The new parent pantry

So, you’ve filled your freezer, what about the rest of the kitchen? What to do when there’s no time to defrost? Here’s how to keep yourself fed through the fog.

Writer

M&S Food

One of the first things you realise when you have a tiny baby is how small those windows to eat or sit down truly are. A few months ago, you could scarcely imagine this many cold cups of tea and now, there they are, strewn across the house, in rooms you don’t even remember going in.

Maybe this is where you are now. Maybe you currently have a sleeping baby and are looking for ways to streamline your operation, once and for all.

First of all, know that it cannot be streamlined. Then, when acceptance comes, settle down with (another) cuppa and read on.

Flavour bombs

When lunchtime rolls round and it’s a lump of bread and cheese, some quick noodles or a cold chicken leg, give it (and you) an instant lift with a condiment or two.

Think beyond the basics – perhaps the words roasted garlic mayonnaise, chimichurri or pineapple and scotch bonnet relish have captured your imagination? Don’t be scared to fill a whole shelf of your fridge with jars – if not now, when?

Stock up on seasoning blends like dukkah, too – the combination of sunflower seeds, dried chickpeas, sesame seeds and spices transforms a bit of white cheese, a pot of hummus, some sliced cucumber or a poached egg.

Choose some condiments

Midnight snacks

Even if you are blessed with the elusive good sleeper, you will be up in the night, and at pre-bird o’clock in the morning, and you might be hungry.

Start with nut mixes, like these appropriately named Midnight beauty raisins and cashews. Or go for simple salted Marcona almonds or chocolate-covered Brazils – whatever you like.

Cereal bars like the M&S crunchy peanut butter ones may come in handy at all hours, as will rice cakes.

Consider yogurt, from unflavoured Greek yogurt to treats such as roasted hazelnut or apple crumble yogurt – they could be just what you’re craving at 4am.

Shop for snacks

A good roasting tin

You’re ready to do a bit more cooking, but not like that. Not with all those pans and all that stirring. In lieu of a live-in sous-chef, you need a large aluminium roaster.

You want to be able to toss ingredients in a roasting tin, leave it on the side for a bit, and then slide it into the oven when you’re ready.

Some recipes that do the job: spiced veggie and chickpea bake, sweet and smoky spatchcock chicken, cod with new potato, roasted tomato and gremolata.

The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you bring one of these dinners to the table will be an absolute thrill.

One-pan wonders

Tea break

It seems unexpected to have to plan your downtime, but the truth is: you need to be prepared. That might mean getting your coffee machine set up or your coffee beans scooped the night before. It might mean buying a selection of teabags so that you never pull open the tea drawer and shut it again because there’s nothing in it for you.

A healthy balanced diet is important post partum, and in moderation, your favourite treats can still have some time in the spotlight. Your tea break is a chance for pleasure, so make it count: Sicilian lemon and white chocolate cookies, lemon and lime jaffa cakes, milk chocolate coated custard creams.

What are you going to do while you drink your tea? Do you need your book poised next to the kettle? Do you need a list of TV shows in your phone so that you don’t accidentally sit staring at a wall? (Also fine.) How about a chocolate eclair?

Browse the biscuits

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Published 8.15.2024

The new parent pantry

Flavour bombs

Midnight snacks

A good roasting tin

Tea break

Filling the freezer

The exhausted parent's guide to self-care

How to sleep better in pregnancy and beyond

Fuelling yourself once baby is here