Super Speedy Spicey Meatballs

Well what a busy week I've had - hence only one blog. When times are manic I like to have a few recipes on standby that just make life so much easier so that I can still have a decent home cooked healthy meal but with minimum fuss.

"What on earth am I going to cook????"

Tonight was meatballs and pasta which always goes down a storm as it's super tasty and mega quick to make. I say "meat"balls but they're actually quorn. Low in saturated fat but high in protein they have health benefits despite being fast food. They take 3 minutes in the microwave or a few minutes on the hob. I reckon the whole meal takes about 20 minutes from the first chop to the final serve.

Looking less unhinged now the quorn recipe is underway

I gently cooked finely chopped onion and garlic in some olive oil while having a pan of spaghetti bubbling away. I added mushrooms, stirred for a minute and then added half a carton of passata. I crumbled in a beef stockcube to give the sauce a good kick of flavour added a heaped spoonful of chilli jam (or a blob of chutney is also good for a bit of sweetness) a dash of white wine vinegar for zing and a couple of dashes of milk just to add a bit more sweetness and reduce any bitterness from the passata. The last ingredient is optional if you like spice - finely chopped green chill, about a quarter but you can use chilli powder too.

When you know your pasta is nearly done, cook your meatballs in the microwave for 3 minuses and plop them into your sauce and stir, Drain your pasta and add you meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle with basil, oregano then if you fancy add some grated cheese. Mr Victory and I had grana pandano which was just to die for.

Stress free and delicious

What's your favourite quick meal?
Vivi.x

Lunch In Paris

J'adore Paris. Completely. The food, the buildings, the fashion, the culture - it is the most wonderful city and it rocks my world.  I could spend hours gawping at the beauty of the patisserie windows, forget the Louvre - patisseries are pure art. Maybe my penchant for Paris is also beacuse it has a rep for romance and I'm a HUGE sucker for love and romance. I have a big fat heart and believe in love totally and utterly and I have no time for cynics when it comes to l'amour.

Ahhh Paris, so beautiful!

J'adore books too and while scanning the titles for a new read in my local library "Lunch in Paris: A Delicious Love Story, With Recipes"  leaped out at me and instantly I knew this book would delight me. I wasn't disappointed. This is an autobiography with a twist. New Yorker Elizabeth Bard meets Frenchman Gwendal and the story follows their love affair punctuated by the meals that signified certain moments during the relationship. You will be hooked as you follow Elizabeth to the Parisian food markets and can almost smell the garlic and pork lardons sizzling in the pan as the smitten couple make "Pasta a la Gwendal."

It goes to show that even with two completely cultures food has the ability to surpass language barriers.The icing on the cake is that at the end of every chapter Elizabeth gives you the recipes for those key moments in their love affair. I can't wait to try the molten chocolate cakes. Remember that M&S ad with the chocolate oozing out? Oh yes bebe!

They haven't a clue what each other are saying but they all understand they love a good scone and cup of tea

Don't read this book in a rush. Set aside a bit chunk of time and cheese, pour a glass of robust red and slip into pure, indulgent food and love heaven. Total escapism and I assure you; you'll be munching on hanks of baguette smeared in Camembert while looking at flight prices to Paris. It really is a beautiful read so indulge and enjoy!

Vivi.x