Wow this week has been a whirlwind of activity, with loads of pre Christmas catchups, all the birthday get togethers, catering, client work and teaching I feel like I never stop. Plus I thought it was a good idea to start a new business on top of that so I am definitely keeping busy. This means that my go to meals are easy to cook and quick at the moment and that’s this week’s meal plans.
From very fast work lunch prep to no fuss dinners I’m all about keeping it easy in the kitchen at the moment. And that’s also the perfect thing to do in the lead up to a month of big holiday celebrations when things get a little fancy.
Other things to update you on for this week are:
I went to 38 Chairs in South Yarra for the first time and my oh my their pasta is incredible. The duck and turkey ragu with hand made pasta was incredible.
That new business is something I’ll share with you soon, it’s totally non food related and I’m loving learning about something new!
Also went to the Botanical in South Yarra and had this amazing ginger cake with roasted banana for dessert – such a great combo.
And follow along on my Instagram story if you want to the food at the Christmas lunch I’m catering today!
Now what I’m eating when I’m actually at home:
Plan A
Day 1: Quick Quinoa Salad with Goats Cheese and Cranberries – this could easily be a Christmas side but It makes the best easy dinner or lunch. I’ve been keeping it vegetarian and having it with one or 2 soft boiled eggs but you could add any protein you like, or have it as is.
Day 2: Lime and Black Pepper Salmon, served with Szechuan and Peanut Green Beans on the side and some steamed rice.
Day 3: Chicken and Mushroom Larb Style Salad Lettuce Cups. These are on regular rotation in our house, so much flavour and texture – they’re perfect.
Day 4: Rosemary Roasted Cauliflower with Butter Bean and Parmesan Puree, I have this with some flat bread or a green salad on the side and call it dinner. The butter beans add a good dose of protein and it’s full of fiber to keep you full too
Day 5: Healthy-ish Chicken Nachos with Chipotle Cheese Sauce, You can skip the making your own corn chips part if you’re low on time.
Plan B
Day 1: Rosemary Roasted Cauliflower with Butter Bean and Parmesan Puree, this would be great for a vegetarian Christmas and now is the perfect time to try out Christmas recipes, get in the spirit right?
Day 2: This Quick Quinoa Salad is the perfect easy lunch or dinner!
Day 3: Creamy Pesto Noodles with Roast Tomatoes and Chickpeas, there’s no cream or avocado in this recipe but you’ll totally think there is. In fact it’s vegan!
Day 4: Black Rice, Coconut and Avocado Salad – this is such a simple and tasty salad with a really yummy dressing.
Day 5: Quick Spicy Vegetarian Ramen – loads of flavour in very little time, like the healthy version of a noodle cup… okay slightly more time than a noodle cup.
This week’s bonus recipe? Mango and Coconut Icey Poles because they’re amazing!
HH. x