Lunchtime at Pear Tree Nursery is always eagerly anticipated thanks to our fabulous nursery cook Fiona Hodge. We often get asked by parents for the recipes for her nursery favourites; spag bol, fish cakes etc. because “he / she loves your version but refuses to eat mine!” So you’ll be delighted to hear that Fiona is sharing some of our healthy nursery recipes with the launch of her first cookbook!

Healthy Recipes For Kids (and Babies!)

The importance of healthy eating for growing babies and children can’t be overemphasised; getting into good habits early gives them a solid foundation for the rest of their lives. This is why we always provide fruit as a snack at our nurseries, instead of reaching for the biscuit barrel; and why sitting down to a hot meal at lunchtime is such an important part of our day.

Our nursery meals are a fun, social time as well as an opportunity to recharge little ones’ batteries! Food is presented in serving dishes so that children can help themselves and participate fully in the meal. Many are vocal about how much they like one thing or another, and are good at encouraging their friends to join in too. For any parent, or member of staff, it’s a wonderful sight to see everyone tucking into good healthy food!

The Pear Tree team love Fiona’s recipes too. Personally, I make sure I’m around when it’s meatball day! So just so you can find out how amazing they are, here’s Fiona’s recipe, try them!

You can download Fiona’s Recipe Book in full by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.

Lamb and Mint Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 500g Minced Lamb
• 1pk stuffing mix
• 2tbs dried mint
• 2tbs tomato ketchup
• The Sauce
• 2 or 3 tins of chopped tomatoes
• 2tbs dried mint
• 1tbs sugar
• 2tsp stock powder

Mix the meatball mix well all together in a large bowl and shape into small balls. Put in a tray and cover with tin foil and cook in the oven for 40-45 minutes.

Blitz all the sauce mix together and simmer for 20 minutes. Pour your sauce over the meatballs and serve with spaghetti.

I think you’ll agree that one of the best things about Fiona’s recipes is that they are very easy to make with simple ingredients. Why spend hours slaving in the kitchen when you can rustle up something nutritious and yummy in no time at all? Fiona has also included a few sweet treats for when only cake will do!

Let us know how you get on with the recipes. If you have any nursery favourites you would like to share, leave a comment with your recipe below. Bon appetite!

I think you’ll agree that one of the best things about Fiona’s recipes is that they are very easy to make with simple ingredients. Why spend hours slaving in the kitchen when you can rustle up something nutritious and yummy in no time at all? Fiona has also included a few sweet treats for when only cake will do!

Let us know how you get on with the recipes. If you have any nursery favourites you would like to share, leave a comment with your recipe below. Bon appetite!