How to get kids involved in the kitchen part 1

Don't underestimate the importance of educating children on food from an early age. With more and more processed foods available it is critical to get them involved in the kitchen from a young age.

I am now running parent and child cookery classes. Come along with 5 friends and their children to be inspired and challenged to make a number of dishes with your child. They sit down to eat what they made at the end and take home some goodies they have made. This is ideal for those age 7-12.
Contact Fiona on 0876646445 to arrange a date and menu!

This week one of the dishes we made was energy balls - nut free and free from refined sugar these little balls can help with the 11am and 3 pm energy slumps! They are so easy to make, its like child's play. Below is the child friendly version of the recipe.

In this recipe I like to use Medjool dates, they are softer than other dates, the best value place to buy them is an Asian Supermarket, they are €13 per KG there but €25 per KG in a market/health store. If using the dates you can buy in the supermarket veggie isle then soak them in hot water for 10 mins, then drain and use.

Ingredients:

1 cup pitted dates chopped

1 cup oats

1/3 cup raisins

1/2cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

2 tbsp Cocoa powder

zest 1 orange

Method:

1.Place all ingredients in food processor
2.Blend until smooth.
3. Roll into balls in the palm of your hand.
4. Toss the balls in dessicated coconut or cocoa powder.
5. Store in fridge for 7-10 days.

If you would like to come to a cookery class where your child will learn to make things like these energy balls, shortbread, hummus and homemade chicken goujons and chips then I would love to chat to you!