meal planning monday

The other night a friend of mine asked if I cheated with my meal planning. At first I thought she must have meant, you know, do I swap my meals around - or give in and buy takeaway - which you totally know that I do. These meal plans are always just a guide. Generally speaking, I'll follow through with about 85% success rate. But there are nights when it's too hot, or I'm too tired and so off to Sticky Rice for Thai takeaway we'll go. But my friend was actually asking what I said when I was going out - which, ahem, I tend to do quite a lot.

I seem to be a bit crazy-busy at the moment, particularly of a weeknight - and this week's no different. So here's a week's worth of meals, some of which only my hubby and my gal will be eating. So here it is - this week's meals. What are you eating? Or are you stupid-busy like me?


Monday: I'm off to the Newcastle Art Gallery tonight for a sake and sushi night while we check out Japanese ceramics. I'm going with my friends S and A, and our tastebuds will be tickled by Beau from Subo. YUM! Oh, and we'll be all cultural over ceramics too. Hubby and daughter are having steak and salad.

Tuesday: Burlesque class tonight. Last week's class was BRILLIANT with some new moves that had me giggling wildly and really gave me a workout. I'll make a chicken, lemon, basil and chilli flake pasta for dinner tonight. Just stir fry strips of chicken breast till brown, then add lemon zest, lemon juice, basil and chilli flakes. Toss through the cooked pasta and a couple of spoonfuls of the pasta water. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and serve.

Wednesday: I have a crazy amount of eggs in the fridge as I keep ordering a dozen eggs from Aussie Farmers and we haven't really been using them. Best make a spanish tortilla for dinner with potato and chorizo. Served with a great big green salad.

Thursday: I'm going to the movies - to see Paris/Manhattan and then catching up with a friend from Sydney and some Newy tweeps at Bar Petite for drinks and nibbles. Hubby and daughter can have mexican for dinner perhaps.

Friday: I never, ever, ever feel like cooking on a Friday night, but, as I'm such a social butterfly this week (again, I know) I should do salmon on the bbq as my gal loves it so.

Saturday: As our movie was rained out last week, I'm off to Nobby's Lighthouse again tonight. Because it's Oz Day I'll day some mini-pavs. I'm also going to make a poached chicken and nectarine salad for hubby and daughter - and take servings along for C and me.

Sunday: I need to make a new recipe tonight. I'm going to choose something from Nigella's new book Nigelissima - are you watching her new series on ABC on Tuesday nights? It's divine. I'm going to make Lamb Cutlets with mint, chilli and golden potatoes. Mmmmm.

And that's it. Phew.

image from housetohome.co.uk