Homemade Jam Sandwich (#midweekmunchies 3)

Sometimes you just want an old school home comfort and for me, that's a jam sandwich.

 

Jam sandwiches feel like being a child. And they feel like a fun sandwich. One that I think we move away from as adults... But why? Why must we be mature and have fancy sandwiches that have things like avacado in them or boring things like plain cheese? Why can't we have fun? Why can't we have a treat? Let's face it, a jam sandwich is the closest thing to a pudding you can have as a main course!

 

However... If the guilt just keeps eating away at you, I think an excellent way to justify such a scrumptious sandwich is to use homemade jam. But don't despair! I am not suggesting you slave for hours over a pan and nor am I suggesting you cheat and just buy a fancy jar (although if either are your preference please feel free). No... I am talking about my recent discovery of Microwave Jam!

Yes... I have found out that you can make jam in the microwave and it is so simple! It is a revelation!

At this time of year as well, soft fruits can be picked up at markets or Pick Your Own farms for pretty cheap and you can stock up your cupboards for months to come. Yes, we're going a bit traditional but in the modern age, I think that's quite nice.

 

Step 1. Weigh out equal measures of fruit and sugar. I used raspberries. If using a chunkier fruit like strawberries chop them up into bite size pieces first. If you like a firmer jam, get jam sugar. The added pectin will give it a much more set texture. I like a runnier jam so I just used regular old granulated. (Also that was all I had)!

Step 2. Add the juice of a lemon.

Step 3. Microwave for 15 minutes.

You will need to stir it every few minutes and towards the end you need to keep a very close eye as it will try and bubble over. Just hit stop and let it settle down before starting again.

 

Then just let it cool a bit before popping into sterilised jars. I ran mine through the dishwasher but you can put them in the oven or use a sterilising tablet if that's easier for you.

 

And there you go! For less than 30 minutes work you have JAM!

 

All that is left to do is spread it on some bread and you have a highly satisfying lunch!

 

I'm going to have a go at blackberry jam once they are ready too. Then who knows!? Marmalade? What other kinds of jam are there? What are your favourites?

 

Call back next week for more ideas from my lunchbox!

 

Pip pip,

Charlotte x

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poorman's Lunch (#midweekmunchies 2)

It's that time again. Lunchtime.

Or... Maybe it's that time where you start worrying about what you're going to have tomorrow.

 

I had this very feeling last night. So I went for a fail-safe option. 'The Poorman's Lunch'.

Dining Al-Desko

Random bits of food on a plate has always been a lunch option in my family but when I tried to explain this to a friend she couldn't understand the concept. Until I compared it to the English pub classic... The Ploughman's. All of a sudden she got it, but promptly dubbed my cheap lazy version The Poorman's.

 

If you don't know, The Ploughman's lunch is basically some cheese, chutney and bread all washed down with a beer. Sometimes there's some cold meat chucked in. For a better explanation the ever reliable Wikipedia explains it here.

 

As you can see, my version today included: cheese, lettuce, a tomato, a boiled egg and some crackers but you could include anything you wanted. I also like to chuck in a carrot sometimes and a cold sausage would be amazing! I do like a splodge of salad cream too but I didn't have an appropriate tub to put any in this morning. I must pinch some sachets next time I'm at a pub for the future! But you could take a whole range of dips and things if you had some little containers.

It's a good way to use up fridge left overs and is really easy to chuck together at the last minute. The only thing I do that is a teeny tiny bit if effort is wrap my crackers in foil... Just try avoid them going soft.

 

Let me know if you think this is a weird one or if you think it's a good idea. Think of it as a salad you couldn't be bothered to chop up if that helps you get on board! I promise it's pretty darn tasty.

 

See you next Wednesday for another lunch box idea.

Pip pip

Charlotte x

 

Make Your Own Mug Shot (#midweekmunchies)

As much as I hate to admit it it, I like instant-just-add-water foods. Soups, noodles, porridge, the instant food market share really blowup in recent times and there is more variety than ever. They are convenient, tasty, relatively filling and depending on your retailer (and brand loyalty) reasonably priced. What I don't think they are is healthy and this is what needs to change.

 

I was first introduced to the idea of the DIY pot noodle from an old episode of River Cottage. I never managed to successfully create something that was actually tasty. It was always something that was a bit meh. So I shelved the idea, somewhere I the back of my mind.

And then for Chritsmas my mum got me this book:

I haven't really tried any of the recipes from them yet but I have adapted one to become my DIY mugshot.

First you will need the following ingredients and equipment.

• Small pasta, orzo or similar
• A variety of vegetable you like. Raw ones. Frozen is also fine. Jars too!
• Pesto
• Salt and pepper
• A spoon
• A chopping knife and chopping board
• A microwaveable tube of some kind (I use a microwaveable mug)
• A small tub for if you are taking this on the go, to keep the pesto separate
• A kettle
• A microwave (not 100% necessary)
• A fork (to eat it with)!

 

First of all, we are going to prepare, cook and eat all from the same tub, I dislike washing up.

 

Preparation

So let's start by putting some pasta in the bottom of the cup. About 3ish table spoons will be enough but you can adjust for how hungry you are.

I personally prefer orzo, but at the moment this funny little star pasta is what I have in.

 

Then, chop up your veggies. I have gone for Brocolli, cabbage, carrot, peppers,onion and onion.You need to chop them up pretty darn small as they have to cook very quickly.

 

I also added some jarred roasted pepper and some sun dried tomatoes. Becuase I could. Other things I've used in the past include things like frozen peas, sweet corn and green beans.

 

Then, add a twist of salt and pepper. Put the lid on and shake shake shake it up to season and mix.

 

Finally, put a teaspoon of pesto in your little tub, pop it in with all the other stuff and go off on your day.

(I had to buy my pesto on my way to work becuase when I opened the jar it was a total mould fest... Urgh... Sorry for that image but I'm being honest).

 

Cooking

This is super easy. Take out the pesto pot and boil the kettle.

 

Once it has boiled pour enough water in to cover the pasta layer at the bottom. Yes I know we shook it up but if your pasta hasn't fallen back down, just think of it as an imaginary fill line.

 

Then, pop the lid back on, flip the steam flap (or don't seal the lid all the way) and wait. If you like crunchy veg, this is where you stop. If you prefer a slightly softer vegetable then you can pop it in the microwave. Please only do this for a few seconds at s time though as it may try and boil over.

I didn't bother and went for the crunch option.

 

Let it sit for about 5 minutes and then stir in the pesto to thicken it up a bit.

 

EAT.

 

Also, a nice extra addition is to put some cherry tomatoes in at the end with the pesto, they warm through beautifully but I wouldn't want to cook them with everything else or I think they might go a bit mushy.

 

I would love to know if you try this and any variations you have a go at. Let me know if you do.

 

Happy munching,

Charlotte x

 

 

The Lunch Box Challenge: The Reboot

That's what cool stuff is called these days right? Reboot?

I have no idea. I'm not cool.

 

I am however, embarking on a series of posts about lunch boxes. And especially, what to put in them.

I have always been a packed lunch sort of girl. At school I took a packed lunch rather than have school dinners and even at college and university I would take food in rather than buy it when I got there. There is no point pretending this isn't because I am a but of a cheapskate.

Lunch costs.

A lot.

A modest lunch bought out will be somewhere in the region of £2 - £3.

A more exciting lunch will be nearer £5 - £7

 

Let's say you work a standard 5 day week, buy lunch every day at an average of £5 (I am allowing for a drink and a snack aswell here).

You get about 6 weeks off so that's 46 weeks of the year at £25 a week spend.

That is a massive £1150! Even if you just took one packed lunch a week you would get that down to under a grand at £920.

Which, frankly I still think is awful but then I'm not paid the mega bucks.

That is a holiday! A lovely holiday!

 

Last year I spent a month having a different thing for lunch everyday. It was tough but I did it. I tried doing that again this year in January but found that my goal to save money meant I wasn't willing to buy a lunch out when I ran out ideas at home. And I think ideas are a major part of the issue with a lunch box. Thinking of ideas is hard. And time is the other massive factor. The morning is a rush and nobody wants to have to spend loads of time preparing a lunch when they can just pop out of the office and grab something.

 

So I am going to try and put together a bank of ideas for us all to use. Ideas that are quick, easy, possibly ideas that can be made ahead of time or in bulk and above all tasty! No one wants a boring lunch after all.

 

I am planning to post a new lunch-related post each Wednesday. Sometimes it will be a recipe. Sometimes it will be snack focused. I might do lunch box reviews or what I had today type posts. We will see but keep your eyes peeled for some Mid-Week Munchies coming very soon.

 

Let's do lunch soon,

Pip pip, Charlotte xx

 

City Centre Office + Lunch Break = SPENDING

Hello.

 

I work in an office.

In a city.

In a city centre.

As soon as I leave my building I am bombarded with shops and offers and sales and enticing window displays.

It's hard for a girl to resist.

Especially when there is so much nice stuff. So what if I don't have room for another dress. It's only £15!

Bargain!

 

Another peril of working in an office. Particularly in a repetitive type job is the boredom hunger.

Hmmm... What would make this spreadsheet more interesting? This packet of crisps.

Ooo, I feel hungry now. I'll just have my biscuit too.

And before you know it your lunch is gone before 11.30.

 

But that's no bother because there's loads of food retailers right on my doorstep all offering me delicious lunches and snack options to get me through the rest of the day.

 

 

And it's this spending that annoys me most.

Unlike a dress, there's nothing to show for it at the end. Sure I didn't need a dress but at least I have one at the end of the day. With food, there's just crumbs, an empty purse and a guilty feeling lingering in your stomach. Yes it is guilt (and maybe a bit of overeating).

Worst of all it's preventable.

All that I need to do is bring more food to work with me. Hardly difficult. Just pack more snacks

 

So that's what I've been doing this week. I've packed so many snacks I've been bring stuff home. And how much money have I spent on food while at work?

 

NOTHING!

In fact, not spending money on food has made me want to try and avoid spending all round. (Although this is partially motivated by an expense week coming up next week). And I've suceeded. I didn't buy anything when I went to get a shirt for my sister today despite there bring loads of stuff I wanted to buy.

 

And it's all thanks to packing smart and this beautiful lunchbox that makes me excited to bring a packed lunch to work again.

Lovely isn't it?

I've had that lunch box probably getting on 10 years so yes it is a bit beat up and scratched but I still love it.

And you can get a lot of snacks in it!

Who wouldn't want to eat that? Sainsburys, Subway, M&S eat your hearts out. What you can't see in there is the chocolate biscuit. You can't get through the day without a bit of choccy!

 

I recommend packed lunches as one of my top money saving tips. Just a shame my little friend Philip doesn't listen to me. That's why he's got about 30p left to last until payday!

 

Love Charlotte x

 

Escaping

The world is a busy place.

 

I might have mentioned before that I am a commuter.

I get a busy train. Walk through a busy train station. Spend 8+ hours in a busy office. Walk back to the busy train station through a busy city centre. Get on an even busier train home.

My weekdays are crowded, loud and hectic. Is it any wonder that sometimes I just want to get off the ride? You might be in the same situation and if you are, I feel your pain. (Unless you thrive on this sort of environment - good for you).

 

Sometimes you just need to escape. I know I do. But you can't just suddenly get up and say:

"Enough is enough! I'm going on holiday. See you in two weeks!"

Well you could... But you'd get sacked. And I don't know about you but I'm really keen on not getting sacked. Even if I do want to escape sometimes.

So what do you do instead? I don't know really but here's some things I think might help.

1. Nature sounds: I stole this top tip from this lovely lady. If I feel overwhelmed by the commute, I pop my earphones in and try to pretend I'm at the seaside or in a forest.
2. Music: Again, stolen as above, but nonetheless useful. Find a song that you find relaxing and listen to it. I find singing along very helpful but this isn't always possible if you're in a crowded place and don't want to look slightly mad.
3. Take a break. I don't smoke, but people who do go out for a cheeky smoke break. So why can't I have a break too? Make a tea, heck make a round! Or, just say you're popping it the loo. No one needs to know you're not actually desperate for a pee! It's 5 minutes way from your desk and that stupid phone that won't stop ringing.
4. Lunch: I used to work through my lunch break when we got busy. Now we're always busy I make sure I take my 30 minutes every single day. And I make sure I leave the office, even if it's raining.
5. Find water: I appreciate this might not be possible for everyone but I find water hugely relaxing and I am fortunate to work just about within sensible walking distance of the river. By just about I mean 10 minutes there and 10 minutes back leaving a 10 minute sit down in the middle. For me, this is totally worth it.

This is where I have started trying to go to at lunchtime. It feels like a world away and really let's me clear my head ready to tackle the afternoon without cracking up.

 

It is so important to take time out to look after yourself. Nothing is worth feeling horrible about. I am the worst at doing this but I am trying to retrain myself. Take those five minutes, you've earned them so thousand times over.

 

Love Charlotte x

 

 

Store Cupboard Pasta Salad

 

Good Morning!

I can't believe we're already half way through May! It only feels like two minutes ago that I was trying to think of all the different lunches to eat in April.

One of my favourite lunches to make is really easy. Pasta salad. The best bit is the basic thing is all store cupboard ingredients. Of course you can jazz it up by adding fresh stuff but you can whip up a pretty darn tasty lunch in mere minutes with the help of a few jars.

You will need:

• Cold cooked pasta (deliberately cooking too much when you make your spag bol is a great tip)!
• A jar of pesto (I'm using red because that's what was open, but the traditional green basil pesto is delicious)!

Other things you may want to use:

• A jar of chargrilled peppers
• A jar of sundried tomatoes
• Fresh cherry tomatoes
• A pepper
• Herbs (basil and chives are really good)
• Spinach (or other salad leaves)
• Spring onions
• Cheese
• Maybe a meat?
• Anything else you like!

 

The Ingredients

I've gone for a very red themed pasta this time round. Because I'm using red pesto I haven't used the sundried tomatoes but if I was using green pesto I totally would!

Oh, and yes, that is my incredibly old iPod charging up there.

 

Chuck in the ingredients!

First, stir a generous spoonful of the pesto into your cold pasta.

Then chuck in everything else! It's really that easy.

Chop everything up into nice bite-sized pieces. I recommend doing this with the cherry toms too. I know they look prettier whole but trying to spear a cherry tomato with a fork is quite tricky!

The last thing to go in should be any herbs and salad you want to include as you don't want to bruise them by stiring them round too much. I've gone for chives and because of this I haven't used any onion. That would be a bit overwhelming!

As you can see, my chives are almost flowering. If the flowers had been open I would have definitely thrown a few of those in. Not only do they look super pretty in a salad, they are scrummy!

 

All that is left to do is eat it!

It is great as a packed lunch to take to work and also would make a lovely addition to a picnic or possibly as a buffet option at one of the many summer BBQs I'm sure we'll all be hosting this summer here in bonny Britain (I jest of course... We'll maybe manage one BBQ which will be conducted under an umbrella)!

 

I'd love to know about any other simple lunch recipes. I'm always on the lookout for faff-free foods.

 

Pip pip, Charlotte xx