Umhlanga-based mom of two, Jessie Buxton, juggles her day job as a recruitment specialist while moonlighting as a content creator. She recently added something new to her repertoire – a recipe eBook titled Dinners for Four Under R150.
What inspired you to put this recipe book together?
I’m quite the frugal shopper! Being raised by my mom who was solo parenting three kids meant money was always super tight, and she had to get really creative with her spending. While it was a challenging way to live, I’m incredibly grateful for the lessons it taught me about creating an affordable and sustainable lifestyle for my family. This has sparked my creativity in the kitchen, allowing me to whip up delicious recipes that won’t break the bank. I love sharing my budget-friendly tips, tricks and grocery hauls on social media, and even the odd affordable recipe, and it’s been wonderful to see how much people enjoy them. So, I thought, why not turn all this into an eBook filled with affordable family dinner ideas?
Have you always enjoyed cooking?
I definitely didn’t grow up with a fascination for recipes and cooking, but I always loved watching cooking shows and competitions. Since becoming a mom and trying to keep up with my kids’ ever-evolving taste buds (if you know, you know!), I’ve found myself spending more and more time in the kitchen. Surprisingly, it’s become a space where I can relax and unwind, turning meal prep into a creative escape. Who knew that whipping up dinners could be so therapeutic?
How has the response to the book been so far?
The response has blown me away! I sold over 100 copies in the first two days, and it’s been going strong ever since. Almost daily, I receive messages from moms thanking me for creating a recipe book that not only helps them keep their grocery bills down but also offers their families delicious and exciting meals to look forward to. I really aimed to break away from the usual mundane meals, and it feels amazing to hear that people are enjoying the out-of-the-norm dishes I included. My goal was to create easy-to-cook, wholesome meals that leave you feeling full and happy – and it seems like I hit the mark!
HADDOCK PASTA:
Ingredients
400g fresh haddock from Checkers (R50 roughly)
250g fresh cream (R25)
250g frozen peas (R18)
500g pasta (R20)
Meze-style parmesan cheese (R25)
Staples: butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt
Method
Line an oven tray with some baking paper and lay the haddock on top.
In a small bowl, melt the butter down. Mix in a teaspoon of garlic into the melted butter and brush this mixture over your haddock.
Place the haddock in preheated oven at 180 degrees and cook until it flakes with a fork (roughly 8-10 minutes).
While the haddock is in the oven, put your pasta on the boil in salted water.
Add your peas to your boiling pasta (to save dishes) or boil your peas separately.
Once your haddock is done, flake the pieces and add them into a pan with more butter, the peas, cream and parmesan.
Stir together on a low heat until combined and looking thick and creamy.
Add to your cooked pasta and mix well.
Add a dash of lemon juice and salt to taste.
Details: IG: @just_another_manic_mom_day
