With restaurants closing, deliveries restricted, and supermarkets with limited stock, it’s a tricky time to navigate, and the thought of planning meals for your family over the upcoming weeks might be daunting.
As parents ourselves, we know many of us might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the idea of preparing 3 meals a day for our children for the foreseeable. Without schools to help out with lunchtimes, it feels like we have to suddenly be experts in everything, from baby food to how to cook family-sized meals from scratch. Kind of makes you want to run away and hide, right?
We want to do what we can to help – so we’ve pulled together our favourite pantry- based recipes to see you through the next few weeks.
BREAKFAST:
1. BAKED OATS WITH APPLE AND CINNAMON
Oats are a great carb to choose – rich in fibre and higher in protein and fat than other grains, they’ve also been found to support sleep.
This is a quick and easy recipe for your little one to get involved with if they’re new to cooking – with only 10 minutes of prep, you won’t have to hold their attention for long!
It’s also super versatile, so if you’re having trouble getting fresh fruit, sub the apple for some frozen berries. These are easy nourishing meals that your family will love.
2. MULTI-SEED BREAD
This bread is the perfect staple to have in your house. With no proving & no kneading, it’s a doddle to make – and full of fibre, fatty acids, and vitamins. Why not make two at a time – eat one now and freeze the other! These are basic and easy recipes that are perfect for busy families.
LUNCH:
3. MINESTRONE SOUP
This recipe was made for batch-cooking! A saviour in busy households when you’re looking for something quick, easy, and satisfying, packed with vegetables, protein, and wholemeal carbs.
The soup calls for tinned vegetables and beans, so a great go-to when you can’t get your hands on fresh veg. These are tasty health recipes that will keep your family full and happy.
4. VEGGIE COUSCOUS
Another freezer-friendly dish and one which the kids can help prepare. Couscous is super nutritious, a great plant-based source of protein, and boosts your immune system – a win-win…win? These are great for work from home cooking, allowing you to multitask while still providing a nutritious meal.
DINNER:
5. WALNUT & BASIL PESTO WITH ROASTED CHICKEN & WHOLEMEAL PASTA
This pesto and chicken pasta is a Piccolo favourite, and a great option if you have some pasta to use up. The pesto is easy to make, and you can combine it with lots of other dishes over the next few weeks to increase your intake of healthy fats.
VEGETARIAN BURGERS WITH A TAHINI SAUCE
Using only common cupboard ingredients, these veggie burgers are perfect when fresh produce isn’t so easy to get hold of – and they go down a treat with kids (especially when they’re let loose with the food processor). Full of ingredients that support sleep, like oats, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes, they’re a godsend when they’re feeling a little restless and super easy to batch cook and freeze!
SWEET TREATS:
If you’re anything like us, you’ll need a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth – and we’ve got just the recipes for you, using pantry essentials only. Kids love baking (almost as much as we love clearing up afterward…) so it’s a great time to get them hands-on in the kitchen and focus some of their energy on experimenting with different ways of decorating.
7. CRESCENT MOON CHOCOLATE BISCOTTI
Indulge in the celestial delight of Crescent Moon Chocolate Biscotti – a heavenly fusion of rich cocoa, crunchy almonds, and a hint of vanilla. Crafted to perfection, these biscotti take your taste buds on a journey to the stars with every bite.
8. VALENTINES BISCUITS
These delightful Valentine’s Biscuits are crafted to enchant your taste buds and warm your heart. Perfect for celebrating romance or simply savouring moments of sweetness with loved ones, these biscuits are a delicious embodiment of affection.
TIPS:
Your freezer is your friend! Buying meat, bread, and fruit & veg which you can freeze is a lifesaver when it comes to making your food last. As well as freezing before cooking, you can batch-cook lots of recipes which will last for a few months in your freezer!
Pasta and grains are also a safe bet; they’re affordable, versatile, and they’ll last in your pantry for months to come. These carbs are full of fibre to keep you feeling satisfied and can also be kept in the fridge for around 5 days once cooked.
Chickpeas, beans, lentils, and split peas are wonderful additions to make your meals a little more interesting, and double up as a source of protein too!
We understand that some days you’ll need a break (and rightfully so!) and we are still here to lend a helping hand! Because we know stock levels in supermarkets are a little iffy right now, we’ve just launched our online store, which you can find here. You can order Piccolo bundles to be delivered to your door, and with every order, we’re donating 5 baby meals to food banks with our partner, City Harvest. So, make use of these tips of healthy food to keep your family nourished during this time.
