In which I transform from dunce to goddess. Theoretically.

Monday 25 November 2013

I've fallen off the wagon.

Already!!!
How long has it been? 2? 3 weeks? Useless. 

I had such great intentions of building up a little repertoire of meals that I could quickly and competently cook and I started so well. But then what happened? 

Here come my excuses: 
1) little man wasn't well
2) I wasn't well 
3) last week we went out for dinner twice and had a take away for my brother's birthday.
4) I'm useless

That all added up to ensure that I REALLY couldn't be bothered to cook. So I gave up. 

Useless.  

So I've resolved to try again. I won't be put off. I can't be put off. The little man is nearly 6 months old and is showing more and more by the day that he's ready to be weaned. It won't be long before I'm having to rustle up appetising feasts of mashed veg. I won't be able to escape the kitchen so I need to learn to embrace it. The kitchen and I need to bond and find a mutual love. Or at the very least, a modicum of respect. 
So back I go.

And here is the plan for this week.

Saturday: Chicken with pancetta (from Jamie Oliver's Ministry of food)

Sunday: Chicken Casserole with cheesy dumplings

Monday: Me out, him freezer meal

Tuesday: Freezer meal

Wednesday: Cauliflower pasta bake

Thursday: Beef fajitas

Friday: Chicken pie

I wonder how it will go. 

I'm linking up with http://orgjunkie.com/ for Meal Plan Monday.
Thanks for popping by.
xxx

 

Tuesday 5 November 2013

Meal Plan Monday #2

The plan for this week is as follows:

Saturday: Cottage Pie

Sunday: Roast Chicken

Monday: N- Out at Guides
                 S- Freezer meal

Tuesday: Toad in the hole again, but it was THAT good

Wednesday: Freezer meal

Thursday: Chicken and broccoli pasta bake

Friday: Fish and rice



It's a slightly less challenging plan for me than last week but maybe I can throw in some baking too ;)


I'm linking up with Menu plan Monday over at http://orgjunkie.com/ . If you've popped by from there, thanks for coming.

Nicky x


MPM-Fall

Monday 4 November 2013

Meal Plan Monday #1 - Reviewed

So how did last week, my first Meal plan Monday week, go??

Not great to be honest. My little man had Hand Foot and Mouth disease and, although he was amazing through it, he took even more of my attention than usual. And then I had a rotten sore throat for a few days and stayed on the sofa in my PJs. So the meals weren't necessarily done on the days they were planned. Meh!

So last week I DID manage to cook:

toad in the hole,
paella,
ratatouille and sausages
and fish pie. 
This weekend I've done cottage pie with sliced potatoes not mash and a roast.

I am amazed with myself, I really am. I've honestly cooked more in the last 2 weeks than I have in the last 7 years. I don't think my husband can believe his luck. - To be honest I think we're both wondering how long I can keep it up but I'm willing to give it a go. I'm also willing to think he's expecting me to give up soon but I'm determined not to. We've eaten SO much more healthily since I've been meal planning and there is none of that 'what shall we have for dinner?' nonsense anymore.

The Toad in the hole was AMAZING.



 (Proof I made it myself and didn't cheat!)





I followed this recipe on the BBC good food website. There was a little too much batter so will try another one next time.

The paella was ok, I followed the instructions my hubby gave me. We aren't massive seafood fans so we tend to have chicken and chorizo in it. This is the 'after' photo.

We've never had fish pie before but this meal is definitely a keeper. We loved it.
Yes that is a bit of mozzarella with the cheddar on the top - why not? - and I know the photo is rubbish but fish pie isn't the most photographic food ever is it? Lets be honest, it looks like it's already been eaten!
And this is my take on a cottage pie. The potatoes from here were MUCH nicer than mash.
I think that might be 4 little meals I've added to my arsenal.


Oh, and the ratatouille and sausages..... well. I liked it, but my husband didn't. So I wont be doing that again. I can cross that one off the list. :(


Sunday 3 November 2013

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Look what I did.....

I'm so proud of myself.

I made a roast dinner all by myself. 

I've done bits of them before but usually have to be rescued by my husband. But this one was all my own work. Have a look.......Doesn't it look yummy?



Ok, so I cheated on a lot of it........ the chicken was one of those crown things with the stuffing already in it. The Yorkshire puddings were made by Aunt Bessie and there is a rather massive absence of any green veg. BUT, you can't run before you can walk people!  Considering this is the first roast I've done all by myself I needed to cut a few corners surely???

Anyway, it was DELICIOUS even if I do say so myself. :) I am quite proud.

Oh and ignore the way the chicken has been hacked up, my hubby did it and I'm not entirely sure what he was thinking.

Friday 1 November 2013

Wow

Is this or is this not the best invention EVER????