Store cupboard challenge

purpleivy

Im on a use up the noodle day today as well, having stirfry veg and will lightly fry ys liver to go with it. Used a tray of ratatouille from the freezer along with my fishcakes last night. Rest for lunch.

Heffi1

Hello,

Well I am here to challenge all you cooks out there, I have my new b/f :jcoming for tea tomorrow night and I want to make a meal that is not expensive, but also appetising. I am a pretty good cook and have most basic ingredients in the cupboard. I also have to choose from

Pork Chops
Sausages
Stewing Steak
Cod
Mince
Bacon
and a few other things that I cant bring to mind right at the moment.

In the dry cupboard there is the usual
flour
chillies
garlic
ginger
usual store cupboard condiments
rice
pasta
potatoes
cous cous
assortment of herbs and spices
eggs
milk

I can follow recipes and I am looking for inspiration, the first time he came round we had lasagne, second time I said I was only doing egg and chips lol he loved the idea.

So what on earth can I make that will impress but not be too flashy. We intend to have an evening in but I dont want to spend all night in the kitchen.

I am quite nervous about my cooking but I know that I am a good cook, probably just nervous cos he is knew. lol I dont want to make a fool of myself - I sound so pathetic I know, it is years since I had to date anyone and I am finding myself worrying about silly things like what to cook.

Help please

Heather x

Heffi1

I have just thought of a few extra things to add to the list

I have

Slow cooker
Wok
Assortment of pots and pans

Rikki

Toad in the hole.
Shepherds pie can be made in advance and then put in the oven to cook 30 minutes before your ready to eat.
Chilli con carne bubbling away in the slow cooker.
Pork chop as a roast.

There are loads of ideas with the ingredients there will be more suggestions from others soon.

alias123

May I recommend the cod in italian herbs and pasata (tomato) sauce, with cous cous. Its yummy, easy/quick and adjusted to your taste.:)

Heffi1

Thanks Rikki,

Shepherds Pie sounds good I might give that some thought, maybe I could liven it up a bit instead of the usual, it is always filling and quick to put together.

Heffi1

alias123 wrote: »

May I recommend the cod in italian herbs and pasata (tomato) sauce, with cous cous. Its yummy, easy/quick and adjusted to your taste.:)

Have you a recipe to follow or is it as easy as chuck it all in and see how it goes

Sorry but I have become such a lazy cook over the last few years I think I need my hand holding a bit - lol virtually of course.

alias123

Heffi1 wrote: »

Have you a recipe to follow or is it as easy as chuck it all in and see how it goes

Sorry but I have become such a lazy cook over the last few years I think I need my hand holding a bit - lol virtually of course.

Yeah its pretty much, olive oil, a tomato and onion sauce, with garlic and herbs (dry and fresh), add the fish last. You can add lemon and herbs to the cous cous too and job done. I'm not a great follower of recipes but have been told am good cook many times.

Heffi1

Thanks Alias, we haven't had fish for a while so that is a good idea, will run it past him before I start, as far as I know it is only aubergines he wont eat so I am ok so far lol

alias123

Alternatively, you could do marinated meat balls in sauce. To the mince add small quantity of finely chopped onion, plenty of herbs, garlic and ginger, lemon juice, fresh herbs. Leave over night. Tomorrow make a similar onion and tomato sauce and cook the meatballs in it. Have this with whatever you like, rice, pasta, cous cous etc.