Three top tips to make mealtimes the best of times
By Ashley Campion, Founder Nanny Ash
As the proud daughter of award-winning food critic Charles Campion, Ashley's fondest childhood memories revolve around food. From the smell of the family AGA, to food events up and down the country, Ashley lovingly recalls that her father would often start planning his dinner before he'd even finished his breakfast! It is this passion for family and food that led to the creation of the Nanny Ash brand. Ashley aims to bring fun and family back to the dinner table, spreading laughter love and happiness through food.
“Children - the most fulfilment you will ever have in your life and sometimes the most frustration. Anyone who has tried to persuade a toddler to do anything that they do not feel like doing at that moment in time will know how hard a task it can be. These three top tips will help make mealtimes the best of times and help avoid any toddler tantrums round the dinner table.”
1) Make Food Time Fun. Whether you are creating smiley faces from their vegetables or animal shaped snacks - being creative with your food presentation will help engage your little ones in mealtimes. Using themed cutlery from their favourite characters is another great way to bring children around the dinner table.
2) Involve your Children in the Cooking. Children are incredibly creative and there is no better way to engage them than through cooking. Whether they are mashing the potatoes or decorating the cake, involving your children in the cooking process is fun and will give them a greater appreciation of what goes into preparing their food.
3) Engage your children in the Shopping and Meal Planning. Involving your little ones in the shopping and meal planning can be educational and will help in getting your little ones to feel engaged in mealtimes.
Nanny Ash’s Sweet Corn Fritters
Preparation – 15
Cooking time – 15
Ready in – 30
Ingredients
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 cup white whole wheat flour (or flour of your choice)
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 can sweet corn
2 cups cauliflower rice, gently steamed
1 small shallot, minced
2 scallions, chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh basil, chopped
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Method-
1) In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, and milk.
2) Stir in flour and cornmeal.
3) Mix in the corn, cauliflower, shallot, scallions, and basil.
4) Chill for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
5) Heat olive oil in a non-stick pack over medium-high heat.
6) Drop ¼ cup of batter into the pan.
7) Cook both sides until golden brown.
8) Remove fritters from pan and place on a paper towel.
Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve warm.