This plan is designed for Monday to Friday dinners, leaving weekends flexible for family roasts, takeaway dinners, or leftovers. Each autumnal evening meal is straightforward, makes good use of autumn produce, and keeps prep time minimal.

Monday – One-Pan Sausage and Root Vegetable Bake

Why it works: A stress-free start to the week. Minimal prep and the oven does most of the work.

Ingredients: Sausages, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, olive oil, rosemary or thyme.
Method: Chop veg into chunks, toss with oil and herbs, place in roasting tin. Add sausages on top. Roast at 200°C for 40 minutes.
Tip: Roast double veg. Save half for Wednesday’s frittata.

Tuesday – Butternut Squash and Red Lentil Soup with Crusty Bread

Why it works: Quick, comforting, and can be made in advance.

Ingredients: Butternut squash, red lentils, onion, garlic, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock.
Method: Cook onions and garlic, add squash, lentils, and tomatoes. Cover with stock, simmer 25 minutes, blend until smooth.
Tip: Freeze any leftovers in small tubs for easy lunches.

Wednesday – Autumnal Frittata with Side Salad

Why it works: Fast and perfect for using leftovers.

Ingredients: Eggs, splash of milk, leftover roasted veg from Monday, cheese (cheddar or feta).
Method: Whisk eggs and milk, pour over roasted veg in a frying pan, sprinkle cheese, cook until almost set. Finish under the grill.
Tip: Serve with a bag of mixed salad for a quick side.

Thursday – Chicken and Mushroom Puff-Pastry Pie

Why it works: Feels indulgent but is easy with shortcuts.

Ingredients: Chicken thighs, onion, garlic, mushrooms, cream or crème fraîche, ready-rolled puff pastry.
Method: Cook chicken with onion and garlic, add mushrooms and cream. Pour into baking dish, top with puff pastry, bake until golden.
Tip: Make the filling in the morning and refrigerate. Assemble and bake after work.

Friday – Speedy Pumpkin and Spinach Pasta

Why it works: A fun, vibrant way to end the week—kids love the creamy pumpkin sauce.

Ingredients: Pasta, tinned pumpkin purée (or roasted pumpkin), cream cheese or mascarpone, frozen spinach, nutmeg.
Method: Cook pasta. In another pan, warm pumpkin with cream cheese and nutmeg. Stir in spinach, then toss with pasta. Loosen with pasta water if needed.
Tip: Serve with garlic bread or apple slices for a light finish.

Shopping List for the Week

Veg & Fruit

Carrots
Parsnips
Potatoes
Butternut squash (or pre-chopped frozen)
Onion (x3)
Garlic
Mushrooms
Fresh or frozen spinach
Bagged salad
Apples (optional for snacks/dessert)

Meat & Dairy

Sausages (good quality, or veggie sausages if preferred)
Chicken thighs
Eggs (6–8)
Cheese (cheddar, feta, or both)
Cream cheese or mascarpone
Puff pastry (ready-rolled)
Crème fraîche or cream

Store Cupboard

Olive oil
Herbs (rosemary, thyme)
Nutmeg
Red lentils
Tinned tomatoes
Vegetable stock cubes
Tinned pumpkin purée (or fresh pumpkin if roasting)
Pasta
Bread/garlic bread

How This Plan Saves Time

Leftovers built in – Monday’s roasted veg feeds into Wednesday’s frittata.
Minimal shopping trips – Similar ingredients appear across meals.
Batch cooking potential – Tuesday’s soup and Thursday’s pie filling can both be made ahead.
Freezer-friendly dinners – Soups, stews, and even roasted veg freeze well if you double up.
Kid-friendly flavours – Mild, creamy, and cheesy dishes appeal to younger palates.

When the days shorten, the air turns crisp, and the leaves crunch beneath our feet, autumn has truly arrived. For many families, it’s a season of both comfort and chaos. School is in full swing, after-school clubs are filling up the calendar, and the household seems to run on a tight schedule. With so much happening, the idea of preparing a hearty, wholesome dinner every evening can feel overwhelming.

Yet autumn is also one of the most rewarding seasons for food. Markets brim with earthy root vegetables, pumpkins, squashes, apples, and pears. Supermarkets stock everything from warming stews to rich cheeses and comforting grains. The flavours are naturally satisfying, lending themselves to easy, hearty meals that can be cooked quickly—or left to simmer while you manage other tasks.

This guide explores simple autumnal evening meals that cater to busy parents. Each suggestion focuses on minimising fuss without compromising flavour. Many can be batch-cooked, frozen, or repurposed for lunches. And, importantly, they’ll fill bellies and warm hearts after a chilly day.

Why Autumn Meals Work So Well for Families

Before diving into specific dishes, it helps to understand why autumn is the perfect season for stress-free meals.

One-pot wonders: The cooler months are ideal for casseroles, stews, soups, and bakes—many of which require little more than chopping, stirring, and leaving to cook.
Seasonal abundance: Root veg, mushrooms, apples, and squashes are inexpensive and plentiful. They’re not only nutritious but also lend themselves to bulk cooking.
Comfort factor: Children and adults alike gravitate towards warm, hearty foods. Serving a casserole with crusty bread or a pasta bake with melted cheese feels indulgent but is surprisingly manageable.
Versatility: Autumnal meals often involve adaptable ingredients—swap carrots for parsnips, chicken for turkey, pasta for rice. It’s easier to use what you have on hand.

The Busy Parent’s Autumn Pantry

If you’re time-poor, a well-stocked cupboard and freezer can make all the difference. Consider keeping these staples in your kitchen:

Tins and jars: Chopped tomatoes, beans (kidney, chickpea, cannellini), lentils, passata, stock cubes.
Frozen veg: Peas, spinach, chopped onions, and butternut squash (a lifesaver if you dislike peeling).
Grains and carbs: Pasta, rice, couscous, bulgur wheat, and quick-cook noodles.
Proteins: Chicken thighs, sausages, minced beef or turkey, halloumi, eggs, tofu.
Flavour boosters: Garlic, onions, herbs (dried and fresh), spices like paprika and cinnamon, soy sauce, and mustard.

With these on hand, you’ll find it easier to pull together a wholesome dinner in under 30 minutes—or to set up a slow-cooker meal in the morning that’s ready by teatime.

Easy autumnal evening meals for busy parents

Here are practical, parent-friendly recipes and approaches you can try. None require cheffing skills, and most can be made in under an hour, with some much faster.

1. One-Pan Sausage and Root Vegetable Bake

Few meals are as forgiving as a tray bake. Simply chop whatever root vegetables you have—carrots, parsnips, potatoes, or sweet potatoes—toss with olive oil and herbs, then scatter sausages over the top. Roast for 40 minutes at 200°C, turning once.

Parent hack: Double the quantity and save leftovers for lunches. Cold roasted veg makes a fantastic addition to wraps or salads.

2. Butternut Squash and Red Lentil Soup

Soups are quintessential autumn food: they’re nourishing, cheap, and child-friendly when blitzed smooth. Sauté an onion with garlic, add cubed butternut squash, a tin of chopped tomatoes, a cup of red lentils, and enough vegetable stock to cover. Simmer for 25 minutes and blend.

Parent hack: Freeze portions in individual tubs. They can be microwaved straight from frozen, ideal for last-minute meals or after-school snacks.

3. Speedy Pumpkin and Spinach Pasta

Cook pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. In another pan, heat tinned pumpkin purée (or mashed roasted pumpkin), stir in cream cheese or mascarpone, add nutmeg, then toss in the pasta and a handful of fresh or frozen spinach. Add a splash of the pasta water to loosen.

Parent hack: This dish hides vegetables beautifully—ideal if your children aren’t keen on greens.

4. Chicken and Mushroom Pie with Shortcuts

Instead of labouring over pastry, use ready-rolled puff pastry. Cook chicken thighs with onions, garlic, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce (cream, milk, or even cream of mushroom soup as a shortcut). Pour into a dish, cover with pastry, and bake until golden.

Parent hack: Make the filling the night before or in the morning. Come dinnertime, simply add the pastry lid and bake.

5. Autumn Buddha Bowls

For a healthier option, roast cubed sweet potato, carrots, and chickpeas tossed in olive oil, cumin, and paprika. Serve with cooked quinoa or rice, sliced avocado, and a dollop of yoghurt or tahini dressing.

Parent hack: Let everyone build their own bowl. Children enjoy having control over what goes on their plate, which often leads to fewer dinner-time battles.

6. Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Pop diced beef, carrots, potatoes, and celery into a slow cooker with stock, tomato paste, and herbs. Leave it on low all day. By evening, you’ll return to a deeply flavoured, melt-in-the-mouth stew.

Parent hack: Serve with bread one night, then repurpose leftovers into a pie filling topped with mash or pastry later in the week.

7. Apple and Cheddar Toasties

For nights when there’s truly no time, toasties can still feel seasonal. Layer sliced apples and sharp cheddar between bread, grill until golden, and serve with tomato soup.

Parent hack: Make these in a sandwich press or oven tray—no need to stand over the hob.

8. Quick Stir-Fried Noodles with Autumn Vegetables

Use egg noodles, frozen stir-fry veg, and a quick sauce of soy, honey, and sesame oil. Toss in strips of chicken, beef, or tofu. Add shredded cabbage or seasonal greens for extra crunch.

Parent hack: Cook the noodles the night before and store in the fridge—this shortens cooking time even further.

9. Cottage Pie with a Twist

Classic cottage pie is a crowd-pleaser but can be time-consuming. To speed things up, use pre-made mash (many supermarkets sell fresh tubs). Mix minced beef with onions, carrots, and peas, add stock and Worcestershire sauce, then top with mash and bake until bubbling.

Parent hack: Make two small pies instead of one big dish. Freeze one for a rainy day.

10. Autumnal Frittata

Whisk eggs with a splash of milk, add roasted vegetables, spinach, or mushrooms, and top with grated cheese. Cook in a frying pan, then grill until golden. Serve with salad or bread.

Parent hack: Perfect for clearing the fridge of odds and ends. It’s also just as tasty cold in lunchboxes.

Making Autumnal Evening Meals Family-Friendly

While adults often relish earthy, rich flavours, children can be more selective. Here are a few tricks to encourage enthusiasm:

Mild spices: Use warming spices like cinnamon or paprika sparingly; they add comfort without heat.
Cheese topping: Melting cheese on casseroles, pasta, or even veg can make dishes instantly appealing.
Interactive meals: Let kids sprinkle on toppings—croutons on soup, seeds on salad, or grated cheese on pasta.
Hidden veg: Puree sauces or soups to disguise vegetables. A smooth carrot-pumpkin sauce tastes creamy without screaming “veg”.

Time-Saving Strategies for Parents

It’s not just about recipes—it’s also about clever approaches to cooking.

Batch cooking: Double up whenever you can. If you’re roasting veg, make twice as much to reuse in wraps or pasta dishes.
Prep once, use twice: Roast a chicken on Sunday; use leftovers for sandwiches, pasta, or soup later in the week.
Slow cooker or pressure cooker: These appliances transform tougher cuts of meat and veg into tender meals with minimal effort.
Cook with kids: Giving children small tasks (stirring, washing veg, grating cheese) makes dinner prep less isolating and teaches them skills for later life.
Keep it realistic: Not every night requires a full meal. A jacket potato with beans and cheese is quick, nutritious, and filling.

Dessert, the Autumn Way

While dinner may take priority, a simple pudding can make autumn evenings even more special. Try these quick options:

Baked apples stuffed with raisins and cinnamon.
Rice pudding flavoured with nutmeg and served with stewed fruit.
Apple crumble with a cheat’s topping made from crushed biscuits mixed with butter.

For busy parents, mealtimes can feel like yet another obligation. But autumn offers a unique opportunity: its ingredients lend themselves to easy, warming dishes that are forgiving, versatile, and deeply satisfying. By relying on simple methods—tray bakes, slow cooking, and soups—you can feed your family without spending hours in the kitchen.

The trick lies in planning just a little, keeping the right staples to hand, and embracing shortcuts when needed. With these ideas, autumnal evening meals can become less of a stress and more of a ritual: a chance to gather, to share stories of the day, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of good food.

Even when schedules are packed, these easy autumnal evening meals prove that wholesome, hearty dinners are within reach.

Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, is a delightful occasion that brings families and friends together to indulge in one of the most beloved breakfast foods: pancakes! This day is not just about enjoying fluffy stacks of pancakes; it has a rich history and offers a wonderful opportunity for fun activities, especially for children. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Pancake Day, share some creative topping ideas, and suggest engaging activities to make the day even more special.

The Origins of Pancake Day

Pancake Day has its roots in ancient traditions and religious practices. It is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. Lent is a period of fasting and reflection that lasts for 40 days leading up to Easter. Historically, people would use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period began. What better way to use these ingredients than by making pancakes?

The term “Shrove” comes from the word “shrive,” which means to confess. In medieval times, Christians would go to confession on this day to prepare for Lent. The day became a time for feasting and celebration before the solemnity of the fasting season. Over the years, Pancake Day has evolved into a fun and festive occasion, celebrated in various ways around the world.

In the United Kingdom, Pancake Day is marked by pancake races, where participants race while flipping pancakes in a frying pan. In France, it’s known as “Mardi Gras,” or Fat Tuesday, and is celebrated with rich foods and festivities. Regardless of how it’s celebrated, the essence of Pancake Day remains the same: a joyful gathering centered around delicious pancakes.

Tasty Topping Ideas

Now that we’ve got a little history under our belts, let’s talk toppings! The beauty of pancakes is that they can be dressed up in so many delicious ways. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

1. Classic Maple Syrup: You can’t go wrong with the classic! Drizzle some warm maple syrup over your pancakes for that sweet, sticky goodness.

2. Fresh Fruits: Top your pancakes with a colorful array of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or even a mix of tropical fruits for a refreshing twist.

3. Nut Butters: Spread some peanut butter or almond butter on your pancakes for a protein-packed treat. Add sliced bananas or a sprinkle of chocolate chips for extra yum!

4. Whipped Cream: Who doesn’t love a dollop of whipped cream? It adds a light and fluffy touch that pairs perfectly with any topping.

5. Chocolate Chips: For the chocolate lovers out there, sprinkle some chocolate chips on your pancakes while they’re still warm for a melty, indulgent treat.

6. Yogurt and Honey: For a healthier option, top your pancakes with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. Add some nuts or granola for a delightful crunch!

Fun Activities with Children

Pancake Day is not just about the delicious food; it’s also a fantastic opportunity to engage in fun activities with your kids! Here are some ideas to make the day even more special:

1. Pancake Art: Get creative by making pancake art! Use squeeze bottles to create fun shapes and designs on the griddle. Let your kids get involved and see who can make the most imaginative pancake!

2. Pancake Flipping Contest: Challenge your family to a pancake flipping contest! See who can flip their pancake the highest without it falling apart. It’s sure to bring lots of laughter!

3. Pancake Decorating Station: Set up a pancake decorating station with various toppings and let the kids create their own masterpieces. This is a great way to encourage creativity and let them choose their favorite flavors.

4. Pancake Storytime: After enjoying your pancakes, gather around for a cozy storytime. Choose books that feature pancakes or cooking themes to keep the spirit of the day alive.

5. Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt around your home or yard with pancake-themed clues. It’s a fun way to get everyone moving and excited about the day!

Pancake Day is a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy delicious food, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you’re flipping pancakes in the kitchen or engaging in fun activities with your children, this day is all about joy and togetherness. So gather your ingredients, get your griddle ready, and let the pancake festivities begin

Christmas is a time of tradition, family, and, of course, food and flavour. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the classic roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing or you’re looking to break free from the conventional holiday dinner, there’s plenty of room to get creative with your Christmas meal. If you’re hoping to try something a little different this year, we’ve compiled a list of alternative Christmas dinner ideas that will spice up your holiday table and bring fresh flavours to the season.

In this post, we’ll explore unique main dishes, sides, and desserts that go beyond the traditional, offering options for different dietary preferences, cultures, and taste profiles. From plant-based feasts to international influences and comfort-food twists, you’ll find something to suit everyone at your Christmas table.

1. Plant-Based Christmas Dinner

For many people, whether due to dietary preferences, ethical reasons, or environmental concerns, plant-based eating is becoming more common—and that includes during the holiday season. Thankfully, there are tons of delicious plant-based alternatives to traditional Christmas dishes.

Main Course: Vegan Wellington

Instead of a beef Wellington, why not opt for a plant-based version? A Vegan Wellington is made with a savory filling of mushrooms, lentils, and spinach wrapped in flaky puff pastry. The rich flavours of mushrooms and the texture of lentils create a hearty and satisfying dish that will leave everyone at the table impressed. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables and a delicious vegan gravy for a perfect holiday centerpiece.

Main Course: Stuffed Butternut Squash

For a more rustic and simple option, a roasted stuffed butternut squash is an eye-catching and flavourful main course. Stuff the squash with a mixture of quinoa, cranberries, nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), and herbs. Roast it until tender and golden, then drizzle with a tangy balsamic glaze. This dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with seasonal flavours.

Side Dish: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Traditional mashed potatoes are easy to veganize by simply swapping butter and cream for plant-based alternatives. Use olive oil, vegan butter, or even coconut milk for a creamy texture, and add roasted garlic for extra flavour. These mashed potatoes will be just as comforting as their dairy-filled counterparts, but much lighter on the stomach.

Side Dish: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Brussels sprouts are a Christmas classic, and they’re easy to make vegan by tossing them in olive oil and roasting them until crispy. For a flavourful twist, finish them off with a balsamic reduction or glaze. The tartness of the vinegar contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the caramelized Brussels sprouts.

Dessert: Vegan Christmas Pudding

You can still indulge in the iconic Christmas pudding without the dairy and eggs. A plant-based version can be made with dried fruits, spices, and plant-based butter. Served with a dairy-free brandy butter or vegan custard, this dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth while adhering to your dietary choices.

2. A Seafood Feast

If you’re looking for a lighter, coastal-inspired alternative to the heavy traditional Christmas dinner, a seafood feast is a fantastic option. Many cultures around the world incorporate fish and seafood into their holiday meals, so why not bring a touch of the sea to your own Christmas table?

Main Course: Lobster Tail

For an elegant and indulgent main dish, serve lobster tails. These delicacies can be baked with garlic butter and herbs for a flavour-packed treat that feels both festive and luxurious. Pair with a simple side salad and roasted potatoes for a minimalist yet indulgent Christmas dinner.

Main Course: Fish Chowder

A creamy, comforting fish chowder can be a wonderful alternative to the traditional roast. Made with fresh white fish, potatoes, leeks, and a rich broth, this dish is perfect for cozying up on a cold winter’s night. Serve it with warm, crusty bread for dipping.

Side Dish: Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a quick and easy side dish that brings bold flavours to the table. Sautéed shrimp in garlic, lemon, and butter will complement any seafood-centric Christmas meal and provide a touch of luxury without too much fuss.

Side Dish: Roasted Vegetables with Lemon and Herbs

For a simple but flavourful side, roast root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with olive oil, lemon, and rosemary. The natural sweetness of the vegetables pairs wonderfully with the salty, briny flavours of seafood.

Dessert: Lemon Meringue Pie

Finish off your seafood feast with a light and refreshing lemon meringue pie. The tangy lemon curd balances out the richness of the seafood, and the crispy, golden meringue provides the perfect sweet ending to a savory meal.

3. International Flavours: A Christmas Around the World

If you’re seeking something that celebrates a global holiday spirit, why not incorporate international flavours into your Christmas dinner? Many countries have unique holiday foods that offer different takes on festive dining.

Main Course: Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes

The Italian tradition of the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” consists of various seafood dishes enjoyed on Christmas Eve. You could include a variety of appetizers such as fried calamari, marinated anchovies, linguine with clam sauce, and baked cod. It’s a fun, communal meal that allows your guests to sample a little bit of everything, and the variety of flavours ensures there’s something for everyone.

Main Course: Mexican Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish often made during the holiday season, and they make an excellent alternative to a roast dinner. Tamales are dough-based, filled with either meats or vegetables, and wrapped in corn husks before being steamed. You can make a variety of tamales—filled with spicy pork, beans, or even sweet fillings like cinnamon and fruit.

Side Dish: Spanish Patatas Bravas

Patatas bravas are crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and a dollop of aioli. They make a fantastic side dish to accompany your Christmas meal, and their bold flavours will add a fun twist to your dinner spread.

Side Dish: Greek Spanakopita

For a savory, Mediterranean side dish, spanakopita (spinach pie) offers a delicious vegetarian option. The flaky filo pastry is stuffed with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, creating a rich and savory accompaniment to your festive spread.

Dessert: Italian Panettone

An iconic Italian Christmas dessert, panettone is a sweet, airy bread filled with candied fruits, raisins, and a hint of citrus zest. It’s often served sliced and toasted, perfect for dunking in coffee or hot chocolate. For a more decadent twist, serve it with a dollop of mascarpone or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4. Comfort Food Christmas

Sometimes, the best way to celebrate Christmas is with familiar, comforting foods. If your family isn’t keen on the traditional turkey dinner, but you want something that feels just as warm and indulgent, comfort food is the way to go. Here are some creative ideas for a comforting Christmas feast.

Main Course: Roast Chicken with Herb Butter

If turkey is too big of an undertaking, consider roasting a succulent chicken instead. A herb butter roast chicken can be made simply by stuffing the bird with lemon and herbs and slathering it with a rich butter mixture. The result is a crispy-skinned, juicy roast that pairs beautifully with all your favorite sides.

Main Course: Beef Brisket

For a hearty and flavourful main dish, a slow-roasted beef brisket is an excellent alternative to turkey or ham. It’s perfect for low and slow cooking, which makes it ideal for a stress-free Christmas dinner. Serve it with a rich gravy and sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.

Side Dish: Mac and Cheese

What’s more comforting than a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese? You can dress up this classic with additions like bacon, truffle oil, or breadcrumbs for a more festive twist. Mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for those who prefer a cozy, indulgent meal over more traditional fare.

Side Dish: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Sweet potatoes are a holiday favourite, and when topped with melted marshmallows, they become the ultimate comfort food. For added flavour, consider roasting the sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar to bring out their natural sweetness.

Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding

End your Christmas meal on a sweet note with sticky toffee pudding. This British classic is made from a rich sponge cake soaked in a toffee sauce and served with vanilla ice cream or custard. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for cozying up after a satisfying meal and full of flavour.

5. A Modern Take: Fusion Christmas Dinner

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and want to try something that blends the traditional flavour with the contemporary, fusion cuisine is a great option. This could mean adding Asian-inspired flavours to classic Christmas dishes or reimagining your meal with modern cooking techniques.

Main Course: Tandoori-Spiced Flavour Roast Turkey

Why not add an Indian twist to your roast turkey by marinating it in tandoori spices before roasting? The result is a beautifully spiced bird with a rich, smoky flavour. Serve with a cool raita and naan bread for a deliciously unconventional holiday meal.

Main Course: Korean BBQ Pork Belly

For a more interactive and exciting dinner, consider serving Korean BBQ pork belly. Guests can grill the pork slices themselves at the table (if you have the setup for it), then wrap the cooked meat in lettuce leaves with rice, kimchi, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). It’s a fun and flavourful way to bring people together around the table.

Side Dish: Sweet Chili Brussel Sprouts

Give your Brussels sprouts a flavour kick with a glaze made from sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. The combination of sweet and savory flavours adds a deliciously modern touch to this Christmas staple.

Dessert: Matcha Yule Log

For dessert, try a matcha-flavoured yule log cake. The earthy flavour of matcha green tea pairs wonderfully with the rich, spongy texture of the traditional yule log. This modern twist on a Christmas classic will delight guests who are looking for something a little different.

Christmas dinner is a time for family, friends, and food—and it doesn’t have to be limited to turkey and mashed potatoes. Whether you’re choosing a plant-based feast, an international-inspired spread, or modern fusion dishes, there are endless possibilities to make your Christmas dinner unique and memorable. By thinking outside the box, you can create a holiday meal that reflects your tastes, your traditions, and your creativity.

So this year, shake things up, experiment with new flavours, and enjoy the magic of Christmas in a whole new way. Merry Christmas!

Do you ever start a week just knowing that it will feel like it’s a year long? This week is definitely one of “those” weeks.

Workwise I am happy enough, I have applied for a different position within the company and I am hopeful that it will be a positive change for me – as long as I can convince them to give me a shot at it!

Bess has had her first day at Uni, she has decided to skip staying in halls and is trying to secure a house with her boyfriend but for now will be taking the train from home. Incidentally, HOW MUCH to rent a 2 bedroom house these days?!

Moose is back to school and has been invited to a weekly booster session to help with his handwriting. He finds this especially difficult being left handed so I am really hoping it will help! We will support as much as we can at home. He really hates writing so fingers crossed we can help him.

The idea of an additional 45 minutes of school each week is not going to be an easy sell.

I am helping Bess look for a job that she can do alongside uni as well. It is so difficult because while she will most definitely need the money, I don’t want her to overstretch herself and not be able to study for her course.

This weeks meals are a bit up in the air with not really knowing who will be around, I have a couple of Hello Fresh meals so at least there will be SOME tasty grub!

This week in food

Monday: Chinese Beef Noodles and Teriyaki Bao

Tuesday: Chicken Korma with Cucumber and Tomato salad and mini Poppadoms

Wednesday: Beef Koftas with Wedges and Salad

Thursday: Chicken and feta salad

Friday: Meatballs and Roasted Vegetables

Saturday: Pizza for them, Salmon salad for me

Sunday: Roast chicken and vegetables.

Food