I work from home and sometimes I’m in the office. So I understand the time pressures on working parents and the temptations of the ready meal. But planning and preparing meals in advance really does make for more enjoyable mealtimes.

The way I shop and cook works for me and my family. In Bangers & Mash I share my experiences of what works and what doesn’t. I offer them up in case they’re of use to anyone else. As well as posting regular recipes on the blog, you’ll find recent meal plans here.

Do let me know what you think and if you’ve got any recipes or suggestions I’d be only too pleased to receive them. Email me at bangermashchat@gmail.com.

Vanesther Hamer

14 thoughts on “About”

  1. Thanks for following my blog, and I look forward to reading more of yours – I lived in England for a few years and loved the food (including bangers and mash)! I am also trying to do a better job of making weekly meal plans, so your tips will be helpful :).

    Reply

  2. have only just seen your message to me about nominating me for the versatile blogger award. you have made my day thank you so so much. have just subscribed to your brilliant blog also.

    love
    harriet (diary of a domestic dissapointment!) xxx

    Reply

    1. Thanks Ruth. It’s insane just how much food we waste as a nation, especially when money is so tight for all of us. Meal planning has definitely helped me drastically reduce how much we throw out each week and has saved us lots financially too. Thanks again for sharing!

      Reply

  9. Hi, I absolutely love your blog and have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. If you are interested, visit my blog to see the process. (It’s one of those “acknowledge and pass it on” awards.
    Thanks for always posting great material!

    Reply

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