As my daughter’s
getting older; note, she’s only 1.5 years old but a little person with opinions
nonetheless, I’m always thinking of how I can make food fun and interesting and
yet ensure that she’s getting a healthy and nutritious meal or snack.
This is something that
seems to be on every parents mind. So, I thought I’d share some of my ideas and
I would love to hear back with some of yours too.
1. Cookie
Cutter Snacks
I
would urge all parents to get a couple of fun shaped cookie cutters; stars,
hearts, flowers are all great because young toddlers can begin recognizing them
and relate to the shapes. Apart from making fun cookies with your kids, you can
use these on a number of things like fruits, veggies, sandwiches, morning
toast, cheese slices, rotis, parathas and pancakes to name a few. It makes meal
times a lot more fun for everyone.
2. Indian Chicken Meatballs
This
is a quick and easy recipe and kids love it. Succulent, juicy meat balls packed
with protein.
Ingredients
-
250g
chicken mince
-
100g
cottage cheese
-
½ tsp
garlic and ginger paste
-
¼ tsp
dhanna-jeera (coriander and cumin) powder
-
¼ tsp
turmeric
-
Pinch of
garam masala
-
Salt to
season
-
Bread
crumbs
-
1 egg
-
Fresh
coriander leaves
Method
Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well to form a nice firm but
wet mash. Leave for 20-30mins to marinate. Dust your hands with some flour and
roll into little balls. Shallow fry in a pan till cooked and ready. Remove on a
paper towel and pat off any excess oil. Your little balls of flavourful chicken
are ready to be eaten.
3. Yoghurt Milkshakes
This
is a great way to get kids to have some fruit and dairy and it keeps them full
and satisfied. A hot favourite, tried and tested is the banana smoothie. Mix a
banana with some plain yoghurt and add a bit of milk and orange juice as a
thinner. You can make it as thick or thin as you like depending on the amount
of milk or juice you use. Blend them together and voila!
To
change it up a little, the combinations are endless but here are a few ideas; add
a couple of berries, mango or kiwi fruit to get some extra flavours going. A
spoonful of peanut butter and oats also tastes delish. To sweeten use a date –
remember to remove the pip. This not only adds a delicious sweetness to the
drink but it also adds that extra punch of nutrition. Make sure you make a
glass for you as well; we mums also need a healthy snack to help us stay
energized to keep up with the little ones. Enjoy :)
