Lamb Shanks

Some time back I was in the supermarket and saw a deal I couldn't ignore. For about $12 (I can't remember the exact price) I bought 2 frozen, microwavable lamb shanks and a 1kg packet of mashed potato. T is not always a fan of lamb but he raved about this meal.
The lamb was cooked in the microwave for less than 20 minutes, the mashed potato was surprisingly delicious and the chick peas were the perfect accompaniment to lamb. Oh, and I can't forget the gravy!

I was very impressed.

Parkmore Charcoal Chicken for Dinner

Parkmore Charcoal Chicken
Address: Parkmore Shopping Centre, 317 Cheltenham Rd, Keysborough
Phone: (03) 9798 5955  

We have visited this store a number of times and have always really enjoyed their charcoal cooked lamb on the spit but not this time!! The lamb was REALLY fatty. Usually it is a little crunchy on the outside and perfectly cooked with minimal fat. 
T ordered Gyros, chips and salad (lamb, chips and egg salad) $11.80.

How it looked when the lid was first opened.

After the chips were moved to the side.

I ordered a small serving of lamb ($6) and a small coleslaw ($3.20). They came in the same sized container.

While the lamb was a big let down, the chips and salads were decent.
We will probably head back to Parkmore Charcoal Chicken store in the hope that they have returned to their former high standards, but if we have an experience like this again, it will be for the last time.

Nicoise Risoni Salad (Awesome)

Last Friday night I shared great company but an average meal at Mecca Bah which left me wanting more. Tonight I ate nicoise risoni salad while at home alone, I was left wanting more for a totally different reason!
It was SO tasty and SUPER easy, I truly savoured every mouthful.
I was inspired by a recipe in recipes + magazine which, of course I changed to suit myself. Here is a recipe of what I made, change the quantities to suit your taste buds.

Risoni
Green beans (I used frozen)
Kalamata olives
Roma tomato
Small can of tuna
Parmesan cheese (I had no fetta)
2 eggs
pepper
a splash of Yumm Original dressing

Cook the risoni and beans. Soft boil eggs. Once done mix pasta with beans, tuna, tomato, olives and parmesan. Sprinkle on pepper, splash on dressing and serve with eggs broken on top. Enjoy!

Before the egg was added.

After the egg.

I'm on to a winner here!!

Lamb Chops & Mushroom Sauce with Salad

Dinner last night was something a little different. Whenever I buy lamb, I tend to get lean, high quality stuff but this time I went for a cheaper option; chops. I served the lamb with a tasty mushroom sauce which was made using mushrooms sauteed in butter, salt & pepper, evaporated milk, vegetable stock powder and cornflour.

It was a very nice, healthy mushroom sauce.

The salad was simple but a nice change from tomatoes, cucumber and lettuce. I used pumpkin, beetroot, spinach and toasted walnuts. Before serving it up I drizzled the salad with balsamic vinegar.

I enjoyed the meal a lot but but T wasn't a fan of the chops. The mushroom sauce was definitely a winner though.