Michael Rowan discovers the joy of home cooked food, without spending much time in his own kitchen, thanks to Oakhouse Foods https://www.oakhousefoods.co.uk/
If you are like me, nothing quite gladdens the heart like the thought of a delicious home cooked meal. The downside however, is that it’s generally me that has to cook it. Then there is the purchase of the ingredients and the use of countless pots and pans before the oven is even warm. In the end I often decide to settle for a sandwich.
So when Frost Magazine was approached to test some meals from Oakhouse Foods I was intrigued – was their range of 350 meals for one was as delicious as they said? Well, my curiosity is satisfied, because this trusted and established food delivery service, with over 25 years experience, really does do as it says on the ‘packet’: it delivers an extensive choice of delicious quality frozen meals.
These are not idle words because, as many of you may know, I am Frost Magazine’s resident cynic, and at first I had my doubts that anyone could really supply a roast dinner that simply needed popping in the oven and yet still taste as good as the home cooked dish.
To make matters more difficult, I explained that I was vegetarian, which is my sure- fire test of cooking skills. In my opinion if you can get the vegetarian option right, the rest is likely to be very good indeed.
The packages were promptly delivered in a 100% compostable bag and I have to say, that despite social distancing, the local deliveryman was exemplary, checking that we had everything we needed and making sure that we knew his name and how to contact him, should there be any problem.
The dishes that I sampled were the Luxury Vegetarian Roast Dinner (£6.00); Roasted Vegetable Lasagne (£5.55). Lemon Pudding with Lemon Custard (£3.99) pack of 2; Black Forest Gateaux (£4.75) pack of 2.
Possessing a large appetite, I was dubious that there would be enough to satisfy me but I needn’t have worried, not only was there plenty, everything was delicious.
The Mushroom Wellington melted in the mouth and the carrots and parsnips perfectly cooked retaining just enough bite. The roast potatoes and cauliflower and broccoli cheese were superb accompaniments and the Yorkshire Pudding completed the ensemble.
I had to have a little rest before I could tackle the Lemon pudding with lemon sauce. I was in for another surprise, because rather than a stodgy nursery pudding, this was a light lemony sponge with a pleasing sharp sauce.
The following day I enjoyed the Roast Vegetable Lasagne which was another revelation. The sheets of Lasagne were perfectly cooked and nicely al dente, whilst the roast vegetables were prepared in such a way that each vegetable was readily identifiable through taste and texture. The cheese sauce complimenting rather than over powering the dish.
I had considered adding some salad but the portion was such that there really was no need.
The Black Forest Gateau, replete with whole black cherries, was light, tasty and gloriously indulgent, but if you are the sort of person who nods at the waiter when offered extra cream, then go ahead, but personally I didn’t think that it was necessary.
Portion sizes throughout were generous to a fault and I can well imagine these meals been a life saver for someone who is self- isolating or someone trying to arrange food on behalf of someone who lives some distance away.
With the current climate, a trip to the supermarket may not be possible and delivery slots are still difficult to come by so this could be the solution.
When we get back to normal, these meals would be a boon for those who work late but don’t fancy yet another take away, or those wishing to make sure that their offspring away at University, aren’t living solely on takeaways.
Oakhouse Foods provide something for everyone, no matter the size of appetite, dietary needs or personal preference. Meals for those following special diets such as gluten-free, low-sugar, low fat or low salt alongside pureed or bite-sized ranges are available, with more than 80 well-known recipes also provided as mini meals for those with smaller appetites.
They can also create bespoke meal lists, whether for allergens or preference, which outlines the dishes which suit personal diets. From comforting classics to a wide range of vegetarian meals which can be placed in the freezer and cooked in the microwave or oven.
Online booking has also been extended, with people now being able to order up to twelve weeks in advance for peace of mind.
Oakhouse Foods offers a range of over 350 high-quality and great-tasting meals, with a team dedicated to providing food that’s comforting and reliable, all of which can be viewed here
A full-colour brochure is also downloadable via this link and can be delivered to homes, nationwide and free of charge.