20 October 2011

Healthy kids recipes - easy yummy beef stew

Healthy kids recipes - easy yummy beef stew

With the weather taking a turn, it is now time to start thinking about hearty stews for the family to tuck into during the cold autumn and winter months. A mum friend asked me for a recipe for her slow cooker. This recipe can also be cooked in a casserole/oven proof dish too. It is easy, delicious and nutritious and hardly takes any preparation at all. You can make double the amount and freeze the amount left over for another cold day.

Ingredients:

1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 parsnips, chopped into bite size pieces
2 carrots, chopped into bite size pieces
500g braising steak, cut  into bite size cubes
1 tin of tomatoes
400ml stock (vegetable or beef)
1 tbsp plain flour
Pepper to taste

Method:

Preheat the oven to 160 C
  1. In a casserole/oven proof dish fry the onion in a little oil for around 5 mins. Then add the beef and fry until it is brown all over. Now add the garlic and after a minute the flour (this will thicken the sauce)
  2. Next add the tinned tomatoes, carrots, parsnips and lastly the stock and simmer for a couple of minutes not forgetting to stir ensuring all the ingredients are well mixed together. Add pepper to taste.
  3. If placing in the oven, place the lid on the dish and cook for around 2 1/2 hours
  4. If using a slow cooker, place all the ingredients into the cooker and set it on the desired setting. I usually go for the slowest and longest as the meat comes out wonderfully tender.
Serve with mash, couscous or rice. You won't feel the cold after eating this, I promise you!


18 October 2011

Kinder Kitchen Cooking Classes - Biscuit and cake decorating


Cooking with your children
Biscuit and cake decorating classes (2yrs +)

In a relaxed and fun environment my biscuit and cake decorating sessions allow children:
·        to develop their artistic and creative sides
·        to develop a sense of accomplishment
·        to learn about the basics of cooking and different ingredients

Each class is structured and:
·        there is a different theme each week
·        all cakes and biscuits are homemade
·        all equipment and ingredients are included
·        along with a recipe card, each child gets to take what they make home with them to share with their mummy and daddy

Sessions are held in the Café @ The Arts Depot, North Finchley
Biscuit and cake decorating
Monday, November 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th at 11am-12 noon (£7.50)

Edible Christmas tree decorations (great Christmas presents!)
Monday, December 5th, 12th and 19th at 11am-12 noon (£8)

please contact Natasha on 07734 054 649 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            07734 054 649      end_of_the_skype_highlighting to book your child’s place www.kinderkitchenrecipes.blogspot.com

ALSO HOLD COOKERY PARTIES FOR CHILDREN 3+ IN YOUR HOME 

17 October 2011

Healthy kids recipes - easy individual apple crumbles

Healthy kids recipes - easy individual apple crumbles
 
These individual apple crumbles are so quick and easy to make and your kids will love to help you make the crumble topping. You will need 4 ramekins or small oven proof pots. Double the amount and make a family sized apple crumble in a larger oven proof bowl.
 
Ingredients:

Apple compot:
2 cooking apples, peeled and diced
2 tbsp sugar
A pinch of cinnamon

Crumble topping:
60g plain flour
30g butter
20g sugar
 
Method:
 
Pre-heat the oven to 180 C
  1. Place the apples, sugar and cinnamon in a saucepan with the lid on and simmer the apples for 5 minutes until the apples start to break up
  2. For the crumble, put the flour, butter and sugar into a bowl and rub together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs
  3. Place the apple mixture into individual ramekins and sprinkle the crumble mixture on top
  4. Place in the oven for around 10 minutes or until the crumble has nicely browned and the apple mixture is bubbling

15 October 2011

Healthy kids recipes - easy fish cake fingers

Healthy kids recipes - easy fish cake fingers

I call these fish cake fingers because they are fish cakes shaped into fingers. Your children will love to make these with you although be prepared for a bit of a mess. Of course you can shape them into any shape you wish. They are a meal in one and always a winner when we have little guests for tea.

Ingredients:

3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
300g fish, skinned and boneless
½ mug of peas
¼ pint of milk
1 bay leaf
1 egg, beaten
½ mug of breadcrumbs
Pepper to taste

Method:
 
  1. Boil the potatoes for 15 minutes until soft and allow to cool
  2. Poach the fish in the milk with a bay leaf for 5 minutes, remove and leave to cool
  3. Simmer the peas for 5 minutes, remove and leave to cool
  4. Pass the potatoes through a ricer or just mash and place all ingredients in the fridge for 30 minutes
  5. Once cooled, mix all the ingredients together and then shape into cakes or fingers, coat in the egg and then breadcrumbs and fry in a little oil until crisp. For the healthy option, place on a baking tray and bake in an oven 180C/Gas Mark 5 for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are crisp.
Serve with a salad or freshly steamed broccoli.