This week has been manic, well actually manic or constant chaos seems to be my new form of normal.
I did have a few weeks basically free to rest and to just be, I only had a few days full of things to do with the kids and then suddenly they have all been eaten up with plans, with so much busyness that means that rest, work and actual items that need to be done are not getting done at all.
With the racing here and racing there to keep kids entertained, cooking dinner seems to be an afterthought and very much forgotten.
Yep, insert terrible mother comments here.
I have been simply so tired and annoyed that I get to the end of the day and the darkness has filled the sky and I still have no idea what to do for dinner.
Lamb Shank Red Wine & Rosemary and Lamb Shank Traditional Mint Gravy from Chef Direct.
Bad planning I hear you say, probably….. but I have a fabulous solution or if you were Baldrick on Blackadder, a Cunning Plan.
My secret weapon is Chef Direct from Marathon Foods.
The amazing team at Marathon Foods sent me the following meals:
- Lamb Shank Red Wine Rosemary
- Lamb Shank Traditional Mint Gravy
- Beef Meatballs Tomato & Basil Sauce 1.2kg
- Mild Chilli Beef & Bean 1.2kg
Do you find that you run out of time to think of a yummy, healthy and a quick dinner for the family?
If you work or just wish to have a break from thinking of what to cook Chef Direct’s prepackaged meals are an awesome choice.
DID YOU KNOW…
“Marathon Chef Direct creations are made fresh and kept that way by use of clever technology and packaging without the need for refrigeration or freezing. Our delicious creations are free from artificial flavours, colours or preservatives and there is no added MSG.”
Storing the packs in the pantry due to no refrigeration is perfect as it frees up much-needed space in the fridge.
- Marathon Chef Direct creations are shelf stable meals for the busy kitchen
- Free from artificial flavours, colours or preservatives
Lamb Shank & Red Wine Rosemary
This was the first meal that we tried and I must say we were so impressed.
The super yummy Lamb Shank & Red Wine Rosemary from Chef Direct by Marathon
The meat just melted in your mouth and fell off the bone and the red wine and rosemary sauce was super tasty and a fab accompaniment to the meal.
I added mash: Potato, red onion, brown onion, corn from fresh corn that I boiled and then removed the kernels, & carrots.
For some extra greens I cooked up some beans in olive oil and a little soy sauce.
The lamb Shank was warmed up in the microwave for 6 mins. This is my type of cooking, 6 mintues for a fab meal to be ready…. oh and a little bit extra for the mash, but not by much.
I would say I probably only cooked for about 30mins and used the microwave or 12 mintues (6 minutes for each Lamb Shank)
This meal was stress-free, easy to make and delicious!
Beef Meatballs Tomato & Basil Sauce 1.2kg
Beef Meatballs Tomato & Basil Sauce 1.2kg from Chef Direct by Marathon.
This pack is a huge size and I decided that it was wise to half it and put the rest into a container to store in the fridge. I ended up using the remainder for the kid’s dinners the next night.
Beef Meatballs with Tomato and Basil Sauce from Chef Direct ..and yes I added broccoli.
To heat up the meatballs and sauce, just boil some water in a pot and heat in the bag for 35 minutes (Making sure that the pot is off the heat when the bag is in it). You can also heat in an ovenproof dish, reheat in the oven for 30 minutes at 180°C (Heating in the oven make sure to remove contents from bag and place in the dish to reheat).
Cooking vegetables, reheating the meatballs and sauce and cooking the spaghetti. Talk about multitasking.
You cannot have meatballs without spaghetti, and I also added some vegetables. It got topped off with some grated mature cheese and then it got eaten!
The verdict was that it was another yummy, filling and easy to make the meal.
Mild Chilli Beef & Bean 1.2kg
Chilli Beef & Beans by Chef Direct is so tasty and super convenient for busy mums.
Hubby and I love a chilli meal and this really was tasty. It is not that spicy and has a good taste for those that don’t like it too hot. If you do want to increase the heat, you can always add some more chilli flakes to your meal. This way you can make it just the way you like it.
I boiled water in a saucepan and then took the pot off the heat. I added the Beef and Beans so that it could heat up and be ready for us to eat.
Reheating only took 30mins and gave me some time to get the vegetables organised.
Rice was added and I used the easy prepackaged and super quick Sunrise Rice and Quinoa Brown Rice, which only takes 90 seconds to be ready. I did say it was super quick!
I do love my greens, so added broccoli, bok choy and some capsicum for colour.
The vegetables for the Chilli Beef & Beans from Chef Direct by Marathon.
Now for the finished yummy looking meal of Chilli Beef & Beans with Rice and Vegetables.
The finished meal of Chilli Beef & Beans from Chef Direct by Marathon. Looks so good, doesn’t it?
If you wish to make your life a bit simpler you can get the Chef Direct range at IGA and have a break or at least make dinner time so much easier.
The Chef Direct range is also perfect for camping and travelling. No need to refrigerate and can be easily packed. Use for your next camping holiday with the family.
As a busy mum to 3 kids and a hubby, it would be nice to have someone make me a meal for a change.
The yummy Lamb Shank Red Wine and Rosemary Sauce meals from Chef Direct by Marathon.
The meals from Chef Direct are so easy to prepare I just might be able to put my feet up and take a break.
All you need to do is to add the mash, spaghetti or rice and a few things to the meal. Other than heat up the packet from Chef Direct and then enjoy!
A HUGE thank you to Marathon Foods for sending us such tasty, amazing and easy to prepare meals.
I’ve been telling other mums about what a great time saver these meals have been for me.
I would strongly recommend that you give the Chef Direct range a go, you will be so happy you did.
Sign up for my newsletter
Stay current with all the things that are happening on Mummy to Twins Plus One. Don’t miss a thing by signing up for my newsletter. This newsletter will list all giveaways and fabulous things that are happening.
