Episode 2

Top chefs Allegra McEvedy and Paul Merrett have devised Economy Gastronomy, a system to slash our food bills and eat better than ever before. The Economy Gastronomy system shows every household in Britain how to save time and money and still create amazing, flavour-packed meals on a budget.

Simon and Isobel Colton are hard-working parents with three kids aged ten, eight and seven. Simon's business is feeling the pinch and he's had to make 17 people redundant. He is also selling the car and the family are downsizing - if they can sell the house. They spend hundreds of pounds a week on food and need to economise. Also, Isobel has fallen out of love with her kitchen and cooks the same meal several times a week. Will the family eat something other than grilled chicken with boiled rice again?

Will the family stick to the Economy Gastronomy plan, reduce their food bills and cook every meal for a week from scratch? How will Simon and Isobel cope when they're challenged to cook a three-course meal for six people against the clock using the principles of Economy Gastronomy and only 10 pounds extra for ingredients?