Tasty Treats

Cooking is brilliant fun for parents and kids, as long as little hands are kept bacteria free. Following our tasty kid-friendly recipes is a great way to spend a day, and an opportunity to learn about the importance of hand hygiene in a hands-on way. And when all the washing is done, you and your little ones can enjoy the delicious fruits of your labours together.

Here are a selection of our favourite quick recipes for you and your family to enjoy!

Rock Cakes with raspberry jam

• Preheat the oven to 180c gas 4 350f
• 225g plain flour
• 100g cubed butter
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 4 tbsps raisins
• 1 large egg
• 50g dark brown sugar
• 1dsp milk
• 6 -8 heaped tsps. Raspberry jam

Put all the ingredients except the jam into a large mixing bowl and using your hands, combine everything. Divide the mixture into six huge rock shaped cakes. Then using your thumb, make an indentation on the top of each one and put a heaped teaspoon of jam into it. Place the cakes onto a greased baking tray and pop into the oven for 15 mins. Leave to cool before eating, if you can wait!

Spaghetti and meatballs

• 1lb minced beef
• 5 tbsps finely chopped parsley
• Finely grated zest of one lemon
• 2 oz freshly grated parmesan (optional)
• 1 egg beaten
• Salt and pepper

Put all the ingredients into a large bowl and using your hands mix all the ingredients into walnut sized balls. Put the spaghetti onto boil as per instuctions. Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan and gently fry them until they are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

For the spaghetti

• 2 tbsps tomato puree
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 3 tbsps of olive oil
• Salt and pepper

In a heavy based pan heat the oil, then add the garlic and cook until softened (don’t let it colour). Add the tomato puree and fry whilst stirring for a minute or so. Pour in 3-4 tablespoons of water and stir, then throw in the cooked spaghetti. Stir until it’s coated with the tomato mixture. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with a little chopped parsley and parmesan.

Smoked salmon pate

• 300g soft cream cheese
• 100 g chopped smoked salmon
• 1 tbsp creamed horseradish
• Zest of one lemon
• 2 tbsps of lemon juice
• Black pepper
• Chives to garnish

Put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly. Spread onto heart shaped toast and sprinkle with chopped chives.

Walnut, brandy and cranberry stuffing

• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 4 celery sticks finely chopped
• A large knob of butter
• 2 tbsps brandy
• 3 oz butter
• 100g cranberries
• 100g chopped walnuts
• 3 tbsps chopped parsley
• Salt and black pepper

Melt the butter in a frying pan and fry the onions and celery until they are softened. Pour in the brandy and let it bubble for 30 seconds. Stir in the other ingredients (apart from the parsley) and fry gently for a couple of minutes. Season and stir in the parsley. Put into a greased dish and dot with butter. Bake for 30 mins at 180c gas mark 4.