Meet Stella Burton – The Resourceful Cook
Stella is back this week to talk about the art of intercepting. Having spent years watching perfectly good food head for the bin simply because of a date on a packet, she’s sharing how her patron box helps her live a life of high-quality, low-waste eating.
Trusting Your Senses
Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to throw food away the moment it passes its “Best Before” date. But I’ve always believed we should trust our own senses more. Look at the food. Smell it. Check the colour and texture. While some items require strict caution, so much of our produce is still perfectly good beyond that stamped date.
Last summer, I started intercepting food in my own circle – rescuing yoghurts, vegetables, and bread that were destined for the bin. I realised I could practically live off what others were about to waste. I called it the “Interceptor Diet.”
Then it hit me that my Food Works patron box is the Interceptor Diet in action. It is high-quality food given another chance, rescued before it ever hits the landfill. Being a patron makes me feel like I’m doing something genuinely good for the planet. One rescued meal at a time!
The Swede Challenge: 3 More Ways
This week, I spotted an abundance of swede on the shelves at Handsworth. Since my first batch of homemade pickle was so popular I had none left, I decided to intercept a few more and try a new 3 ways challenge:
Something familiar: A hearty swede and kale curry. The kale was also in my box, and the earthy swede holds its shape perfectly against the spices.
- Something preserved: Another batch of my “Branston-style” pickle. It’s becoming a staple in my pantry (and my friends’ pantries, too!).
- Something new: Swede “Sauerkraut.” I’ve never tried fermenting swede before, but it is a revelation! It’s brilliant for gut health and has a fantastic, tangy crunch.
I’d be interested to know what you’ve made with food you’ve intercepted. The possibilities are endless! Please share them with sarah@thefoodworks.org
By Stella Burton
