Quick after work dishes

Miso soup can really hit the spot. It's warming and nourishing, and if accompanied by noodles and other goodies it can be a very satisfying meal. If you have vegetables like broccoli or celery on hand, throw them all in. Enoki are the small white mushrooms with long stems and tiny heads, and udon are thick Japanese noodles. If you are a strict vegetarian, leave out the fish sauce and add a little more soy sauce to taste.
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Adding the scallops to the risotto it gives the dish a sense of grandeur. The downside of making risotto is that you have to be hovering next to the cooker, as it can't be left. But there really is only the prepping to do, so there isn't much sweating in the kitchen beforehand.
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These are a meat version of fishcakes. If you prefer a milder chorizo, you could use a combination of mild and hot. If you feel like having another vegetable, Kenyan green beans cooked al dente would be delicious, and if you want a salad toss lamb's lettuce with a little olive oil and salt.
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Although this dish is a little labour-intensive, it is worth the time. It's perfect for kids, and if the weather is fine you can cook the satay on the barbecue. The peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and then reheated gently. Most of the ingredients can be found in larger supermarkets, and all Asian supermarkets will stock them. Freshly ground peanut butter is available in most health food shops.
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Thank god chocolate is always in season so that we can rotate different fruits around it. If you fancy making this when raspberries are thin on the ground, opt for mandarins or tropical fruit such as papaya or mango instead. Use a really good chocolate such as Green and Black's.
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