slow – Mediocre Mum

Meal Planning Monday – 29th April 2013

I do find meal planning a bit of a slog. I usually sit down on a Sunday with my Slow Cooker Books and start trawling for recipes and making my shopping list. Sometimes I wish I was one of those people who had a set menu every week but always keen to try new recipes.

But one thing that helps a bit is that I have a couple ‘themes’ to help me focus. On a Monday it’s always #meatfreemonday and on Fridays we try to have fish. So this just leaves 3 weekdays to sort out.

However, I do find that planning each week saves us time and money. A couple of weeks ago I tried online shopping again and found I could do my shop for around £50. However, on the weekend I went to Morrison’s, it’s usually cheap but found myself spending twice as much. Think I will do it online again next week, it stops me from impulse buying.

This week my Slow Cooker will be busy cooking:

Monday – Aubergine Massamman Curry

Tuesday – Tomato, Lentil and Chorizo Soup

Wednesday – American Diner Style Chili

Thursday – Lamb Tagine

Friday – Smoked Cod with Bean Mash

Roll on Bank Holiday Weekend!

Meal Planning Monday – 22 April 2013

I’m stuck in this limbo between Winter and Spring. I know it’s supposed to be Spring but I kept finding myself still choosing winter comfort food when planning my meals this week; Two Bean Chilli, Sausage and Puy Lentils and Spaghetti Bolognaise.

I’ve never made the Salt Cod before and in truth I’m using up a selection of white fish from the freezer so it may not actually be cod.

I’m reviewing the spices, hence the Spicy Chicken and Rice recipe, but I’m not convinced about Chicken and Cinnamon and not sure how it will work.

I’m out at my networking group, An Afternoon in the Pub on Friday, so I will pop Spag Bol in the Slow Cooker for Hubby and Madame as it’s their favourite.

As always, these are all Slow Cooker Recipes and if I have any joy, you will find them on my other blog, slowcookerqueen.com.

Have a great week.

Meal Planning Monday – 15 April 2013

My daughter has now been off school for 18 days! 18 WHOLE DAYS! I’m gagging for her to get back to school tomorrow and a semblance of a routine restored. Her school had an inset today (just what we needed after two weeks off), but she was still supposed to go to child-care but threw a wobbly and as I was home, I decided to spare the childminder the pain and keep her home with me.

However, I did explain I had work to do and I’ve already planned the meals for the week so she’s going to have to eat Cannellini Risotto. It’s not going to happen is it??? And for the record, I’ve got very little done.

Anyhow, all of the recipes this week are new so I don’t have any links to the recipes but if they turn out okay, you will eventually find them on The Slow Cooker Queen.

Have a great week and I hope you enjoyed a bit of sunshine.

Meal Planning Monday 8th April 2013

Week two of school holidays! I’m on my knees but have ordered in a case of wine so I should survive. As always, the majority of our meals this week will be done in a slow cooker. Well, actually they all will be.

On Mondays we do #meatfree, but no chance I will convince our 5 year old to eat a veggie curry so I’ve opted for Lasagna which hopefully she will eat. Fingers firmly crossed. I will leave you guys to debate my spelling of Lasagna and for the record that is an ‘e’ in Kedgeree and not an ‘a’.

The second new recipe we are trying is the Paprikash – she loves pork, mushrooms and sour cream so hedging my bet on this one.

We will also be having a few tried and tested favorites. The links to the recipes are below.

If anyone is looking for me this week, I will be hiding at the bottom of a bottle of red! :-)

Have a great week!

Meal Planning Monday – 25th March 2013

This week’s meals have been inspired by the weather. I can’t believe the difference between now and this time last year!

As always, I will predominantly be using my Slow Cooker and am looking forward to trying some new recipes. I’m not convinced about the Marmalade Oxtail but always willing to have a go. I just need to remember to marinate it the night before, which is not my strong point.

I’ve never eaten Quinoa and I’ve had a bag in the cupboard for ages, so looking forward to trying the Aubergine and Baked Egg. Pushing the boat out on Friday and making a Thai Fish Curry, fingers crossed the little one will eat it. She loves Fish and Prawns but she’s not a huge fan of spices.

Have a great week and stay warm!