2nd November 2009

Afternoon foodies I have to admit that I have checked my blog quite a few times over the last 24 hours in the sad and somewhat pathetic hope that it will have taken off and I will have heaps of comments and a gaggle of followers. Alas...to no avail but it's only day 2. Nigella wasn't an overnight success either. Jamie Oliver is a different story so let's not mention him. Oh, hang on, let's just mention him quickly....I'm loving his American Roadtrip show at the moment, might buy the cookbook - Ok Jamie - that's it for you today! Today I planned my menu for the week and then proceeded to swan around the supermarket browsing for everything I need to create a culinary concoction for the next 6 nights (and breakfasts, lunches and snacks!) Now here I feel I must make a confession (apt I suppose given the title of my blog!). I have been labelled an anal freak by some of my friends and have also heard mutterings under the breath of some visitors to my house, that sounded a little like "too much time on her hands", however I stand by my menu planner. It gives me a sense of control and organisation in this crazy life and gives me something to look forward to. When my day is going to hell in a handbasket I can press the scan button, in my head, and give myself a sneak peak of myself whipping up an afterwork dinner of chicken scallopini (or whatever is set out in the dinner column under Monday on my menu grid which is stuck to the fridge door with my knife and fork magnets!) and feel a sense that all is right in the world. So this week I have come up with this: Monday: Breakfast (BF) - sliced peaches with vanilla yogurt & granola, Lunch (L)- mini lamb pasties, Dinner (D) - spinach & ricotta canelloni (made with fresh lasagne sheets)with garden salad Tuesday: BF - scrambled eggs w/ grilled tomato, L - minestrone soup with bread, D - tandoori chicken wraps with salad, mango chutney & yoghurt Wednesday: BF - cereal w/ sliced banana, L - felafel & salad wrap, D - curried sausages w/ mash Thursday: BF - banana smoothie, L - Bacon, Egg, Lettuce & Tomato baguette, D - Mexican beef meatballs w/ rice, guacamole & sour cream Friday: BF - boiled eggs w/ sour dough toast, L - cheesy tuna, zucchini, spinach & mushroom pasta bake, D - chicken schnitzel burgers w/ homecut wedges Feel free to use this for your own week's eating or just grab a few ideas. I will share some of the recipes later in the week. Some of the meals I prepare in advance on the weekend which makes life easier. Remember, comments about time and hands are not appreciated!! Chin Chin xx