DESTITUTE GOURMET: Sophie's recipe for tough times

THE FOODIE HAS NEW TIPS FOR FEEDING THE FAMILY

- Karyn Henger

She’s the face of gourmet meals on a budget and with more Kiwis turning to home cooking in recent times, Sophie Gray has produced a new cookbook with them in mind.

“We’re living in such challenging times,” Sophie says “and not everyone knows how to tighten their belts, so it seemed like the right time to put out this latest book.”

Destitute Gourmet is the celebrity cook’s ninth book, made up of 80 new affordable family recipes that include allergy-friendly and meat-free options, plus a few fan favourites.

“I don’t know if COVID has changed the way people shop for food,” Sophie tells. “But what we have seen is that people have become more interested in stuff they can create themselves and baking has really moved up people’s priority lists.

“It’s interesting because during lockdown, everyone was making sourdough, so I made a sourdough starter and was going to share it on my social media channels. But what I found is that I hated the sourdough starter. It was like this whining child that had to be fed and looked after – and it was such a palaver to make when I could just make a loaf of soda bread that was delicious, cheaper and easier to make.

“In the end, I put my starter down the waste disposal!”