meal planning monday

Life's back to normal this week. I'm off the crutches and we'll get into the swing of normal meals again.

Monday: my daughter wanted to make home-made pizza yesterday, so I moved the roast dinner to tonight. Autumn calls for crispy-skinned roast chicken don't you think? And I'll have to make a potato bake as well. But don't worry, we're not going heavy on the cream, I have a sneaky version that tastes as good as the cream and cheese laden version - with way less fat. Here's the recipe.

Tuesday: I dug out a childhood fave recipe book the other day. I spent my teen years cooking from this, and when I found a copy in the Salvos one day I nearly screamed with joy. It's the Leggo's Italian Cookbook, circa 1970 complete with awesome illustrations. Those of you who follow me on Instagram would have seen a special shot. I heart it so. Tonight's a beef and capsicum pasta bake. Simply delicious. I'll serve it with a green salad.

Wednesday: I'm out to dinner with friends, so hubby and daughter shall fend for themselves. They're both steak fans so it'll be steak, chips and salad.

Thursday: I have a hankering for pork chops, served with lemon-roasted potatoes, green beans and apple sauce (I have many apples taking up space in my crisper - they shall become a quick apple sauce)

Friday: Prepare for an excited squeal to be inserted here as I'll be cooking paella in my $6 Aldi Paella Pan.  So excited. I've been waiting for these to come back in stock again and they finally have. I caught up with a friend for coffee the other day and she told me she'd just been to Aldi to buy a pan, but they weren't on display. So, tempting fate, I called in there later this night and saw the space for paella pan was empty. There was an Aldi dude stocking the shelves, so I thought I'd ask him if there were any paella pans out the back. And there were! I quickly applauded, then asked if he could grab me another for my friend. This week's my first attempt at paella. I'll give it a shot and post the recipe if it's a success. Check back on my recipe blog next week!

Saturday: it's a friend's birthday party tonight. An 80s, blue light disco themed party. Excited! It's retro-authentic with West Coast Coolers and everything. So I'd best prepare for this before leaving - there shall be pancetta macaroni cheese for dinner tonight. With a green salad.

Sunday: Roast night. I'll see what tickles my fancy at the farmer's markets. I'm thinking pork, or lamb shoulder. With plenty of roasted, seasonal vegies - and greens on the side.