Lately, my kitchen’s been working overtime. Normally, you’d find me out at dinner somewhere, fork in hand, laughing over shared plates. But this summer? It’s been full throttle with events, weddings, and the looming reality of swimsuits to justify. So, instead of RSVP-ing to every dinner invite, I’ve been hitting up the stove. The kitchen and I are tighter than ever.
I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of cooking with whatever I’ve got in the fridge. But lately, things have levelled up thanks to my other half’s mum, Maxine – a generous saint who’s been delivering us a weekly haul of proteins. From steaks, salmon, whole chickens that feed 4-6, and the occasional rogue whole cake or golden kiwi. Oven pizza often features too (because balance, obviously).
With meat and fish prices climbing, Maxine’s weekly shop feels like a proper treat, especially as she doesn’t skimp. Every delivery is like lifting a cloche on MasterChef: surprise ingredients, mystery box style. My task? To turn them into protein-packed, fibre-friendly meals that are both delicious and waste-free.
This week’s delivery was especially bold: steaks, duck breasts, tuna steaks, four salmon fillets, Peri Peri chicken legs, breaded cod, and (curveball alert) antelope burgers. The aim: daily lunches (it’s well known in the office that I always bring my own) and dinners for two. I plan everything around the best before dates, aiming for variety, balance, and zero waste. It’s all in the prep.
Here’s what my kitchen’s turned out this week:
Monday
Lunch – Tuna Niçoise-inspired salad with a Greek yogurt & cottage cheese honey mustard dressing
Dinner – Steak with avocado salad and harissa-spiced sweet potato cubes
Tuesday
Lunch – Sliced duck breast on basmati rice, with veg stir fry, jammy egg & kimchi
Dinner – Salmon fillet with charred broccoli, peas and sweet potato
Wednesday
Lunch – Baked salmon on rice with brocolli and Japanese katsu curry sauce (with new potatoes & carrots)
Dinner – Peri Peri chicken legs with couscous, salad, and balsamic glaze
Thursday
Lunch – Out and about!
Dinner – Breaded cod with sweet potato wedges, peas, and tartare sauce
Friday
Lunch – Bunless antelope burgers with avocado-tomato salad and (don’t judge me) a side of Toomba ramen – I had to try it.
Dinner – Skipped it—I’m officially on holiday now. 🎉