Yep – Christmas cheer and the general hectic nature of things at this time of year has got to me too … I’ve got to the point ALREADY that I’d really like a quiet week at home with absolutely nothing on.

I’m sure as soon as that happens I’ll be wondering what to do with myself!

This late (or, indeed, very late) meal planner (print friendly version) I’ve put together with the idea that most of the dishes have at least a component that would fit as a canapé or something you could serve at a party. The Moroccan fish is based around chermoula which would definitely work as a dip. The smoked salmon tart could be made in advance and served room temperature at a party, as could the Moroccan meatballs. And the san choy bow you could downsize to be finger food.

Rather than a sweet treat, this week I’ve gone for the super easy cheese twists that you can make in advance and have in the freezer, ready to cook if you’re faced with unexpected guests.

Adelaide’s rolling towards a 40°C summer day on Friday so if you want to turn your oven on, best off that you do it now!

Some of this week’s recipes are accompanied by less than stellar photos, but that doesn’t change the fact that there are some really tasty, household favourites here.

I spotted some new season asparagus in the grocer’s yesterday, so there’s a bacon and asparagus tart to celebrate, and both Chettinad fried chicken and Vietnamese shaking beef are two very popular recipes in our family. And if you need something sweet, there’s the family banana cake recipe too.

As always, we have a pretty version and a print friendly version (no background image).

This week’s meal planner features a real mix of recipes. Here in Adelaide the weather is very changeable – the early part of the week is going to be warm but then it will be much cooler as we head to the weekend.

So to that end I’ve chosen some recipes that need time in the oven (Marcus Wareing’s amazing pork chop recipe) as well as one that will work just as well on the BBQ as it will on the stove (Xinjiang lamb). There’s Mexican, Italian and Thai inspired dishes too.

And for a sweet treat … chocolate and pistachio brownies. No matter how hot it is where you are, I’m sure having the oven on for half an hour is doable.

As always, there’s a pretty version for on-screen, and a print friendly version (no background image).

Have you had a favourite meal planner dish so far?  Let us all know, either below or on Facebook!