Vegie Smugglers

Have you noticed that the kids chew more slowly as the week progresses? On Monday, the mouth moves in a sprightly manner and you can confidently give cutlets and meals requiring complicated utensil work. You can serve them lasagna, soup or stir-frys.

By Wednesday, the gloss is wearing off. After ballet and a few days of heavy duty learning, the meals are needing to be simpler. Pasta with meatballs is a good choice. Quesadillas also work well.

But by Friday night? They’ve played after school, been to swimming, and carried library books, science homework and various notes and invitations. They’ve talked and played and laughed and skipped until their legs won’t work and I’ve had to practically carry them from the car to the house.

Before they totally run out of puff, I get them washed and into their pajamas. Then the TV comes on. Movie night and simple food. Really simple food. Preferably something that melts in the mouth as chewing is now a hugely tricky undertaking.

Parents are tired too, so meals need to be easy to cook as well as eat. All of these recipes are for simple things at the end of the week.

Here you go little ones, something simple to hold (and chew occasionally) before we pop you into bed. It’s been a big week.

Try the salmon pikelets (easy to hold and munch)

Sausage rolls can even be eaten whilst reclining!

Just a rissole with a bit of sauce will do on a Friday night.