Can't cook, won't cook is not in Jean Andrews’ vocabulary.

In true Jamie Oliver style, the grandmother is offering to help fellow villagers beat the credit crunch with some good old-fashioned home cooking.

Mrs Andrews, who lives in Chapel Lane, Staplehurst, wrote at www.staplehurstvillage.org.uk: “I have been very concerned about the impact of rising food prices on families and the insights of Jamie Oliver about the lack of expertise in cooking.

“I am old now, nearly 70, but have a vast fund of recipes which I would be delighted to send to anyone who would like them. Absolutely no charge. If you need any help with ideas about how to cook inexpensively and easily, please do contact me.

“When things are difficult, people should try to help each other. Perhaps our community could lead the way in trying to do just that.“

Mrs Andrews, a retired languages teacher who taught at Benenden School, does everything from making her own bread and biscuits to casseroles and marmalade, describing her style of cooking as petit bourgeois French.

She said: “For coq au vin I buy chicken thighs with the skin on, which is cheaper, and I use cheap cooking wine.

“Casseroles using cheaper cuts of meat are a great way to save money and pop in a couple of baked potatoes at the same time and you have a meal.”

Leftovers are an important part of her repertoire: bubble and squeak from potatoes and cabbage, rissoles from the remains of the Sunday roast and soups using uneaten vegetables are just some ideas.

“Menu planning and using up leftovers is really important in saving money,” said Mrs Andrews.

Some have suggested the blog could have a recipe section while another believed it could lead to a Staplehurst cookery book.