Thursday, September 17, 2009

One family...........one meal


Slaves in the kitchen we are not. There are still many households who cook 1, 2, 3 or even 4 meals every night. I tell you I don't have the time or the creativity for 4 meals per night. I had a family today in my clinic(who were happy for me to blog about them!) that Dad was cooking 4 separate meals every night. I was exhausted listening to him and the reasons why. Mum didn't like chiken, son 1 didn't like slimy sauces and son 2 didn't like mixing foods together. This might sound extreme but the stats tell us that 40% of us cook more than one meal per night to satisfy the whole family.

My philosophy is ONE FAMILY- ONE MEAL. That doesn't mean seving up vindaloo to the 2 year old- it means having one base that you can adapt. Sometimes children just need the 'one' choice and conform to the family. A simple meal I have found that works well is the zucchini slice. It is soft, easy to chew, healthy, tasty and superquick to prepare. Parents can add some sweet chili sauce to spice it up. It is from my "kids meals - the whole family can enjoy" cookbook. see recipe below
Let me know what you think?

Kate
Zucchini slice
2 large zucchini (approx 300g) grated
1 medium carrot grated
1 onion finely chopped
3 rashes lean bacon
1 cup grated cheese
1 cup self raising flour
½ cup oil
5 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste

Microwave or lightly fry onion and bacon for one minute.
Combine zucchini, carrot, cheese and onion
Sift flour, add oil and lightly beaten eggs
Season with salt and pepper
Pour into well greased pie or quiche dish
Bake at 180 degrees for 40 minute
Note: if top starts to brown cover with tinfoil to continue cooking.
*Easy to freeze

6 comments:

mimi charmante said...

I will definitely be trying that! As it is zucchini season here, it is the perfect meal for a busy soccer evening.
Thanks for visiting me so that I could in turn find you!
xx

The House That A-M Built said...

Oh yes the fabulous Zucchini Slice. My boys love it and little one doesn't even know he is eating zucchini - must be the bacon flavour that does it. Our other favourites are the Pumpkin and Fetta Risotto (page 30) and the Bacon Frittata (page 15). Oh I sound like the woman who does the ads for brand power!... the one with the big teeth!!! Have I told you Miss Kate that we would cook at least 2 meals out of your kids meals book each week. Boys choose them. A-M xx

The House That A-M Built said...

Oh and re your holidays... don't forget the Norsca towelettes.... for just under the nose. Have a great time Audrey Forbes H! love Annie Pilkington-Smythe xx

Anonymous said...

Hi! I found your delightful blog through A-M and am so inspired by your recipes and ideas! As a Personal Trainer w/ degree in Exercise Physiology, I always felt what was missing was more knowledge in proper healthy nutrition! A-M mentioned on her blog your new book and I hope it's here in the States as well! Thank you for the inspiration I get from reading your blog...I'll be back for some more...:-D
Kristen

Kate said...

Thank you for your lovely post Kristen. Umfortunately the book has just been released in Australia - hopefully one day in the US. Until such time it is available through Allen and Unwin (if you click on the cover of the book on my site). Off to my sisters wedding so may have a few days wiythout a blog but will try hard to get back soon.
Kate xx

HMB said...

I have a boy with Autism and he had quite definite sensory issues which made eating a chore! -really you have no idea! With the help of an O.T. they lessened and with a firm hand from me we've overcome it to a degree. I just decided one day to take the same philosophy as you - one family- one meal. He will now try anything - sometimes begrudgingly, but will place it in his mouth...and food is no longer an issue. I wonder if you have any experience with these children?