Episode 4

Can batch cooking truly transform our dinnertimes? In this brand-new series, Joe Swash and batch cooking expert Suzanne Mulholland, aka The Batch Lady, dish out a proper helping of inspiration as they help families with great time-saving tips and easy-to-follow recipes, and prove that anyone can make mealtimes stress-free. Joe and Suzanne visit Falkirk to help the Brooks family tackle their mealtime mayhem. Mum Erin, a dedicated family support coordinator, struggles to provide nutritious meals that her family actually want to eat. Despite her best efforts, her cooking often falls flat, leading to unappetising dishes that the family have nicknamed 'disaster pasta' and 'barf Bolognese'. With three teenagers - Ava, Ivy and Marshall - quick to voice their disapproval, Erin's confidence in the kitchen has taken a hit. Adding to the challenge, Erin suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, making meal preparation even more daunting. And the family's mealtime mayhem is further exacerbated by dad Ally's long work hours and reliance on convenience foods. Joe helps Ally to break time-wasting shopping habits, while Suzanne introduces her batch-cooking strategies, including delicious recipes like veggie-packed sauces, a foolproof roast chicken dinner and hearty meals that can be frozen for later use. Can Erin transform from a frazzled cook into a confident meal planner capable of whipping up dishes that her family will love?