Simple Spaghetti Bolognese

Bolognese sauce was probably the first mildly complicated thing that I ever learned how to cook. It was also one of the healthiest things that I ate from a young age. The kindergarten school that I went to served lunch everyday and spaghetti bolognese was my absolute favourite. I wouldn’t eat it if my parents made it for me, I’d only eat it there. I then matured onto the readymade meals from Woolworths. I was horrified when I saw that there were carrots in the sauce when I read the ingredients – my parents were thrilled.

Broccoli Soup

With winter slowly dawning on Cape Town, I’ve started investing a lot of time in finding really good soup recipes. I only became interested in soup last year some time. Before it was always just a starter I would eat to be polite, but now I really enjoy it. Probably one of my favourite soups of all time is broccoli soup. From a really young age, broccoli was literally the only vegetable that I liked to eat – and carrots. Nothing more. You can imagine my excitement when my mom and I discovered a broccoli soup recipe.

Saladurdays

As I have mentioned before, I am not a lettuce fan. I’m always experimenting when it comes to making salads just so I can avoid using lettuce – in its many shapes and sizes. Since I eat salads regularly, I try to come up with new combinations as often as I can to avoid getting tired and bored of the same meal. Besides, how can I make a post about salad dressing but not provide you with any salads? Below are three of my favourite salads, they’re all great for when you’re on the go.

Mac and Cheese PLEASE

The other day I was discussing food with my dad. Although a fairly common topic of conversation for us, something came up that I had to share. He reminded me that he used to make cheese sauce in the microwave and before he could finish his sentence I shouted “and you used to let me mix it!” Although this may not seem exciting to you – mixing things used to be my passion. Granted I was 5 years old, it was still one of my hobbies.  Cheese sauce used to be my favourite pasta sauce because it meant that I was getting mac and cheese for dinner – a meal I have always loved. In fact, I love it so much that my boyfriend arrives at my house with a 1kg microwave meal for us to share – regularly. Naturally I eat most of it. Back to the point, this afternoon I was desperate for lunch and I didn’t want to go down to the shops – a clear habit of mine. I remembered the conversation with my dad and instead of buying a microwave meal, I made my own.

Lettuce Dress Up

While growing up, I’d watch my mom eat a salad for lunch every day. As a child I believed that this was what was expected of me – my dad never ate salads – so I assumed that it was a womanly thing to do. In a sense I thought that salads were strictly for girls. I was young and I didn’t know better…

Feeling Crispy?

Ever had a sudden craving for crisps? One that only salty and crispy chips will settle – I had one the other day. I had no money in my purse and almost no petrol in my car. I wasn’t prepared to walk down to the shops to buy a packet of 40% crisps and 60% air. Instead I went to my kitchen and got cooking.

I’m Really Corny…

The other night, while channel surfing, I came across the crime channel – a personal favourite. The murder episode featured a man that owned a gourmet popcorn chain. Not only did this instantly make me crave popcorn but it actually made me get up to buy some popcorn and get popping.

Eggcellent

Recently I started eating eggs for breakfast on a regular basis. I noticed that they keep me fuller for longer which is really great for when I’m on the go and have a busy day or in a rush – as usual. Eggs are not strictly morning meals, they’re great for lunches and dinners too. Eggs can be different and exciting while catering to different tastes.

Student Staples

As a student, I can say that it’s quite hard to stick to a healthy and balanced diet. Especially if you stay in residence and get pre-cooked meals all the time or live alone (or with friends) and are too lazy to cook a decent meal – let alone even know how to. I’m not opposed to readymade meals, but I do believe that they get a bit bland and boring especially if they’re the only things you’re eating. For example, there are only so many microwavable mac and cheeses one can eat before one realises that there actually is a limit. Believe me, it exists. Besides, they aren’t the healthiest things around – who knows how many weird preservatives are in them. A healthy meal is a happy meal – no, I’m not talking about the McDonalds kind…