Hello and happy Monday! Writing the title for this blog post did make me smile, at the end of this week we're into February and one step closer to lighter nights and warmer weather. I feel like I should complain about the weather. For once it hasn't been that cold here but it has been wet. I caught something on the news the other day saying we'd had a months rain fall in just a few days. Eek!
We had a really good weekend which always helps me head into a new week in a better mood. We were all home, which doesn’t happen that often anymore and I love it when it does. Saturday evening was simple, we all ate together and then we settled down in front of the TV. Sunday followed the same theme: very little effort, lots of movies and a fair amount of eating. Sometimes those are the best days, especially when the weather outside isn't great!
Last weeks meal plan went great! All the Gousto meals were of course fantastic but we did end up pushing everything back by a day as Stu and I ate out on Monday. The only meal we skipped was the pork stir fry which was no great loss as everything was coming out of the freezer and cupboards. I felt like I had won the lottery on Thursday when the food shop was delivered, there were no substitutions and unavailable items. It's the first time that has happened in about 6 months. What a treat!
I don't have any massive plans for this week. I have a little craft project to get on with, I started last week building the pieces I needed from Plaster of Paris. I’ll of course share it when it’s finished, assuming it all works out and doesn’t collapse in a pile. Fingers crossed. lol
On the menu this week we have:
Monday - A surprise!
Stu is on cooking duty tonight which means I get the evening off. I have no idea what we’re having which makes it even better. It could be something dug out of the freezer, it could be something he’s decided to make from scratch or it could be a combination of both. I love not having to think about it.
Tuesday - Gousto Meal - Oven Baked Pork Belly & Winter Veg Pot Roast!
This is proper comfort food. It says to cook it in a pan but I ignore that and throw everything into the slow cooker because I like to make life easier where I can. Pork belly, carrots and parsnips in a herby gravy, served with roast potatoes. Ellie usually turns her nose up at anything that comes out of the slow cooker but this is the one exception. She actually asks for it at least once a month which says a lot.
Wednesday - Gousto Meal - One Pot Baked Mushroom Stroganoff Tortiglioni!
This is one of our favourites which still surprises me a bit considering we’re a fairly meat-loving household. Mushrooms, onion and garlic cooked until everything is golden and smells amazing, then mixed with pasta and stock and baked together. It’s topped with soured cream and a sprinkle of paprika.
Thursday - Gousto Meal - Gochujang Beef Udon Noodles!
Gochujang is a thick Korean chilli paste made from red chilli peppers, fermented soybeans, rice and salt and it’s sweet, spicy and a bit savoury all at once. This dish is stir-fried minced beef with sliced carrot and udon noodles, all coated in a glossy sauce that clings to everything in the best way. It’s finished off with toasted sesame seeds which always makes a meal feel fancier than it really is.
Friday - Chippy tea!
We’ll order from the local fish and chip shop everyone will get what they fancy! I know my youngest will get a chicken wrap and fries, Becky will either get spam fritter and chips or a doner kebab and myself and Stu will stick with the classic fish and chips!
Saturday - Gousto Meal - Hot Honey Bacon & Fried Egg Pancakes!
Fluffy buttermilk pancakes with crispy bacon, a fried egg and lashings of hot honey butter for an extra kick. We've had this plenty of times before and really enjoy it!
Sunday - Toad in the Hole, mash and veg!
I’m planning on toad in the hole with mashed potato and veg. It’s easy, filling and doesn’t require much effort, which is exactly what I want on a Sunday evening.
What are you eating this week?
