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My partner and I work full-time, and we both have a variety of evening commitments that mean either coming home late, or squeezing in dinner between work and the next thing. So speedy meals are a must. Pastas, stir fries and breakfast-for-dinner meals like omelettes are great for these times.
We also find it useful to make a bulk meal on a night we are at home, so there are leftovers in the fridge. I find it best to separate the leftovers out into individual serves straight away. It’ll save you time later, and gives you the option of grabbing a single serve to take with you for a workday lunch. Plus, you can always freeze portions too.
For how to freeze food safely, see this Test Kitchen article.
Weekend celebrations
I’m lucky enough to live close to lots of extended family, and most months we have a big get-together where everyone contributes something to the food table. In summer, the main course is often a barbecue. But in autumn and winter it’s pasta bakes all the way. Lasagne is a particular favourite – classic beef – paired with a spinach and ricotta cannelloni for the vegetarians.
Weekends also mean I’ve got time for my favourite food-related activity (besides eating, of course) – baking. For busy weekends, something simple like a chocolate brownie makes for great workday snacks the following week, and can double as a dessert – simply heat it up and serve with ice-cream. If you have more time, oranges are in season, and are beautiful in this flourless orange and white chocolate cake. It serves 12, so it’s great for a gathering.
Below you’ll find this week’s meal plan, filled with some of my favourites. I hope that you’ll find a new favourite of yours in this collection. Happy cooking!
Monday | Chilli con carne
Serves 4
If I’m running short on time, I replace the chillies, chilli powder and cumin with a packet of taco spice mix.
Tuesday | Baked potatoes
Serve 4
If you have leftover chilli con carne from Monday, use it as a filling for jacket potatoes! Top with plenty of cheese. Or find other ideas for toppings in this recipe, including barbecued baked beans, and a nachos-inspired option.
Wednesday | Chicken laksa
Serves 1
Great for a solo dinner, and can easily be doubled to serve two.
Our classic version of this popular soup. A stick blender will make quick work of blitzing the cooked vegetables into a liquid. Serve with crusty bread or a store bought foccacia or garlic bread.
Classic pub grub in the comfort of your home. and ready in 20 minutes. For a bit of zing, I use an arrabbiata pasta sauce.
A rich and gooey bake for the whole family. If making for vegetarians, make sure your parmesan is made with non-animal rennet.
Made in a food processor so every bite gets that beautiful date flavour.
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