Easy lunch menu

Back after a long hiatus.

This is my problem with blogging, I start and then don't seem to have the time to keep it up.

Today, I have a friend coming over for lunch. We had the option to go out but honestly, with an almost-8-month-old, its a lot easier to stay in. That way we can keep to his nap routine, and I don't have to worry about him getting grumpy strapped into a high chair out at a restaurant.

I didn't really do groceries this week, and so I resorted to a fail-safe menu:
Brown rice crust quiche and french green bean salad.

Its a nice, light menu that is easy to prepare with ingredients from your cupboard, one that I've made before so I know it will turn out nice and a nice lunch for a group of girls, I think.

Quiche:

I call this the empty the cupboard dinner/lunch since I literally do just that. Its great for when you want to clear the fridge out of produce and/or only have stuff in your freezer.

I made it w/ a brown rice crust b/c I have been overindulging this past month and its really starting to show. I only have a few months left to get my butt into shape and fit back into my suits for work.

1.5 cups cooked brown rice (simmer about 3/4 cup uncooked in water for about 1/2 hr till tender)
3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan
2 tbsp eggs, whisked
1/2 onion minced, cooked w/1 tsp minced garlic in frypan until soft

Mix all ingredients above, press into an 8" cake pan with the back of a spoon (make sure you have sprayed the cake pan w/cooking spray)

Now top crust with veggies of your choice (I used frzn cauliflower, broccoli but anything works...whatever you have on hand - think roasted red peppers, spinach, sliced tomatoes, eggplant, etc). I also had some turkey bacon in my fridge, so I cooked that until crispy, then diced and added on top of the veggies.

Mix 10 eggs with some salt and pepper, and some dried or fresh herbs (I used herbs de provence). Pour egg mixture overtop. Top with cheese of your choice (I like old cheddar b/c its a sharp cheese and so you don't need as much = less calories = hopefully less me!). Add some fresh herbs on top if you have them, for garnish (opt - I used fresh basil)

Bake at 350F for 45 mins until puffy and set.

I cooked this for about 40 mins this morning, and left it out. I'm going to put it back in the oven around 12:15 just before my friend gets here, so its warm.

French Green Bean Salad

Steam green beans in bag per bag directions (I buy the green beans in the bag b/c they are already washed and trimmed so the work is done!)

Dressing:
2 shallots
olive oil
balsamic vinegar (oil/balsamic in a 1:4 ratio)
salt
pepper
grainy dijon mustard

When green beans are steamed, remove from bag into serving bowl and toss while hot with dressing.

Dessert:

I did some holiday baking last night so I have some decorated sugar cookies, and just a berry platter (blueberries/raspberries/blackberries) with some chocolate mousse (I just used jello b/c I have it in the fridge lol. You can use anything as a dip, vanilla yogurt, chocolate pudding, etc etc)

That's it! Simple, easy menu to make when you haven't done groceries and you have someone over. I did this all in the morning so now my house is cleaned, food is pretty much made (I just have to pop quiche into the oven for a bit to warm/finish, steam green beans but otherwise done), baby down for nap, and I can now sit and enjoy a cup of coffee knowing everything is ready!

This weekend, I'm making my second turkey dinner this year. Funny story, we threw a big US thanksgiving party a few weeks ago, with a 25 lb turkey and all the fixings. Last week, when I did groceries, you'll never guess what happened as I was checking out....

I got a free....TURKEY! Turns out supercentre was having a promo where if you spend > $200 you get a free turkey! So now I have another turkey (albeit smaller, about 12lbs) so I've invited my family over this weekend for a turkey dinner. Both Mr. A and I are sick of the traditional turkey fixings since we ate them for about a week after our party, plus most of my family is watching their weight so this time I'm going to do completely different and (relatively) healthy sides. Haven't decided yet what I'm going to make but will post here when I do!