I’m a bit late with my meal plan! In fact, I have been a bit rubbish with meal planning over the past couple of weeks, mainly due to tiredness I think. However, I currently have a French guest staying for the week – a vegetarian to boot – so I need to get a grip on what we are eating. I actually planned and went shopping for this yesterday, but didn’t have time to write this post. Better late than never.
I am keeping it on budget, of course. This is easier than usual when there is no meat or fish at all in our plan.
This week’s budget meal plan
Saturday
As our guest wasn’t due to arrive until 8.30pm I kept it simple. I needed a meal that could wait in case she was delayed. In fact, the coach arrived more or less on time. We had cheese and onion quiche, new potatoes, salad and coleslaw. I am glad I chose something light as we didn’t sit to eat until 9.30 – a bit late for us Brits!
Sunday
Jamie Oliver’s vegetable moussaka with salad and baguettes. As his recipe calls for 4 aubergines and I am not a massive fan of too many in one dish, I will replace a couple of them with courgettes. I am sure it will taste nicer.
Monday
Stuffed Portobello mushrooms with blue cheese, as recommended by my daughter’s friend Cara. She knows about food ad is a fabulous cook so happy to try her recommendation.
Tuesday
Linda McCartney vegetarian pies with mashed potatoes and broccoli. I am keeping it easy in case Tuesday is too frantic at work!
Wednesday
Quorn spaghetti bolognese with carrot salad. I am not a massive fan of Quorn, but my friend has given me a tip. He says the trick is to defrost the Quorn and let it rest with some herbs and spices for a while before using it. I am going to give it a go.
If you like Quorn, Petra from BeHealthy.co.uk has a good post about it here.
Thursday
Cheese omelettes with home made air fried chips and corn on the cob.
Friday
Macaroni cheese with steamed vegetables and baguettes.
As you can see, I am keeping it reasonably uncomplicated. You never know what people will like to eat.
Other meals and desserts
Desserts will be fruit and yogurt, a Bakewell Tart I bought in Aldi with custard or ice cream. I also need to make our guest a packed lunch so I do a couple of filled rolls each day with fruit, a cake or biscuit, some crisps and water.
At breakfast I offer toast and jam, cereal – Shreddies, Rice Crispies or muesli – and also have orange juice, fruit and yogurt on the table.
Our guest is only staying for a week. She seems very sweet and her English is excellent. As she is the teacher with the group rather than a student this is to be expected! If you want more information on making money hosting language students see this post.
As usual, I am linking up with Katy Kicker. If you want more ideas on meal planning and saving money, take a look at her blog.
Joleisa says
I love this and one whole week of dinners without meat really appeals to me. I used to host students too. And also Couchsurfing guests. They are mostly quite sweet, friendly people and easy to get along with. I wish I still had the space to do it.
I am also loving the tip about how to use Quorn. Good one! Thanks
Linda says
Your menu had my mouth watering! I’m sure your guest will appreciate such lovely vegetarian meals.
Margie from Toronto says
Your meal plan sounds delicious. It’s been so busy this past week that I haven’t had a chance to even think about it! There are lots of fruit & veg and different cheeses in the fridge and bits and pieces of various things in the freezer so I won’t starve! I do need to get some salad greens and some eggs so I will do that on Monday. I also want to make a big pot of soup so I’ll take a batch of chicken and turkey wings out of the freezer tonight, make the soup tomorrow and that will do me for lunches all week long. I’ll try to do better next week!
Amanda says
Great tip about the quorn as I’m not a massive fan myself but I’ll try this with the herbs and spices
Tree says
This is great. You’ve managed to plan a really interesting and varied meat free menu. I’ve just checked out your carrot salad recipe which I will definitely be trying.
Tx
Kim says
All of your meals sound so good. I’m not a vegetarian but I think I could be with the type of meals you eat. x
Katy Stevens says
That is a fantastic tip about Quorn – definitely going to give this a go! Thanks for sharing your meal plan and linking up too!
Sarah - Mud, cakes and Wine says
it sounds a lovely week. we are a bit hit and miss with quorn and you may also need more liquid as it seems to drink it x
Sam says
I tend to use red lentils to make veggie Bolognese as I am not a fan of Quorn. It also makes it cheaper and they don’t go off. Onions, garlic, tinned tomatoes, lentils and herbs – maybe some tomato puree or chopped sundried tomatoes (not cheap I admit, but optional) – and you have a great meal.