This week’s food budget for us is smaller than usual - a good challenge I think. I also wanted to detox before the Thanksgiving hoopla. This week’s menu is going to be super simple, vegetarian (well, maybe there might be some bacon or pancetta) and I”m making as cheap as possible - while still being healthy (trust me, I know Ramen is cheap). I’ll make my own pasta - I have lots semolina flour around, do some hearty salads, maybe even make a pie crust for a quiche. So rather than selecting recipes before I venture out to the shops, I’ll spend as little as possible and make it up this week. When life gives you less money, make better food.

I was again really inspired by what I saw at the Greenmarket this Saturday, and I had my favorite fuzzy friend Paddington to help. I want to continue to keep my meals simple as the season gets busier and busier. I’m also going to experiment a bit and possibly make a dish Rachael Ray would be really proud of. Here’s what’s on the menu for this week:

Monday - Pan-Seared Duck Breasts with Turnips

Tuesday - Butternut Squash Pizza

Wednesday - Mac&Cheese Lasagna

Thursday - Baked Potatoes, or Jacket Potatoes as Jamie Oliver calls them

Friday - Pappardelle with Sweet Tomato Sauce and Baked Ricotta