Meal Planning Monday

Last Monday evening saw me have a bit of a cooking fest, I made lots of things for the freezer, to make my life easier as I become more tired as term progresses! I have a sneaking suspicion now that I was supposed to be somewhere else, but I shall find out tonight if I missed anything. I had a burger out of the freezer for dinner which I was just going to put in a bun with some salad etc as usual, but when I got home I felt like something different, so I roasted up some carrot and parsnips with maple syrup and mustard to go with the burger alongside some salad.

Maple Mustard Roasted Root Veg (from Good Food Magazine January 2010)
(Serves 4)

400g small carrots, peeled and halved or quartered lengthways if large
400g parsnips , peeled and cut into long wedges
1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp wholegrain mustard
1 tbsp sunflower oil

Bring a large pan of salted boiling water to the boil. Tip in the roots, bring back to the boil and cook for 3 mins. Drain well, then tip onto a large roasting tin. Whisk together the syrup, mustard and oil with some seasoning, then gently toss with the veg. Cover with cling film for up to 24 hrs.

Bring to room temp before cooking. Roast at 220C for 30 mins until golden and sticky.

I have a lot of root veg sat in my fridge and several of this weeks meals try to use up some of them. I bought a load of reduced veg after Christmas and they have lasted really well. I am now on the last of them but it has definitely made me more creative with veg I never really usually use. It looks like a fairly good and balanced week with a mixture of vegetarian, fish and meat meals. I am out a couple of times; I'm off to see Dreamboats and Petticoats on Tuesday evening and meeting my sister for brunch on Sunday to try out a bar/pub in Walthamstow Village. I'm still not sure about Saturday lunch, hopefully something will inspire me later in the week otherwise it'll be soup!

Monday
Broccoli, Asparagus and Smoked Sausage Pasta Salad
Pork and Lime Curry with Rice

Tuesday
Honeyed Winter Salad
Out at the Theatre, hopefully dinner at MEATmarket

Wednesday
Salmon and Brown Rice Salad
Roasted Carrot, Leek and Goat's Cheese Pies with Salad

Thursday
Avocado and Chicken Wrap with Crisps
Devilled Mackerel with Potatoes and Spinach

Friday
Roasted Veg and Chickpea Tagine with Couscous
Spiced Roast Carrot, Lentil and Spinach Salad

Saturday
Christmas Veggie Burger
Honey Mustard Chicken Pot with Parsnips

Sunday
Brunch with my Sister
Sausage and Puy Lentils

Check out Mrs M's Blog for more Meal Planning ideas