Planning a special meal can feel like a lot, especially when life’s already loud. But sometimes you want to mark the moment—without burning out.

Here’s a cozy little menu I’ve used when I want to cook with care (but not collapse afterward). It’s plant-based, low-effort, and built for warmth, not wow-factor.

🥣 Starter: Herby Chickpea Salad Toasts

Toasted sourdough + mashed chickpeas with dill, mustard, and lemon juice. Add diced celery or pickles if you’ve got them. Fancy without being fussy.

🍲 Main: Smoky Roasted Chickpeas + Maple Carrots

Toss canned chickpeas with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes, shaking once.

At the same time, roast chopped carrots with a bit of maple syrup and wholegrain mustard. They caramelize into something sweet and special.

🍚 Side: Herbed Couscous with Lemon

Boil water. Stir in couscous. Let it sit. Fluff with a fork and add parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. Done in 10 minutes, tastes like you tried.

🍏 Dessert: Pear + Ginger Crumble

Slice some pears (fresh or canned). Add ground ginger and a splash of lemon. Top with oats, almond meal, and coconut oil. Bake until golden.

It’s not restaurant food. But it’s the kind of meal that makes people feel welcome. And sometimes that’s more memorable than perfect plating.