What is in your larder?
Shopping on a Sunday afternoon, I know it is not the best time for fresh food but I still expect to see food. I ended… Read More »What is in your larder?
Cooking
The Lean Singleton Eats
I have been participating in Menu Monday for a while, after planning my weekly menus I have discovered that I am a boring eater/cook. The… Read More »The Lean Singleton Eats
Ode to the Egg
An egg is one of the most versatile and inexpensive items we have in our cupboards. We can eat eggs at anytime of the day… Read More »Ode to the Egg
Sexy Packed Lunches
Apparently it takes 21 days of repetition to make a habit so I am trying to make a habit of bringing my lunch to work. … Read More »Sexy Packed Lunches
I Want a 1950’s Wife
As I have probably mentioned before I live pretty much alone, my beloved comes over a few nights a week but is not asked to… Read More »I Want a 1950’s Wife
Make food while the sun is shinning
This past Saturday was one of if not the best weather day of the summer. So what did I do? Go shopping of course! I… Read More »Make food while the sun is shinning
Lean Love
It is that time of year again – the day to tell and show our beloveds how much we adore them. Unfortunately we are… Read More »Lean Love
Menu Monday 13th February 2012
I have just gotten back from visiting my family in New York which was lovely since it had been a year since I have been State… Read More »Menu Monday 13th February 2012
Menu Monday 23rd January 2012
It is Chinese New Year today – Year of the Dragon which I am taking as very auspicious. So much so that we are… Read More »Menu Monday 23rd January 2012
Menu Monday 16th January 2012
This is an interesting week food wise, I am joining Penny Golightly and several others to only spend £10 or $15.31 for the whole week. … Read More »Menu Monday 16th January 2012
Menu Monday 9th January 2012
I thought I was embracing 2012 with a bang then low and behold, I was struck down with a relapse of Glandular Fever (aka Mono).… Read More »Menu Monday 9th January 2012
Menu Monday 12th December 2011
We are zooming into holiday party and events mode so we will most probably not be eating big meals at home. Quick and easy will… Read More »Menu Monday 12th December 2011
Menu Monday 14th November 2011
We are trying to eat a bit more vegetarian this week. This has not come about on purpose but because my lovely butcher is a… Read More »Menu Monday 14th November 2011
Menu Monday 24th October 2011
This week there is a group of us that are aiming to spend £10 ($16) or less. The £10 week is the brain child of… Read More »Menu Monday 24th October 2011
Menu Monday 10th October 2011
I feel a bit strange writing this today, one of my oldest friends was in a fatal accident over the weekend and I am feel totally… Read More »Menu Monday 10th October 2011
Menu Monday 8th August 2011
Things are looking up at Lean Times HQ, sort of , I have some new work which is interesting and will hopefully pay the bills.… Read More »Menu Monday 8th August 2011
Menu Monday 1st August 2011
This is my first official week of not working, yes it is not the happiest of situations but here at The Lean Times, we persevere. So… Read More »Menu Monday 1st August 2011
Menu Monday 18th July 2011
The week we will be eating mostly out of the freezer. I was made redundant last week and it is going to be a Lean… Read More »Menu Monday 18th July 2011
Menu Monday 11th July 2011
Last week my beloved and I were on a gorgeous holiday in Turkey. It was an all inclusive resort, where the food was terrific. It… Read More »Menu Monday 11th July 2011
Menu Monday 20th June 2011
Once again I am hit with web hosting problems so be kind about the messiness of this post. I am hoping to change providers very… Read More »Menu Monday 20th June 2011
Menu Monday 13th June 2011
I have planned my cooking this week thinking that it would be warm. Chilled soup in rainy cold weather is just not the ideal. Fingers… Read More »Menu Monday 13th June 2011
Menu Monday 30th May 2011
This has been a bit of a tough time in the life of The Lean Times – I have been having trouble with my service… Read More »Menu Monday 30th May 2011
Menu Monday 23rd May 2011
This has been a challenging weekend – my website service provider is having trouble which is impacting on my website, which is why I have… Read More »Menu Monday 23rd May 2011
Menu Monday 9th May 2011
After writing about Stockpilling last week, I am doing a bit of inventory control on the cupboards and the freezer. I also have a huge… Read More »Menu Monday 9th May 2011
Menu Monday 18th April 2011
I love this vintage looking new image from OrgJunkie. I think I like it so much that I may use it every week. Monday –… Read More »Menu Monday 18th April 2011
Menu Monday 11th April 2011
Yippeee! My butcher was back at the market on Saturday so we will be having a chicken this week. This is great for a few… Read More »Menu Monday 11th April 2011
Menu Monday 4th April 2011
Shock! Horror! On Saturday, my butcher was not at the market, you might think what is the big deal but for us that rely on… Read More »Menu Monday 4th April 2011
Menu Monday 21st March 2011
This is a super busy week for me, which has me out several nights so I will need to fire up the slow cooker so… Read More »Menu Monday 21st March 2011
Menu Monday 14th March 2011
On Saturday, I scored some lovely duck legs for only £1 per leg so that is my luxury items of the week. Monday – Braised… Read More »Menu Monday 14th March 2011
Menu Monday 7th March 2011
This week looks like life is going to be a bit complicated – evening meetings, classes and a surprise houseguest so it is easy cooking… Read More »Menu Monday 7th March 2011
Menu Monday 28th February 2011
Bye bye February, hello spring, hopefully. Monday – Chili made in the slow cooker on Sunday Tuesday – Roast chicken with butternut squash risotto with… Read More »Menu Monday 28th February 2011
Menu Monday 21st February 2011
I am back from surprising my mother for her birthday and my reward for doing the good deed is now I have a stinking cold. … Read More »Menu Monday 21st February 2011
Menu Monday 7th February 2011
This is an odd week for menu planning as I am going away but here it is. Monday – Pork, ginger& black bean stir fry… Read More »Menu Monday 7th February 2011
Menu Monday 31st January 2011
Bye bye January, hello February! Don’t we all love a quick month that takes us into Spring. Monday – Roast chicken, saffron orzo, broccoli Tuesday… Read More »Menu Monday 31st January 2011
Menu Monday 24th January 2011
Welcome to the last week of January, I will not be sad to see the back of you. January is always a difficult month with… Read More »Menu Monday 24th January 2011
Menu Monday 17th January 2011
Today is supposedly the most depressing day of the year but over here at The Lean Times, we are not buying into that rubbish. We… Read More »Menu Monday 17th January 2011
Menu Monday 10th January 2011
It seems as though 2011 is in full swing – people are making plans and getting pro-active. Miss Lean Times over here is very busy… Read More »Menu Monday 10th January 2011
Menu Monday 3rd January 2011
Welcome to the first Menu Monday of 2011! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season. In the UK, a lot of offices have been… Read More »Menu Monday 3rd January 2011
Menu Monday 27th December 2010
I hope all my lovely readers had a wonderful Christmas! I find menu planning the week between Christmas and New Year a bit difficult as… Read More »Menu Monday 27th December 2010
Menu Monday 13th December 2010
Oh my goodness! It is only 12 days until Christmas and the party season is in full swing which means I will be eating mostly… Read More »Menu Monday 13th December 2010
Menu Monday 6th December 2010
Well this is the first December Menu Monday and I must admit that I fell a bit short at my November Get it Done goal… Read More »Menu Monday 6th December 2010
Menu Monday 29th November 2010
Bye bye autumn, hello winter – it is freezing here in London so this week I am making warming food. Monday – Mystery dinner –… Read More »Menu Monday 29th November 2010
Menu Monday 22nd November 2010
It is more than half way through my get it done November and I am happy to say that I am almost halfway to my… Read More »Menu Monday 22nd November 2010
Menu Monday 15th November 2010
It is Menu Monday, midway through Get it Done November and I have earned almost exactly half of my goal to earn an extra £700… Read More »Menu Monday 15th November 2010
Menu Monday 8th November 2010
Get it Done November has gotten off to a good start – I have listed 10 items on eBay and have been chosen to do… Read More »Menu Monday 8th November 2010
Menu Monday 1st November 2010
Well hello November, I have named you Get it Done month for me. I need hit the ground running if I am going to hit… Read More »Menu Monday 1st November 2010
Menu Monday 25th October 2010
I must apologize to my lovely readers for being MIA last week. It was an eventful week, a surprise visit to the hospital which led… Read More »Menu Monday 25th October 2010
Menu Monday 11th October 2010
This is an exciting week, The Lean Times Cooks classes begin. This week’s class is sold out but if you would like to come, we… Read More »Menu Monday 11th October 2010
Menu Monday 4th October 2010
I don’t have much to report this week except for feeling as though I am not getting enough done. I hate not living up to… Read More »Menu Monday 4th October 2010
Menu Monday 27th September 2010
This week I am doing the KISS method – keeping it simple. Just good home cooking, suitable for the chilly weather. Monday – Mom’s Perfect… Read More »Menu Monday 27th September 2010
Menu Monday 20th September 2010
Last weeks, £10 dinner for a week challenge went extremely well, so well that I am treating my beloved to steak tonight then back on… Read More »Menu Monday 20th September 2010
Menu Monday 13th September 2010 – the £10 Challenge
Since the sublime failure of my yearly sideline, I have decided to set myself a challenge – to see if I can eat dinner for… Read More »Menu Monday 13th September 2010 – the £10 Challenge
Menu Monday 6th September 2010
These past couple of weeks have been incredibly hectic so I must apologize for neglecting my lovely readers. I had dedicated every extra minute to… Read More »Menu Monday 6th September 2010
Menu Monday 23rd August 2010
This is most likely my busiest week of the year as I will be doing my regular work and preparing my big yearly sideline in… Read More »Menu Monday 23rd August 2010
Menu Monday 16th August 2010
Since it has suddenly gotten chilly and I did not have a chance to hit Portobello vegetable market – this week is going to be… Read More »Menu Monday 16th August 2010
Menu Monday 9th August 2010
These past two weeks have been absolutely crazy! I have not even had the time to my favourite thing, write my blog. So this week… Read More »Menu Monday 9th August 2010
Menu Monday 2nd August 2010
I had a realization this weekend; I feel so much better when I sleep properly. I know this is common knowledge but I have figured… Read More »Menu Monday 2nd August 2010
Menu Monday 26th July 2010
Last week’s jerk chicken with rice and peas was a big success except I made way too much rice so this week is starting with … Read More »Menu Monday 26th July 2010
Menu Monday 19th July 2010
Last week I went crazy and made a ton of black beans in my slow cooker, so many that I can not put any more… Read More »Menu Monday 19th July 2010
Menu Monday 12th July 2010
This week is looking very busy, more days in an office so less time to get stuff done. It is time to be extra hyper… Read More »Menu Monday 12th July 2010
Menu Monday 5th July 2010
This past weekend was my birthday and after the usually celebrations and excess; it is now time to get back on the frugal wagon. I… Read More »Menu Monday 5th July 2010
Menu Monday 28th June 2010
It is really summer here in London so this week I will be cooking summer foods. I wish I had a BBQ but alas I… Read More »Menu Monday 28th June 2010
Menu Monday 21st June 2010
Last Monday, I just returned from holiday which totally threw me off balance. I did not do my meal plan or my regular jaunt to… Read More »Menu Monday 21st June 2010
Menu Monday 24th May 2010
Hooray! Spring has finally sprung. Actually, it feels like we have by passed spring and zoomed right into summer, which makes we want a Mediterranean… Read More »Menu Monday 24th May 2010
Menu Monday 17th May 2010
This week is starting out a little bit better than last week, there is still a chill in the air but at least the sun… Read More »Menu Monday 17th May 2010
Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions
I am planning to make New York patty melts tonight for dinner; a patty melt requires caramelized onions. The onions take a bit of effort… Read More »Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions
Menu Monday 10th May 2010
I am aware that it is May but the weather is making it feel like October, so confusing for us that try to eat in… Read More »Menu Monday 10th May 2010
Menu Monday 3rd May 2010
Today is a Bank holiday in the UK which means my schedule have been thrown off. I am still working on the more protein and… Read More »Menu Monday 3rd May 2010
Menu Monday 19th April 2010
The weather has started to warm up and the produce is getting better so it is salad days for me this week along with some… Read More »Menu Monday 19th April 2010
Menu Monday 5th April 2010
I hope everyone reading had a great Easter. Ours was especially wonderful as my sister and her family came all the way from NY to… Read More »Menu Monday 5th April 2010
Menu Monday 22nd March 2010
This week I nabbed some very cheap crepes in the market so I will be experimenting with making fillings. Monday – Pasta with bolognaise sauce… Read More »Menu Monday 22nd March 2010
Menu Monday 8th March 2010
Monday – Tonight we are finally making our pizza! I must admit that I bought the dough frozen at Whole Foods but if this experiment… Read More »Menu Monday 8th March 2010
Menu Monday 22nd February 2010
It is easy peasy lemon squeezy week, which means not too much time spent in the kitchen. Except on Tuesday when I am planning an… Read More »Menu Monday 22nd February 2010
Menu Monday 11th Jan 2010
This is a super Lean week for me for several reasons – I have just received a big bill from my building for service charges… Read More »Menu Monday 11th Jan 2010
Menu Monday Christmas 2009
Sorry about the tardiness of this week’s Menu Monday. I just was not entirely sure what I was going to make for Christmas. The past… Read More »Menu Monday Christmas 2009
I love Menu Monday
I must say that since I have been participating in Menu Monday, I have spent less time and most importantly money on food also my… Read More »I love Menu Monday
Menu Monday 30th November 2009
I know it is not even December yet but I am full speed ahead with getting prepped for Xmas, hence the snowflakes. I am doing… Read More »Menu Monday 30th November 2009
Menu Monday 16th November 2009
According to this Daily Mail article the average British household lives on the same nine dishes. I find this statistic very sad. No wonder why… Read More »Menu Monday 16th November 2009
Guests, friend or foe?
I am originally from New York, where unless you are very well off, you probably could not swing a cat in your apartment none the… Read More »Guests, friend or foe?
Menu Monday 9th November 2009
This is going to be a very Lean week for me. A small disaster has struck in the form of my shower pump dying, of… Read More »Menu Monday 9th November 2009
Menu Monday 2nd November 2009
Baby it is getting dark and cold outside, which makes it times for winter warmers. When I get home in the evening since the clocks… Read More »Menu Monday 2nd November 2009
Menu Monday 26th October 2009
I got an amazing deal on a giant (5kgs) bag of basmati rice so I have decide in the spirit of thriftiness that it is… Read More »Menu Monday 26th October 2009
Menu Monday 19th October 2009
Over the weekend, I sorted through my freezer and found some wild boar sausages that I received as a gift ages ago so definitely cooking… Read More »Menu Monday 19th October 2009
Menu Monday 5th October 2009
Sorry lovely readers but Menu Monday is a bit late but at least I got it done. This is a very thrifty week for me… Read More »Menu Monday 5th October 2009
Menu Monday 28th September 2009
It is Menu Monday again and this time it is all about salad. Why salad, you ask? It is because I am going to the… Read More »Menu Monday 28th September 2009
Menu Monday 14th September 2009
There is a definite autumnal breeze zipping through London this week. I am quite sad to say goodbye to summer but overjoyed at the amazing… Read More »Menu Monday 14th September 2009
Menu Monday 7th Sept 2009
Big cooking week for me, trying to get into the swing of Autumn. Cooking for me, my beloved and the freezer. Monday – Spicy Chili… Read More »Menu Monday 7th Sept 2009
Take One Chicken….
We all know that there are numerous things you can do with a leftover chicken. I have made this handy chart for you to put… Read More »Take One Chicken….
Lean Regime
At this time of year, we make resolutions. Many or is it most of us decide that it is the time to lose some weight,… Read More »Lean Regime
Eat like a peasant
Food prices have gone up, that is a fact, so now is the time to rethink how we cook. Meat does not have to be… Read More »Eat like a peasant
Lean when the leaves are falling.
It’s autumn and my social diary is filling up. How does a girl about town keep on a budget and still have an exciting social… Read More »Lean when the leaves are falling.