Sunny Day Dinner Ideas for Sad Days

You need

• 1/2 cup macaroni
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• handful grated cheese
• salt, pepper

Method

1. Microwave pasta and water in a big mug 3–4 min, stirring once (watch it doesn't boil over).
2. Drain off excess water; stir in milk and cheese.
3. Microwave 30–60 sec more until creamy.
4. Season and eat from the mug.

You need

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp oats
• pinch cinnamon
• butter for the pan

Method

1. Mash banana, mix with egg, oats and cinnamon.
2. Fry small spoonfuls in butter, ~1–2 min a side.
3. Stack them up.
4. Top with fruit or a little honey.

You need

• ripe tomatoes
• cucumber
• red pepper
• garlic clove
• olive oil
• sherry or red wine vinegar
• salt

Method

1. Roughly chop the veg.
2. Blend with garlic, oil, a splash of vinegar and salt.
3. Chill at least 20 minutes.
4. Serve cold with a drizzle of oil.

You need

• 1 bundle soba
• 2 tbsp soy
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• cucumber
• sesame seeds
• spring onion

Method

1. Boil soba, then rinse under cold water until cool.
2. Whisk soy, sesame oil and sugar.
3. Toss noodles with the sauce and sliced cucumber.
4. Top with sesame and spring onion.

You need

• 1 frozen banana
• handful frozen berries
• splash milk or yogurt
• toppings: granola, seeds, fruit

Method

1. Blend frozen fruit with just enough liquid to move.
2. Pour into a bowl thick enough to hold toppings.
3. Add granola, seeds and fresh fruit.
4. Eat with a spoon.

You need

• strong coffee or tea, cooled
• ice
• milk of choice
• optional: a little syrup or honey

Method

1. Brew strong and let it cool (or use leftovers).
2. Fill a glass with ice.
3. Pour over and top with milk.
4. Sweeten lightly if you like.