Back to School Lunch Ideas
Holidays are almost over! Feed the kids for a week with these lunchbox treats. Just add a sandwich and a piece of fruit and you're all set!
Why is Organic food good for kids?
Organic food is often considered beneficial for children due to several reasons that prioritize their health and well-being. Here are the key reasons why organic food can be good for kids:
1. Reduced Exposure to Pesticides and Chemicals:
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Health Concerns: Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Children, especially infants and young ones, are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticide residues due to their developing immune and nervous systems. Choosing organic reduces their exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.
2. Higher Nutritional Value:
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Potential Nutrient Content: Some studies suggest that organic produce may have higher levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to conventionally grown counterparts. For growing children, these nutrients are crucial for proper development and immune function.
3. Support for Allergies and Sensitivities:
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Reduced Allergenic Potential: Organic farming practices avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic additives, and antibiotics commonly found in conventional animal products. This can be beneficial for children with allergies or sensitivities to these substances.
4. Environmental and Sustainability Benefits:
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Future Health: By supporting organic farming, parents contribute to sustainable agricultural practices that protect soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. These efforts help ensure a healthier environment for future generations.
5. Potential Taste and Preference:
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Organic Flavour: Some people find organic foods to have a fresher and more natural taste, which may encourage children to enjoy a wider variety of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.
6. Avoiding Hormones and Antibiotics:
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Animal Products: Organic standards prohibit the use of growth hormones and antibiotics in livestock production. Choosing organic animal products may reduce children's exposure to these substances and support more humane treatment of animals.
Shopping List
- 4 2/3 cups self-raising flour
- white sugar
- brown sugar
- honey
- 1L milk
- 20 eggs
- butter
- 5 apples
- cinnamon
- curry powder
- 3 zucchinis
- carrots
- 1 onion
- bacon
- cheese
-
mayonnaise
Apple Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups self-raising flour sifted
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 50 g butter melted
- 200 g apples diced and stewed
- Pinch cinnamon
Method
1. Mix milk, eggs and butter together.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar and apple.
3. Add milk, egg and butter mixture. Stir until mixture is well combined.
4. Pour mixture into greased muffin pans.
5. Dust tops with cinnamon sugar.
6. Bake at 200C for about 20 minutes.
Zucchini Slice
Ingredients
- 3 zucchinis grated
- 1 carrot grated
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 3 bacon rashers diced
- 6 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups cheese grated
- 1 onion diced large
- 1 pinch salt and pepper *to taste
Method
1. Add all ingredients to the one bowl and mix well.
2. Pour into a well-greased 16cm x 26cm lamington tray and bake at 180C for 30-40 minutes, or until browned.
3. Slice into fingers once cool.
4. Serve hot or cold.
Honey Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbs honey
- 1/2 cup milk warmed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cup self-raising flour
Method
1. Mix together sugar, honey and warm milk.
2. Add cold milk and combine.
3. Add flour, ½ a cup at a time, mixing until well combined and smooth.
4. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 180C for 40-45 minutes.
5. Allow to cool slightly before turning out.
Simple Curried Eggs
Ingredients
- 12 eggs boiled cooled
- 2 tbs mayonnaise
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp curry powder
- 1 sprig parsley *to decorate
Method
1. Peel eggs and halve lengthways.
2. Scoop out yolks and place in a bowl.
3. Add curry powder, mayonnaise and salt to yolks.
4. Mash with a fork and combine.
5. Dollop a mixture onto halved egg whites.
6. Sprinkle lightly with curry powder and garnish with sprigs of parsley.
