Meals of the Week, May 11 - 17th 2025

Here I am with another Sunday Meals of the Week post.  This is the day I generally share with you all of the main meals that I have cooked for myself in the previous week.  A delicious recap of how I have been feeding myself.

I determined when I moved into my own place that I as not going to become one of those people who ate out of cans and boxes, not while I had the ability to cook for myself that is.  I am a person who loves to cook and I think I would be rather bored eating ready-meals and frozen dinners. So as long as I can cook, I WILL cook!

I also hate waste so I always try to use up everything that I have as much as possible.  Its very hard sometimes, so I tend to shop for myself every few days now rather than once a week.  I find that the fresh ingredients like salad, etc. just don’t last any longer than a few days.  I would rather go a bit more often and throw out less.

If, along the way, I can inspire some of you with some of your menu planning, then that makes me very happy.  

Here are my meals for the past week. If I have eaten out, (which I did twice this week, once at my sister’s and once at a restaurant) I have endeavored in most cases to provide you with a recipe that you can make at home.  I have also tried to make all my meals senior and budget and small family friendly.  You can certainly double up on any of the recipes if you are feeding more than a few people!

 I hope you enjoy reading this post as much as I enjoyed eating the meals and writing it up!

SUNDAY, May 11th – Dinner at Cindy’s

On Sunday I had dinner at my sister’s place. She had cooked a ham, and we had boiled new potatoes and roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts on the side. It was delicious. 

In its place I am sharing my recipe for Classic Baked Ham.  Such a simple and delicious thing to make and enjoy.  Cindy cooked hers in the air fryer to save having the oven on for a long time. That is a smart idea and doesn’t heat up the kitchen!  Delicious!

MONDAY, May 12th – Creamy Boursin Chicken 

Juicy, golden-seared chicken cutlets smothered in a rich, velvety garlic and herb Boursin cheese sauce.  This is a dish using simple ingredients with maximum flavor! Perfect for a cozy dinner, served with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery rice. You’ll want to lick the plate clean!

I didn’t have any potatoes on the day so I had to make do with some rice. I added some cooked frozen petit pois on the side. This was a really delicious meal that went down a real treat!  I highly recommend!

TUESDAY, May 13th – German Casserole

This was something I had not cooked in a very long time. My sister had given me some ham to bring home with me and I used it in this delicious and yet very simple casserole. This is a great casserole that uses up leftovers in a very delicious way! Simple and easy to make and a quick bake. You will need leftover cooked ham and potatoes.  To be honest I used canned potatoes from my store cupboard which I sliced up.  These get layered in a casserole dish along with some sauerkraut and onion.  An egg mixture is poured over top and then you scatter a healthy amount of cheese over everything and bake. It is truly delicious!

I enjoyed this with a simple mixed salad. I was also able to take some to my next-door neighbor who really enjoyed it as well!  You know what they say, a joy shared is a joy doubled!

WEDNESDAY, May 14th - Dinner out with Dad and Hazel

I went out to the Big Scoop with my father and his friend Hazel on Wednesday night. I had not been out to dinner with them in a while. I wasn’t sure that Hazel was going to be there, and I hated to think of my dad eating all on his lonesome. I did invite him to come here, but he likes to flirt with the waitresses, and he can’t do that here. ha ha Anyways, Hazel ended up showing up as well. 

I had a cheeseburger and chips. In its place I am sharing my recipe for Smash Burgers. I probably would have enjoyed them a lot more than the ones from the restaurant. I am always really thirsty after eating there and I don’t add any salt to my meal.  I think they really season everything too much.

My homemade smash burgers are really delicious, and I am not just saying that. Delicious burgers, nicely browned on the outsides and filled with cheese. I like to serve them on toasted soft buns with lots of pickles, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. But you can pick your own garnishes. Whatever you choose, your family will love these.  

THURSDAY, May 15th -  Mediterranean Style Marinated Chicken

This is my favorite way to cook chicken thighs when the temperatures start to rise. I always cook extra to have with salads or sandwiches, etc. Juicy chicken thighs soaked in a zesty marinade of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and fragrant herbs.  They are then grilled to perfection for a smoky, golden finish. I use my Cuisinart countertop Griddler to cook it. It always comes out juicy and perfect.

I served it with a side of Dirty Martini Pasta for the win! It went perfectly together!

FRIDAY, May 16th – Baked Haddock with a Buttery Cracker Topping

Fish for Friday with one of my favorite fish recipes!  My sister and family love this as well. This is based on a fabulous recipe which I found on the NY Times cooking site. The original recipe used cod. I subbed haddock. This is one of the most delicious fish recipes I have ever tried.  

Flaky haddock fillets are topped with a buttery cracker crumb infused with lemon zest, garlic, and herbs, then baked to perfection. Light, flavorful, and irresistibly crunchy I served with some boiled new potatoes and a mix of roasted veggies. Delicious as always.

Tender chicken simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce, infused with warm spices, fresh ginger, and a hint of citrusy orange zest. Finished with mango chutney and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic. I enjoyed with some simple steamed rice and veggies.  No such thing as poppadom here.  Sigh. I wish there was!  I miss them!  They always go down so well with a delicious curry!

Debunking the myths of English Cookery, one recipe at a time.
The English Kitchen
http://theenglishkitchen.blogspot.com/

Source: https://www.theenglishkitchen.co/2025/05/meals-of-week-may-11-17th-2025.html