PURE AND SIMPLE

If you're over being in the kitchen, here's some food for thought, writes Megan Wood

hile we love cooking, we can’t pretend we’re not a little bit pleased that takeaways and deliveries will be back on the menu when we move to Alert Level 3 tonight. The novelty of having to prep everything at home has worn off after a month in lockdown.

Nevertheless, there’s still a wee while to go before the possibility of embracing the extra freedoms we’d get in Level 2: pick-me-ups like sit-down visits to cafes and restaurants.

So, if you’re keen to spend a little less time in the kitchen but still want some tasty diversions, here are seven solutions for the coming week. They require little or no cooking at all - just what you need if you’re ready to take a break from the stove!

2ONE BITE, THREE WAYS Quick toastie pies

Create a bacon, egg and spinach pie, a tuna melt or — for something sweet — a hot apple toastie pie.

5ANYTIME EGGS Quick zapped egg scramble

Throw a couple of lightly whisked eggs into the microwave, give it a few short bursts and top with avocado, tomato and fresh herbs for something wholesome and hassle-free.

1WITH THE KIDS Out-of-this-world overnight oats

Soaking oats overnight makes them easier to digest and means you have a healthy breakfast ready for the kids to grab first thing, no heating or messing around required. This will keep in the fridge for three days. 1 cup rolled oats 3 Tbsp chia seeds 1 cup almond milk 1 cup coconut milk

3EASY ASSEMBLE Avocado and prawns on toast

It’s easy to fall into the “I’ll just make some toast” rut when you have to think of something to make for lunch every single day. This twist turns that moment into something worth anticipating.

6SNACK TIME Fuss-free fridge flapjacks

Perfect for when everyone is home and hungry, or you need sustenance during a walk at the park. The mix is made in a bowl, spread on a tray and placed in the fridge to set. Simple. 1 Tbsp maple syrup 1½ tsp vanilla

1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 Choose a large glass bowl that will fit neatly into the fridge (or you can put portions of the mix into mugs for each member of the family to grab in the morning). 2 Measure out all the ingredients, place in the bowl and stir to combine.

3 Cover and pop into the fridge overnight. 4 In the morning, remove and add your chosen toppings.

TOPPING IDEAS

Having chopped fruit in the fridge will encourage the kids to add it to their oats, ensuring a nutritious start to the day. Sliced banana

Frozen berries (simply leave in fridge overnight or defrost in microwave)

Cacao nibs, coconut threads Seeds and nuts

4LEFTOVER LUXURY Chicken salad sushi rolls

With some leftover chicken and a sachet of 90-second rice these rolls become supereasy and rather fun.

7HIT THE BUTTON Microwave chocolate self-saucing pudding

No oven, no slaving, just one bowl and a functional microwave is all you need to create this choc-tastic delight.