Menu Plan Monday - 3 Dec & Christmas update

Hi everybody

I realised yesterday that there are only 10 days before I go on holiday! Woohoo!!

The Christmas cards are all done but not all the Christmas presents. All the smaller gifts for work colleagues are done (so easy with my beaded gifts). It's just worked out that this year because I can't get to the shops, I've had to be creative and resourceful, and so I'm doing some bookmark and keyring sets for all the ladies.

(Anybody have some good ideas on what to get a guy who has everything and really expensive tastes? I know I can't compete so I want to go really thoughtful/ quirky)

I must say, they turned out really pretty because I used really expensive glass beads (you won't see them on the site - too expensive and heavy for me to make in bulk like with the others) so they look like I bought them in a fancy shop. And presentation is key! I put them in gorgeous gift boxes - unfortunately, I am not showing you the pictures just in case a miracle happens and one of my family members reads the blog :)

I actually like the wrapping of gifts more than the gift itself; it's the same as setting a beautiful table rather than the food :) And this year I am hosting Christmas lunch again - yesss!!! I really like to have it here so I can play with table settings and colours, and serviettes, and so on...

Anyway, back to the menu

I made my own version of Chicken Spaghetti yesterday - recipe below.

Monday

Mimmos - yes!!!! Been craving that creamy pasta for weeks now!

Tuesday

Stir-fried chicken, veggies and rice - haven't had stir-fry for about 4 weeks so yum :)

Wednesday

Marcia's chicken pasta (recipe below)

Thursday

Baked potatoes topped with spicy lentil sauce

Friday

Hot dogs and chips

Marcia's chicken pasta

Ingredients

• 200g onion
• 50g mushroom (I would have put more but that's all there was)
• 410g tin of tomato, chilli and onion mix (use normal t&o if you don't like it hot)
• 400g chicken mince/ cubed chicken
• 1 tsp italian herbs
• 1 tbsp garlic & chilli/ garlic
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• salt & pepper to taste
• 800g cooked pasta (whichever shapes you like)
• about 350 - 400 ml white sauce (salt, flour and milk)
• cheese for the top

Method

• Fry onion in olive oil
• Add chicken, garlic, salt and pepper
• Add mushrooms and tomato
• Add all the herbs and spices you want
• when the chicken mix is thoroughly cooked and smelling like an italian kitchen, add the white sauce and mix
• Then add the cooked pasta and mix thoroughly.
• Pour into a greased casserole dish (or use some Glad baking paper to line the dish - no mess!), top with cheese and bake until golden brown and bubbly
• I baked in a preheated 150 degree oven (300 F) for about 10 - 15 minutes (don't you love how precise I am?!). I stay in the kitchen and watch it so I'm not sure of exact times - sorry!
• Serves 4 adults

If you're on Weigh-less, 1 serve = 2 medium fat protein (chicken and cheese), 3 complex carbs and 2 veg.

For more delicious menus, visit Laura, the MPM host.