I’m really enjoying cooking again. I fell out of the habit while I was studying and single. I tried to avoid using the kitchen as much as possible by using a combination of not eating and getting reasonably healthy and cheap take away (damn I love living near the markets). I think the VNM doubted that I could cook at all. But over the few months, I have been trying out old favourites and new interests, and I have hardly cooked any dish twice. It has all been varying degrees of good, and Im back to feeling like its a fun thing to do, rather than a chore. Having people to share it with helps.

Right now, my cooking challenges are the following:
I do not want to spend any money at either Cole’s or Woolworth’s, and would like to avoid supermarkets in general where possible.
I want to eat fresh, locally grown, organic produce as much as possible.
I dont have much money, but I’m willing to spend a bit on quality.

So thats my context, this is the menu (for one) at mine this week:

Coffee/tea/chai
toast w/ eggs
Warm and nutty cinnamon quinoa with fruit - both a version of the original and Kristen’s KI version
roast veg with hummus and onion jam
Jamie Oliver’s roasted chicken pieces, tomatoes and new potatoes
broccoli pesto w/ quinoa and spiralli
honey chicken wings w/ greens (komatsuna mitsukatta!)
gnocchi w/gorgonzola sauce
green lentil and brown rice pilau
red lentils and veg for one
cornbread
chocolate/butterscotch self-saucing pudding

I may not end up making all these bits, but I have the makings of them sitting here all ready to go. Some of the makings are recent leftovers. Actually, I should go cook something right now… hmmm, might start with the chicken wings I think while the greens are still super fresh!

• Kristen said on 09/09/13 at 05:57 AM.....

  Reading your menu has recalled the markets, your kitchen and all the lovely things we cooked. Yum!

• The Goddess (At work) said on 09/09/14 at 02:44 PM.....

  Good for you for shunning the large chain supermarkets. I love little specialty fruit and veggie shops. 

  Kristen, Tod and I had fun at the Alishan market day the other week and there were heaps of home grown vegies and home made baked treats that were a feast for the eyes and everywhere else.

• Mum said on 09/09/16 at 03:07 PM.....

  Has been awhile since we’ve had a meal together like you’ve just decribed with all those wonderful ingredients, must do it again soon.  K