… at ELIZABETH GAETE’s home
It’s 3.30 in the afternoon. The kids fly in through the front door, dump their school bag wherever they see fit and before mum even gets a chance to close the door behind her, she hears those predictable statements: “I’m starving mum!”, “What’s to eat?”
It’s easy to grab packets of processed food from the pantry, but by putting in a little effort and a bit of forward planning, handling your child’s 3.30-itis doesn’t have to be a big chore.
Here are a list of recipes that are easy to make, delicious to eat and are sure to fill those hungry tummies until dinner-time.
Pikelets
This recipe is so easy to remember, you will soon be able to do it blindfolded.
1 cup self raising flour
1 cup milk
1 egg
Pinch of salt
Cooking oil spray
Sift flour into bowl, add salt. Make a well in the centre. Add milk and whisked egg. Stir until combined. Spray a frying pan with cooking oil spray. Once the pan is hot place about three separate spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan. Once bubbles appear on the top of the pikelets, flip them over for about another minute or so, until golden brown.
Top the pikelet with fresh fruit i.e. bananas, strawberries, add a dollop of yoghurt and a drizzle of honey.
The pikelet mixture itself is not sweet, so be creative with your toppings!
For a savoury option, spread with cream cheese and top with sliced tomato or cucumber.
TIP: Put milk in microwave prior to adding to flour, until it’s lukewarm. This gives the mixture a better consistency and helps speed up the cooking time.
Pizza muffins
The base to these pizzas can be changed depending on what you have in your pantry. This recipe uses English muffins, but Lebanese bread or tortillas can also be used.
2 English muffins cut in half
Tomato paste or pizza sauce
Grated cheddar cheese
Spread tomato paste onto cut English muffin, top with a favourite topping combination i.e. ham and pineapple or a vegetarian mixture of capsicum, sliced tomato and thinly cut mushroom. Cover with grated cheese and place under the griller of your oven until the cheese has melted well.
Pita pockets can also be used and filled with the kids’ favourite pizza topping and cheese. Place in the oven and bake until cheese has melted.
Fruit kebab sticks
The kids will always be on hand to help make this snack!
Kebab sticks or bamboo skewers
Fruit of choice: strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, rockmelon, sliced peach, sliced nectarine, apple, banana, grapes. Use whatever fruit is in season.
Cut fruit such as watermelon or rockmelon into bite-sized squares of about 3cm in length and width. If using apples or peaches make sure slices are thick enough, at least 2cm wide, so they can be pushed onto the skewer stick. Use fruit like strawberries and blueberries whole.
Thread fruit onto the skewer sticks. It can be served plain or with the kids’ favourite yoghurt as a dipping sauce.
Bread pillows
Simple and delicious, these are a winner for hungry tummies
6 slices of wholemeal, white or wholegrain bread
Butter or margarine spread
Small can of corn
Small can baked beans
Grated cheddar cheese
12 cake cupcake tray
Cooking oil spray
Spread margarine or butter onto bread. Cut crusts off bread and cut each piece of bread in half. Lightly spray cupcake tray with cooking oil. Push the half piece of bread into each cupcake hole. Place in preheated oven, and bake until bread is slightly crispy.
Take cupcake tray out of oven. In six bread halves, place 2 spoonfuls of corn, top with grated cheese on top of the baked bread. In the other six place 2 spoonfuls of baked beans onto the bread, and top with grated cheese. The baked beans should be placed in a bowl and heated in microwave until warmed through beforehand. This will help speed up the cooking process. Place back into the oven until cheese has melted. Cool slightly before serving.
Banana smoothie
This can also be called a banana milkshake for those children who are “allergic” to anything healthy. It’s quick, easy and a nutritious snack the kids will really enjoy.
2 cups of milk
1 banana roughly chopped
½ cup of yoghurt
1 tablespoon of honey
Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend well until smooth. Place into 2 glasses with a straw. If your child likes cinnamon, this can be lightly sprinkled on top.