The big pan theory

A big pan is just so inviting, like open arms - and it always has an extra serving for one more hungry soul! Now that I have teenagers, without any warning or notice they bring a visitor to lunch. So, especially over weekends, I make pan food; whether it is a deliciously fragrant Spanish chicken and rice dish or a creamy chicken and mushroom stew.

If you really want to steal the children's hearts, try a big pan full of fragrant mince and let them make their own Sloppy Joes!

Tinned food is a handy substitute if you have to make something in a hurry. So stock up on tinned tomatoes and beans, and you can make a filling pork-and-bean stew in no time at all - again a one-pan wonder!

So next time you go to the shop, visit the Catering Equipment Department and buy yourself a big old stainless steel pan - you can thank me later!

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