You may recognise Holly Bell. Not only is she a popular foodie blogger creating recipes over at Recipes From a Normal Mum, she also graced our screens in 2011 as a Great British Bake Off finalist.
Mmm, cake…
Even back in her Bake Off days, Holly believed in using recipes that consist of bits and bobs that are already in your cupboard - aka, familiar, accessible and affordable ingredients.
Ones that even the most chaotic of mums can work with...
Which is exactly why we’ve ask her to be a guest blogger here at Closer Online, putting into words what it’s like being a busy mum juggling motherhood, work, a relationship and the kitchen.
And with the increasing pressure to educate ourselves and our kids about superfoods, sugar free fixes and a well balanced diet, it's never been harder. Let alone on a family-friendly budget.
So here’s a little bit about Holly and a simple recipe to win over the tots to get started.
Introducing: Recipes From A Normal Mum: ‘Of course I find cooking stressful at times, doesn't everyone?'
"One Saturday morning back in 2010, I was sitting with my eldest son (he was just a toddler then) when I scoffed at yet another recipe I read in a national newspaper that supposedly for ‘normal’ mums and dads.
"This one included about 15 ingredients - many not easy to find unless you shop in central London or online from a specialist supplier. It took well over an hour to make and cost more than a takeaway. It just made me so angry that people were being made to feel inadequate if they couldn’t push their budget, time or inclination to make such a recipe for dinner.
"After moaning to my husband he suggested I do something about it.
"And so the blog was born, an online space to share my recipes. Mostly easy, always with an eye on price and time. And the name? It’s very much tongue in cheek - after all, what is ‘normal’?
"When people ask me if cooking is stressful, I think the answer most recipe writers will give is no. But I hate the thought of perpetuating a dream that isn’t attainable or even real. So… yes!
"There are days when cooking is most definitely stressful, usually when I have little time or energy and a deadline looming.
"Over the years I have come to the conclusion that when cooking feels like a chore it’s time to serve up some cheese, crackers, grapes and chutney. A picnic dinner never hurt anyone once in a while.
"Better that than clattering around in the kitchen in frustration."
**And for those days when fancy dining isn’t the one, and you want a simple meal to suit all, then this Chicken Nuggets recipe really is a quick winner winner chicken dinner. **
Find more from Holly at...
Twitter: @HollyBellMummy
Instagram: @hollybellmummy
Facebook: Recipes from a Normal Mum
Pinterest: Recipes from a Normal Mum.
YouTube: Holly Bell{