I'm not a hipster: I don't make week menus
When I read other blogs, I have the impression I am the only one not planning week menu's or not subscribing to food boxes. The main reason is probably that I try to delegate grocery shopping and meals as much as possible to my husband.
So while I do plan more or less what I'll eat a few days ahead, I do not plan "meals". In contrast to the popularity of casseroles or 1 pan dishes (often offered by foodboxes), my cooking brain is stuck in the traditional 3 partitions meal. When I think of cooking a meal, I start with a choice of meat or fish. Then I check if I have vegetables and finally I add a potato, rice, bread or some pasta. My planning limits itself to having meats and/or fish in the fridge that would supply us with a few days and a choice of different vegetables.
As a result I am usually baking some meat or fish while vegetables are steamed or stewed in parallel in a seperate pot on the cooking fire or in the microwave ...or I cut up some raw vegetables. Just as easy, fast and stressless than most of foodboxes. However I probably miss a finishing touch of a special herb or that crunchy nut or a bit of sauce that would lift my meal up to a higher level. Most evenings when coming home after work and trying to serve food as soon as possible to the children, I couldn't care less for not serving the best culinary experience. If I'd be following a recipe, I probably would get the instructions and knowledge to add that extra touch.
As for inspiration: I probably go back regularly to the same things but I believe that will be the case with a week planner as well. My inspiration comes in the store when checking out the meat and fish section :).
So what about you: are you a detailed planner or an ad hoc cook? Do you mainly cook 3 component meals?
Comments
(en ik ben ook geen hipster, haha)