I don’t like kitchen clutter, food or otherwise.
For me an organised kitchen is a happy kitchen
As part of my life simplification journey I try not to make unneccessary purchases and to keep items to a minimum where possible, with things having multi-use. However I do possess a handful of items that for me, make my kitchen work more efficiently. Continue reading
Let it Snow!
I woke up this morning to 2 very awake children jumping all over my bed and a light dusting of snow outside. The perfect wake up call on both counts.
I love the snow, and I love my kids more than words can say.
Those following this blog will know I grocery shop online, and there was a delivery due this morning. Another fantastic reason for online grocery shopping – you can take delivery in your ‘Little Miss Naughty’ dressing gown and amuse the delivery driver.
I have a confession – I forgot about Buy Nothing Day UK falling on a Saturday this year as it was the day after Thanksgiving last year, a Friday …I’d ordered my food a few days ago and hadn’t thought – so my credit card* will have been charged today – oh well better luck next year!
(*It’s a cash-back credit card so I earn commission every time I use it. For me it’s a very effective way of managing my spend each month, and I pay it off each month. It’s also incredibly practical as I shop online and it has built-in insurance on certain purchases)
Simple Meal Plan Week 3
Every few weeks I reduce my usual spend of approx. £100 total on food, drinks, treats and household goods. This is normally because over 3 or 4 weeks I tend to accumulate some extras, such as items I have frozen, or excess store cupboard ingredients that haven’t quite been used up.
This is one of those weeks so I spent approx:
A total of £75 – I will also this week be visiting the local butcher – which I do like to do and if I can, I plan it in with my batch of errands. I will probably spend £5 – So my total this week is £80 – a 20% reduction on usual.
So what are we eating this week in the Wright household?
Breakfasts are a combination of Pancakes, Bran Loaf, Cereals and Toast
Saturday
Sunday
Meat Free Monday – also my Gran’s Funeral
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Friday is the day I take part in Food Waste Friday over at The Frugal Girl – so if the fridge is bare the Hubby and I get a takeaway. Otherwise I get creative and rustle up a ‘No Waste Tastes Great’ meal. Don’t fret about the Kids, I always have something I can prepare for them such as omlettes or pasta.
Don’t we eat a lot of cheese and ice-Cream! I hadn’t realised! Oh well!
(n.b – Missing Recipes will be posted this week)
How’s your week looking? Are you all prepared with a ‘just in time‘ stocked fridge?
Have a great weekend everyone! I’m off to practise my ‘simplified laundry routine’ which is most certainly a work in progress! How can one be so organised in the kitchen and so disorganised with the laundry?
As always, on a Friday I take part in Food Waste Friday over at The Frugal Girl
I thought I would share my Friday routine this week as I try to be one organised lady when it comes to the kitchen and food!
Each week I allocate about 1-2 hours after the school run to do the following:
Fridge/Perishables Inventory
So do I have anything this week to contribute to Food Waste Friday and what am I going to do about it?? Or do the Hubby and I get a takeaway?
No takeaway for us tonight!
I have a confession – this week I skipped one of the meals (pan-fried salmon) from my meal plan and instead rustled up some omelets. I fortunately had frozen the salmon, but still had the veggies that would have accompanied it and there were also had some veggies left over from the Vegetable Curry…
So on my counter sitting in anticipation were:
All of the above I decided to prep and experiment with a mediterranean lasagne in Big Ben my Extra Large Slow Cooker – and it smells amazing already. There is so much lasagne that after we have eaten it for dinner I will freeze the remainder and we will finish it off on Meat-Free Monday.
Also sitting on my counter (oops!!):
Which I quickly peeled and chopped (adding an onion, garlic and boiling water) and placed in Brenda my Vegetarian/Pudding Slow Cooker – to make a soup which I will freeze later and then have for lunch on Meat Free Monday.
Just 1 thing left…. a Lime! Which was sliced and placed in a bag in the freezer to use as a tasty alternative to ice cubes…
So I have no food waste to confess to on Food Waste Friday 26th November apart from a Tupperware box full of peelings that are off to the recycling bin – Hurrah! I also have two meals cooking away in Bill and Brenda!
So here we are, 1 hour and 20 minutes later, Bill and Brenda are cooking away. I have cleaned the counter tops, loaded the dishwasher, made myself a cup of tea and started writing this post – a lovely productive non-wasteful morning.
So instead of Food Waste Friday it’s Feel Good Friday
I’d like to wish all readers over in the US a Happy Belated Thanksgiving. I had planned a post yesterday and would have wished you well then but I have delayed the post as I need to do a little more research.
What I would like to do in advance of my planned post is to point you toward Katy’s post ‘Be Thankful Not Wasteful’ written by Jonathan Bloom from Wasted Food yesterday over at Non-Consumer Advocate – it’s worth a look if you don’t like to see food go to waste
Have a good day y’all
The inspiration behind this recipe began a few years back when I was gifted a copy of Nigella Bites. I love this recipe book as it contains some slightly unusual combinations of food which appeal to my adventurous nature.
Nigella’s recipe is time and ingredient consuming and the side dish of sweetcorn pudding is a little ingredient intense and too sweet for my liking (as well as not very frugal and quite calorific!) – so as I am a simple girl at heart I have simplified it and think my version is an acceptable short-cut.
Simple Slow Cooked Ham in Cola with Scrambled Egg and Sweetcorn – Serves 4
You will need:
1 x Standard Slow Cooker
1 x Unsmoked Gammon Joint approx. 700grams (or in US Ham – Britons call it gammon until cooked for some reason)
1 x 1Ltr of Cola (Full Fat not Diet – I would buy 2ltrs the first time you try it as you may not have quite enough depending on the size of your slow cooker and joint)
Honey or Syrup to spread over the joint and a teaspoon of Brown Sugar
Mustard Powder (optional)
6-8 Eggs and a can of Sweetcorn
Instructions:
1. Firstly watch out for that pesky layer of plastic that they wrap around some joints. The amount of times I have cooked this and then realised the plastic is still on is actually embarrassing.
2. Place Gammon/Ham on a baking tray and cook in a conventional oven for 10 minutes on High.
3. Then place joint in the slow cooker and arrange 1 onion that has been cut into quarters around it.
4. Pour over approx. 1 ltr of Cola. If you are using a standard cooker and your joint is the same size as mine, 1ltr should 2/3rds fill the cooker, leaving the top exposed. Slow cookers should not be filled anymore than 2/3rds.
5. Place lid on top and leave on high for 4 hours (based on a joint of approx. 700g) or until you are happy the meat is cooked and piping hot throughout. Use a meat thermometer to test internal temperature if you are at all unsure.
6. Remove joint carefully and spread a thin layer of honey or syrup over the meat. This may seem a little vague but seriously I would use whatever you have in the storecupboard, honey or golden syrup, even maple syrup may work – who knows give it a try! Nigella’s recipe specifies black treacle, but after I only used it once and it was left to deteriorate in my cupboard I simplified the recipe. I don’t like kitchen clutter or unnecessary waste – I use ingredients that have multi use – and for me black treacle wasn’t one of them.
7. Then spread on approx. half a teaspoon of mustard powder (optional – if you have it and if the kids like it) , and then sprinkle on a little brown sugar and smooth over. Taking care of course as the meat will be hot.
8. Place coated meat uncovered on a baking tray in a hot oven for 10 minutes.
9. Whilst the meat is cooking prep your eggs. Add all eggs to a bowl or jug and beat, then add the can of drained sweetcorn and mix. Leave to stand.
10. Remove meat from oven and leave to rest before carving.
11. Whilst meat is resting, heat a non-stick pan with a little oil and scramble the eggs in the usual way.
12. Leave eggs in pan whilst carving meat, place meat on pre-warmed plates and add eggs – then eat!
Nigella’s version of this recipe is amazing so I would recommend it for special occasions and when you have time to watch over it as it isn’t cooked in a slow cooker.
I also suggest you take a look at this book if you would like to try your hand at a ‘not very simple’ Chocolate and Lime Cheesecake that tastes fantastic. I learnt a very valuable lesson when I first made the cheesecake – that is to read the whole recipe through before attempting. It was a bit of a surprise when I got to the bit where I had to cook the cake in a ‘water bath’ inside the oven! There was I dashing to neighbours houses looking for a roasting tin that would do the job!
n.b – there are No affiliate links in this post
p.s – if you do have some unused cola left over and do not know what to do with it then pour it down the toilet. It’s a well-known fact Cola is a fantastic loo cleaner!
n.b – as always when slow cooking meat ensure that it is piping hot and cooked throughout. If you are in any doubt use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature before eating.
Top Tip – Any leftovers, wrap well and refrigerate immediately – it will make lovely ham sandwiches with a sliver of mustard. Use within 48 hours (preferably asap) and do not reheat.
Spread the word and let’s start a Slow Cooker revolution!
* Please note that I am not a qualified nutritionist or professional cook. My recipes are what I put together at home and all amounts etc… are approximate. What I write is my own experience of cooking the recipe. Ovens and ingredients do vary – just go with it, have fun and apply common sense at all times! Practise makes perfect!
If you have tried this recipe please do let me know how it goes (or if you can improve on it) in the comments below.
My Top Tip this Tuesday is very simple!
Once in a while, have an early night!
Goodnight all – Sleep Tight xx
This slow cooked pork is so simple to make, and very tasty. Not the cheapest meal – as pork is on the expensive side, but the rest of the meal is very frugal as it comprises of fruit and veg.
Slow Cooked Pork with Apple and Celery Mash – Serves 4-6 depending on the size of Pork Joint you use
I cooked this for the first time on Sunday and was really pleased with the results. As I was feeding just 2 adults and 2 children there were plenty of leftovers for pork sandwiches.
You will need:
1 x Large Slow Cooker (or Standard if using a smaller joint)
1 x Pork Joint (I used Leg and it weighed approx. 1.5kg)
1 x Onion
4-6 x Celery Sticks dependant on how many you wish to serve (base it on 1 per person)
4-6 Eating Apples again as above (base it on 1 apple per person)
1 x 1 Litre Carton of Apple Juice
1 x Bay Leaf (optional – only add if you have one to hand – I keep dried bay leaves in my store cupboard ingredients)
1 x Chicken Stock Cube
2 x Teaspoons of Honey plus extra for spreading on the Pork Joint
8-12 Carrots (depending on portion size per person – base on 1.5-2)
8-12 Parsnips (as above)
Olive Oil
Dried Rosemary
Instructions:
1. Spread honey over the pork and place in a traditional oven (on a baking tray uncovered) on high whilst you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Pour the Apple Juice into a saucepan and heat gently. Chop the onion and thickly dice the celery and add to the juice. Add the crumbled stock cube and 2 teaspoons of honey. Finally add a bay leaf (if you have one). Bring it to the boil.
3. Peel, core and halve the apples and put to one side.
4. Take the pork from the oven and place in the slow cooker, pour over the apple juice mixture and add the apples.
5. Place lid on slow cooker and cook on high for 6 hours or until you are happy the pork is completely cooked throughout.
6. 40 Minutes before serving, peel the carrots and parsnips and cut each in half lengthways and cut again lengthways giving 4 pieces then cut width ways to make 8 pieces in total for each.
7. I always parboil the carrots for 5 minutes to soften and then with the parsnips toss all in a bowl with some olive oil and dried rosemary and place on a baking tray in a traditional oven for approx. 30 minutes on a medium-high heat to roast.
8. Just before the vegetables have finished roasting, remove the pork carefully and leave on a plate to rest. Drain the juice through a sieve and discard the fluid. The apple and celery you have retained mash lightly with a fork to the desired consistency.
9. Carve meat (removing fat first), add mash and vegetables and serve immediately.
n.b – as always when slow cooking meat ensure that it is piping hot and cooked throughout, be extra vigilant when cooking pork and poultry. If you are in any doubt use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature before eating.
Top Tip – Any leftovers, wrap well and refrigerate immediately – it will make lovely pork sandwiches with a sliver of mustard. Use within 48 hours (preferably asap) and never reheat cooked pork.
Spread the word and let’s start a Slow Cooker revolution!
* Please note that I am not a qualified nutritionist or professional cook. My recipes are what I put together at home and all amounts etc… are approximate. What I write is my own experience of cooking the recipe. Ovens and ingredients do vary – just go with it, have fun and apply common sense at all times! Practise makes perfect!
If you have tried this recipe please do let me know how it goes (or if you can improve on it) in the comments below.
Simple Meal Plan – Week Two
This meal plan runs from Saturday 20th November to Friday 26th November.
My aim each week is to plan for 7 interesting and nutritious breakfasts and lunches, and 6 evening meals for 2 Adults and 2 Children – whilst meeting my budget of approx. £75 on food including treats and drinks (this allows approx. £20 on other household items and emergency items such as milk…). Friday is takeaway/takeout night for the Hubby and I, if I don’t have any bits and pieces to use up as part of Food Waste Friday. This spend isn’t in the budget and my Son and I also eat out Thursday lunchtime most weeks as it is Playday!
Those following the blog will know that I do my grocery shop online, for me this is more efficient and eliminates unnecessary impulse purchases. There is a £5.50 delivery charge for a Saturday delivery, but for me it’s worth every penny…
This week I spent £77.32 (inc.del) on my online shop leaving me plenty for milk, and bits and pieces from the local shop should I need them.
(nb – Breakfasts consist of Bran Loaf, Pancakes, Cereals, Toast or Omelette and Fruit Juice)
Saturday – Out all day at a family wedding so no meals to be prepared
Sunday
Monday (Meat-Free)
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday – I take part in Food Waste Friday over at The Frugal Girl, so this day is left to see what I can conjure up from anything I haven’t used, or alternatively if the fridge is bare the Hubby and I get a takeaway. Do not fret, the kid’s get a hot meal at lunchtime on Friday at School and Nursery and I can always rustle up something for them for dinner from what I keep in.
This week I didn’t have to budget for Saturday as we were out for the day, so instead I spent more on Sunday’s dinner. Pork is quite an expensive meat, but ideal for a special Sunday roast or having friends over. The slow cooked pork recipe I will be posting tomorrow, as it’s cinema night at the Wright Household and I am expected at a sitting of Garfield 2 the DVD!
n.b. – all missing recipes will be posted this week – so if any look interesting then please subscribe to get an e-mail when they go live!
Hope you all have a fantastic week, and don’t forget to leave a comment if you try any of the recipes or have any suggestions on how they could be improved…
The weather in the UK is getting decidedly colder! Car’s are iced up and roads are slippy. School children have got their hats and gloves on.
Winter is definitely on its way!
Simple Top Tip Tuesday – Recycling Food Waste
Keep a large Tupperware/Pyrex container with a lid in the kitchen for when you are preparing meals so that any peelings, or true food waste (that, which cannot be used for anything else) can be stored.
Peel directly into the container to save time and cleaning. Pop any other recyclable food stuffs in also throughout the day. Keep the lid on to reduce smells.
At the end of the day, as part of your kitchen routine – i.e wiping down counter tops and putting the rubbish out, take out the container directly to the recycling or compost bin.
Storing your waste in this way;
Do you have any top tips for recycling food waste? Please do share in the comments below – I’d love to hear your ideas…
Today’s post was originally going to be ‘how to make home-made pizza with the kids’ as this was the Saturday afternoon activity planned at the Wright household!
However my beautiful daughter got a better offer and she took it! Who can blame her?
So Saturday afternoon’s activities changed to Daughter at her friends, Hubby out with Son and I got a chance to go for a run with a friend…
It’s a good job ‘Big Ben’ my large slow cooker made a huge amount of Vegetable Curry last night (from my odds and ends that I hadn’t used up) – so much that, as I am out with the girls and Daughter is staying for dinner at her friends, Hubby and Son can enjoy it again tonight with some rice…
I thought I’d share instead what I did very early this morning…wait for it this is awfully exciting… I cleaned my fridge!
As I had taken part in Food Waste Friday yesterday over at The Frugal Girl, ny fridge was nearly bare and my grocery delivery was arriving at 9am. So dressed in PJ’s I emptied what was left, milk, condiments, garlic etc… onto the counter and cleaned the entire fridge which took about 10 mins max.
Now I am no expert on chemicals, and I hold no credible or authoritative view on cleaning products etc… but what I do know is if I don’t have to use them I don’t. Firstly I do rather dislike cleaning (although I do of course do it) and one of the ways I can get satisfaction from it is knowing I have used a natural product to clean with.
In this case is it bicarbonate of soda - very inexpensive and in a tiny container – double win!
So armed with nothing more than a small pot of bicarb, a damp kitchen sponge and some kitchen roll I wiped thoroughly inside the fridge with a damp sponge sprinkled in bicarb, then rinsed with a washed out sponge, and finally dried with kitchen roll.
How simple is that?
Do you have any Simple Cleaning Tips to share? Please let me know in the comments below.
Well I’ve had a bit of a week, hence this post was originally intended for Wednesday, but better late than never!
I do my grocery shop online, and I do this because I hate shopping and I find it easier to plan for the week ahead this way.
Because my thoughts have been on other things this week, the meal plan for next week (starting Saturday 13th November) will be very simple and basic, normally I would add in new recipes and meal ideas.
n.b – Breakfasts are a combination of cereal, pancakes, toast and scrambled eggs
Simple Meal Plan Week One
So here we go:
Saturday lunch – Tuna and sweetcorn topped jacket potatoes
Saturday dinner - Homemade cheese and tomato pizza for Daddy and the kids(I’m out with the girls!)
Saturday dessert - Fruit and Yogurt
Sunday lunch - Beans on toast with Marmite and grated cheese
Sunday dinner - Roast chicken with potatoes and vegetables
Sunday dessert - Rice pudding
Meat Free Monday lunch - Potato and leek soup with homemade rolls
Meat Free Monday dinner - Soya mince spaghetti bolognaise with rolls and garlic butter
Meat Free Monday dessert - Butterscotch Bananas
Tuesday lunch - Omlette with vegetables
Tuesday dinner - Chicken and spinach lasagne
Tuesday dessert - Apple crumble and ice-cream
Wednesday lunch - Carrot and coriander soup with homemade bread
Wednesday dinner - Sausage casserole with remaining bread
Wednesday dessert – Fruit and yogurt
Thursday lunch - Eat out as PLAYDAY!
Thursday dinner - Cottage Pie with steamed vegetables
Friday – This is the day I take part in Food Waste Friday over at The Frugal Girl so if I am very good and have no waste then we have a take out (you can’t eat healthily every day!), or if I have been very bad on the waste front I have to rustle up something from my leftovers!!! So check out on Friday which way it went – Don’t fret about the kids I always have something I can rustle up for them such as omlette or pasta with veggies (they have a hot dinner on a Friday at School and Nursery!)
So what was my shopping bill on food this week (including drinks/wine, a few treats and storecupboard ingredients that need replenishing?)
£74.67 + £5.50 delivery ——- Total=£80.17
This is about right – I budget approx. £100 per week for all grocery spend including any house products, nappies etc… that I also need to keep the family ticking along but not the cupboards cluttered up. This also allows for the extra milk I may pick up from the local shop and storecupboard items that I have underestimated the need for.
All my recipes are either on the blog or will be posted soon!
Please don’t forget to let me know what you think of my meal plan this week in the comments below
