A really horrible day weather-wise

Uncle Stanley pardon my French but I think it is fair to say that today's weather was absolutely pants - big fat Bridget Jonesers.  It being Wednesday, I was due to go down to Mum's, but it was really wild out and bitterly cold.  The bad weather obviously came to our neck of the woods first and then moved across to Mum and she agreed that it was really not nice and so we agreed to rearrange our visit for tomorrow when John would come with me.  We had driving rain, gale force winds and rolling mists and the house struggled to feel warm.

My answer to the shitty weather and the chilly house was to cook which is no hardship for me.  I had offered to make mum some lamb casseroles for the freezer and she had bought some lamb tenderloin so the first thing I got sorted were these casseroles.  I had purchased some take-away freezer boxes but Mum thought they might be too big for the limited space she has so when we had a teeny tiny window of opportunity mid afternoon I dispatched John off to find some which were a better size.  Also on the go were some lamb shanks in the slow cooker - once browned and chucked in with the 'gravy' and veg they basically cook themselves.

For supper this evening I was trying to make up a meal using one of the packets of couscous that I found loitering in the back of the cupboard celebrating its birthday.  John and I aren't quite sure about couscous as it can be a bland, bitty accompaniment to a meal but I had found a recipe for Thai spiced couscous and you had to make a spicy 'salsa' to garnish which incorporated coriander, spring onions, fresh chili and lemon zest - all flavours we love and a very colourful ensemble.

To go with the couscous was a peanut chili chicken dish which was fabulous and full of fragrant flavours, peanut, coconut milk, chili and ginger.  Having watched a program about the merit of chosing the right plate for the right dish and adding vibrant colours so that the meal looks appetising rather than bland, I made John get down the square dish/plates we got recently from Paps - they do showcase your meal I have to admit.  It was delicious and something I will be trying again.

It had taken quite a while for the house to get up to temperature this evening - we reckon it was one of the coldest days we have had this winter but with a nice meal inside of us we settled down to watch the last couple of episodes of Your Honor (yes spelt the American way as it was an American series).  We thought that it was a bit overlong and finished with a million unanswered questions and red herrings.  We are guessing that there is going to be a second series - if not then the ending was hugely disappointing after a strong and gripping start.  We are thinking we may tackle Bosch next as this has had some good reviews.