I’m still trying to pin down an autumn routine. Meal times do change with the seasons and it takes a little time to nail down a routine. I get way more done but also feel like I’m in control of everyday tasks if I’ve got a plan.
Sometimes it is just a freewheel but that’s just not how I do my best work. Does anyone else feel this way? Timetables don’t make me feel restricted but allow me to fit in things I would normally struggle to find time for. And meal planning is a big part of keeping the ship afloat.
I usually plan the meals but don’t put a definite day on what we will be having. So, for example, If I make a bolognese it doesn’t have to be eaten on a Monday but if it’s ready in the fridge it can be heated up on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on what is happening that week. Leftovers and “tidy up “ meals play a bit part in our weekly meals too. So reheats and concoctions are often dished up at meal times.Menu ideas for this week
Mince and Dumplings….a bit traditional but such a filling and satisfying meal. Add plenty of chopped onion and grated carrots to the organic mince, lentils or chickpeas are a good substitute instead of the mince. Use meat stock or a good stock powder to help make a thick gravy. Make the dumplings and if you’re not going to eat it straight away lift the dumplings out of the mince and refrigerate them and the mince separately. Put them back on top when you reheat it. That way they will be crispy on the top and not soggy. Serve it with greens but make sure you make plenty of dumplings to go round. Any leftovers can be portioned up and eaten later in the week or frozen as a home made ready meal. Much tastier and cheaper than anything bought.Thick Christmas Farm Sausages and Mash.This is my all time favourite meal. I like buttery mash with lots of black pepper. Any veg in a cheese sauce is a great accompaniment to this meal.Leftover mash can be used to make potato scones for a Sunday morning brunch or a late supper with scrambled eggsItalian meatloaf with green salad and tomato salsa.Leftovers are great for lunch boxes and sandwichesSpecial fried riceThis dish is a good way to use up any leftover rice or veg. I often put on sliced up leftover sausages or pieces of bacon, but I think any leftover sliced up meat would be great in this eggy fried rice dish. We like it spicy so we use sliced up chillies tooCelery soup.This is one of my favourite soups. It’s still summery and it makes use of all the celery including the leaves. It’s best sieved to remove any fibery bits once it’s been blended. I make it with onions, potatoes, garlic, lots of stock and fresh double cream and plenty of salt and pepper. Serve it with cheese on toast.If you have any questions about how to use up items in the box please do get in touch. Happy cooking and eatingB x
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