Mary Berry reveals how she cooks at home - and her simple method saves so much time
She's "particularly proud" of her pared-back approach
What does Mary Berry cook when the cameras are off and the family are gathered around the table? Rather wonderfully, the answer is very unfussy.
The queen of baking has opened the doors to her own kitchen with Mary All In One, a new cookbook that's packed with "the recipes we cook and enjoy at home" for midweek meals, lunches with friends, and cakes at the weekend.
Importantly though, there's one philosophy underpinning all 120 recipes. It's a practice that Mary confesses she's "always loved" for its simplicity. And we think you'll be delighted to find out what it is.
When Mary talks about one pan cooking, she really means stainless steel saucepans, but I couldn't resist going for an upgrade. This combines 10 functions into one design, making it an effortless multi-tasker.
A cast iron casserole dish will work hard in your kitchen, tackling everything from stews and broths to breads and roasts. This one is a team-favourite for its non-toxic build and reasonable price tag.
Whether it's a traybake or a roast, this enamelware is a dream come true. The simple white lining with a delicate navy edge looks chic, simple, and a lot like the ones photographed in Mary's book.
"We're all looking for ways to make life a little easier," Mary says, explaining the philosophy behind her new book. "I've always loved the simplicity of cooking everything together in one dish," she explains. rather than filling the kitchen with pots, pans, and lots of complicated steps, her 120 recipes make use of one pot, one pan, or one dish. It's the Dame's fuss-free way of catering for her family and friends.
Coincidentally, it's also a method that Em The Nutritionist promotes, as well as Ella Mills, founder of Deliciously Ella, so Mary is in fabulous company for quick, healthy meals. Following one-pot recipes for a week made me fall back in love with a simpler way of cooking and Mary Berry's recipes have only made me more excited.
I've had a sneak peek inside Mary All In One and it's packed with recipe inspiration that is both exciting and modern, but still classically Mary Berry, It's easy to imagine her making Chicken Tartiflette or Tuna Pasta Bake on a Wednesday evening, but still inspiring to see that a Beef and Ale Casserole or Salted Caramel Brownies can be whipped up under the same one-pot practice.
If you like the sound of that, make sure you look at these three too, they're three of the best cookbooks for simple, one-pot cooking:
Mary's book is now available - and it's half price at Amazon. It makes a great gift or a trat for yourself, with Quick Chicken Curry recipes as well as an indulgent-looking Strawberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake.
Anna Jones is a famously simple, healthy chef and this book is a brilliant example of why. There's also an eco-conscious element for families that want to minimise waste without compromising on flavour.
Mary Berry's traditional style doesn't always cater to meat-free homes, which is why the green roasting tin is a brilliant alternative. If you want veg-filled, high-fibre, one-tin recipe options, this is a must-buy.
Cooking in one pan is a very Mary Berry approach to dinner. It's comforting, achievable, and saves on the washing up afterwards. In her book announcement, Mary says that she hopes that they will become "firm favourites" in every home, just as they have in hers. After just a glimpse at the recipes and the promise of less washing up and less faff, I'm certain we're all going to love them.
