I’ve been watching David Attenborough’s Perfect Planet series. Scary stuff. My children actually could not watch the last episode – in which we learn what a mess we’ve made of the world – as they were scared of having nightmares. We all want to make some changes. 

 

So I’ve been trying out glass containers to store our food in. I used plastic before – the type that go on forever, or I’d recycle takeaway boxes. But glass feels better. And is probably better for our health. The lovely people at Tala sent me a box with lock-on lid. I love it. Particularly that it can be used in the microwave and oven (sans lid, unless you like your food with a top layer of melted lid) and even the freezer. And my conscience is clear. 

I’ve also been road testing Tala's beeswax wraps for food – to replace clingfilm. It sat on my counter for a while as I was nervous of committing to a size. You need to cut the length off and I was worried I’d get it wrong and ruin it. I took the plunge and am using it on our cheddar block. Mr P isn’t a fan as he gets gift wrapping anxiety; but I’m loving it. Not only can I feel sanctimonious at giving the plastic wrap the cold shoulder, but it really does seem to stick. Another thumbs up. 

 

 

It occurred to me that pre-Pesach would be a good time to invest in these new storage pots and eco-friendly wrap. Many of us take the opportunity to treat ourselves to something untainted by chometz, which may or may not make it into our regular  kitchen armoury when the eight days are over.  

 

And on that note, it may also be worth checking out the Instant Pot — or IP to its fans. The IP is a gadget with so many functions, I’m hoping it makes me redundant. It lists its skills as pressure cooker; slow cooker; rice cooker; yoghurt maker and it even allows you to brown the meat/veg off first in its base. I have one waiting patiently for me to break it in.

 

To be honest, I'm a little intimidated, but am taking strength from the lovely kosher recipe writer and cookery teacher, Paula Shoyer, who loved hers so much, she has written a kosher cookbook dedicated to it. I mentioned it in the JC recently, when it first occurred to me that it could be a good Pesach investment.

 

Perhaps I'll overcome my (irrational) IP fear and start my Pesach prep in there. It may even help me on my eco-mission, by reducing the time I spend at the stove...