I am certain my boys have hollow legs. In fact I feel like I have no sooner put something in their tummies and they are back for a second round. Keeping up with their appetites is sometimes a challenge as is keeping up with them. They never seem to stop moving.

Like any mum I am always on the hunt for something quick, an option I can prepare the evening before or something i can pop in the oven whilst I am attending to other tasks. I am sure you can never have enough ideas up your sleeve so If anyone else out there has any suggestions to share then I am all ears and would love to hear them.


Cherry Tomatoes, Pitted Kalamata Olives and Mozarella


Pop it on a plate and you are done. Nothing like a little Mediterranean spread for the afternoon or lunchbox. I don't mind this one as a snack for myself.


Banana/Berry Smoothie

Serves 2

2 cups milk (almond, cows, rice are all good)
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
2 fresh dates (seeds removed)
2 heaped tsp peanut butter

Place all the ingredients in a blender and whiz until smooth.

This is a great way to start the day. When i am working and have to start my shift at 7.30am I whiz this up for the boys and put it in a spill free drink bottle so they can drink it in the car on the way making the morning stress free - from a food point of view anyway. I know bananas in Australia are expensive at the moment but I have seen them reasonably priced when they are getting to the over ripe stage at the farmers markets and little fruit shops. Grab them if you see them and place them in the freezer in a container with the peel off and wrapped individually in glad bake/greaseproof paper. When it comes to banana prices at the moment I look at it like this - if i were to take the kids to a cafe and buy them a pre made biscuit loaded up with refined sugar and carbs to eat it would cost me more than a banana and not offer anywhere near the same nourishment. Fingers crossed that the prices in Australia are going to come down soon.


Roasted Organic Kipfler Potatoes

Easy to prepare. Give them a really good wash, cut them up and splash them with a bit of olive oil. Great for the lunch box with a side of hummus or tomato salsa. I usually bake these in a preheated oven 185 degrees celcius (365 degrees fahrenheit) for about 30 mins. The smaller you cut them the quicker they will cook so judge the size you cut them based on your time. These are something that I often serve with an evening meal ensuring that I bake extras at that time with view to add them to the lunch box the next day. When it comes to potatoes they are on my regular list of items that I buy organically.


My Quick as a Flash, No Bake Oat Bar with Goji Berries

This is a favourite slice to whip up when the kids are after something with a sweet touch. It does benefit from some time in the fridge to firm up and for the oats to soften. Mind you that doesn't always stop the boys from starting on it. When they are super hungry and want to eat it there and then I hasn't set properly I put a dollop on top of natural yoghurt and let them go for it. If I am organised enough I do this in the mornings or before going to bed at night to give it some time to set and be lunchbox ready.

Makes approximately 10 pieces

1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup peanut butter (1/2 cup if you don't have any tahini)
1/4 cup goji berries
1/4 cup sultanas
3 Tbs honey

Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well to combine
Press using your fingers into a square tin (approx 20cm x 20cm) or baking dish
Place in the fridge until firm
Add some coconut to serve


Sweet Potato Chips and Guacamole

We are all big avocado fans in our house. There is nothing fancy about this guacamole. Just cut it up and mix. If it were me I would add fresh herbs but the boys just aren't into them so we keep it plain and simple. They like the activity of dipping and scooping. I think they like the activity of making a mess. None the less most of it seems to go into their tummies.


Preheat oven to 185 degrees celcius (365 degrees fahrenheit)
Cut a medium size sweet potato into wedges or chips (skin on or off - just make sure you wash it well if skin is on)
Add a splash of olive oil and mix with your hands to evenly cover
Place on a try and bake in an oven for approx 20 mins or until cooked but still firm

Guacamole

1/2 avocado diced or mashed
4 cherry tomatoes deseeded and chopped roughly
squeeze of lime or lemon juice
a little salt and pepper to taste