Two adults and three hungry teens...

I have embarked on a new journey and mission to help people create delicious meals for a family of five and only spending $250 New Zealand dollars a week for breakfasts, lunches and dinners plus any additional household items...I also bake every Sunday for the children's school lunches.

I have three hungry teenagers (including one vegetarian) and a health-conscious husband to feed.  I love to cook but get incredibly bored cooking the same meals over and over again.  I also have a vegetable garden and love to use fresh produce from our garden whenever possible.  We tend to eat very seasonal with the exception of tomatoes and bananas, we only eat vegetables and fruit that are in season as I refuse to pay for out-of-season produce.

For the past few months, I have been keeping a record of our expenditure at the supermarket and a weekly journal of our meals.  We eat takeaways once a week:
a) as a treat for the kids (although they swear they prefer my home-cooking!)
b) this is usually on the night when I don't cook (although my husband can cook, it all comes down to ease!)

So here is the first week's menu and the recipe for the first night!

Lasagne (serve with a side of salad greens!)

INGREDIENTS

250g large instant lasagne sheets

2 tbsp oil

1 onion, chopped

1 carrot, peeled & chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

500g mince

3 tbsp tomato paste

2x 400g chopped tinned tomatoes

2 cups stock

salt & pepper

pinch of nutmeg

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

2 cups milk

1 cup cheese, grated

METHOD

- Meat Sauce

1. Heat oil in a frying pan and add onion and carrots.  Cook until soft on medium to low heat.  
2. Add garlic and cook for one minute.
3. Add mince and cook until brown.
4. Stir in tomato paste, tomatoes and chicken stock.
5. Season with salt and pepper and stir in nutmeg.
6. Cover and reduce heat.  Simmer for 20 minutes.

- Cheese Sauce

1. Melt butter in a pot gently.  Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes until frothy.
2. Gently add milk, whisking constantly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup cheese.  Season with salt and pepper.

- Assembly

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Pour approximately 1/2 cup of meat sauce into greased baking dish.
3. Place lasagne sheets on top and then a layer of cheese sauce.
4. Continue with alternate layers and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of cheese.
5. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes.

Buon apetito!