Get cooking at home with these recipes from Lara Ariss

With Levantine Harvest, her first cookbook, Lara Ariss bring her signature love of medleys of flavour together with a keen appreciation for fresh seasonal produce and a gratifyingly straightforward approach to preparing food.

Often giving familiar Middle Eastern recipes a contemporary twist – like hummus with a confit of sun-dried tomatoes, cauliflower and chickpea soup accented with aromatic sumac croutons, or rose-flavoured ice cream with the elegant addition of loukoum – Lara brings new reverence to comforting classics, making everyday dishes easy and accessible to anyone who wants to indulge in fresh and flavourful cooking.

The result is a satisfying collection of recipes for every cook and every table that will bring a touch of joy to any dining experience.

Barberry and Crumble Muffins

Barberries or zereshk are tart red berries, traditionally used in their dried form in Persian cuisine. I have incorporated them in these muffins to make a delicate yet filling treat, perfect for breakfast on the go or when having hot coffee with friends. They are light, fluffy and unexpectedly crunchy, with a bit of sharp tang from the berries. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. I have seen barberries in the supermarkets here but they can easily be replaced with goji berries or cranberries or even blueberries.

Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus refrigeration
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 12 to 14 muffins 

For the crumble

50g plain flour
50g butter, cold
50g light brown muscovado sugar
80g pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped

For the muffins

285g plain our
2 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
1⁄2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1⁄2 tsp salt
105g butter
150g caster sugar
2 eggs
270ml yogurt
Zest of 2 oranges
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
50g barberries

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 190°C.

Line a muffin tin with paper liners, or spray each cup with non- stick spray. The muffins come out just as nicely either way.

Rub the flour and butter together with your fingertips, then stir in the brown sugar and your choice of nuts. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt, in a separate bowl.

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. Add the yogurt and the orange zest and juice, and beat until the batter is just combined and there are no lumps. Fold half the dry ingredients into the batter and mix well. Repeat with the remaining half, then fold in the barberries.

Fill each muffin cup 3⁄4 full using an ice-cream scoop, then top with crumble to form a small peak.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the centre of the muffins comes out clean. Set aside for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Oatmeal and Date Cookies

These cookies are soft and wonderfully crumbly, perfect for breakfast on the go or afternoon treat with family and friends. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Makes: 30 cookies

175g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
250g oatmeal
225g butter
280g light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp clear honey
2 tsp rosewater
140g Medjool dates, pitted and cut into 1cm pieces
80g golden raisins
70g walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Sift the flour and baking powder together in a medium bowl. Add the cinnamon and oatmeal.

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. Add the honey and rosewater, and mix to combine. Fold in the dry ingredients, and stir in the dates and raisins, and the walnuts, if desired.

Drop a teaspoonful (about 30 or 40g) of the dough onto the baking sheets, about 5cm apart.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

The post Recipes To Make at Home: 2 Scrummy Sweet Treats appeared first on Sassy Mama.

How To Whip Up Something Yummy Every Weekday (& Weekend too!)

Three things that stress us out: planning our kids packed lunches, deciding on what to cook for the fam every night and preparing for a big ol’ BBQ or dinner party. The solution? Oscar and Jemima’s, a super cool new homegrown brand brought to Dubai by two dedicated foodies on a mission to bring good wholesome home-cooked food back to the table. Yum.

The region’s first recipe only subscription based website that allows you to sign up for weekly meal inspo which is then emailed along with links to shopping lists to download and print, Oscar and Jemima’s is all about making life easy and delicious – hooray! From veggie options to kids packed lunches plus breakfasts, lunches, snacks and smoothies and one-off downloads for dinner parties, brunches and bbq’s to come soon, they even send you ideas for using up leftovers mid week (not sure there’ll be any though once you get a taste of what’s in store…).

Affordable, flexible and perfect for when you want to throw something easy together (like, every night…), get your weekly shop done without adding all the random stuff that you’ll never actually use into your trolley and feel in control over what you and the brood are scoffing – this is one subscription we’ll be signing up to pronto! Need a taster? Check out their recipe for Bibimbap below – that’s your Friday night feast sorted…

Oh, and just to get you started, Sassy Mama readers who sign up for a month will get one month free – simply enter the code SASSY1+1 at checkout. Easy.

www.oscarandjemimas.com

Bimimbap is a Korean for “mixed rice”. An addition of a dollop of chilly sauce finishes off this dish perfectly

Timings

15 Minute Prep Time
20 Minute Cooking Time

Ingredients:

2 sirloin steaks
2 small cucumbers
finely sliced
1 bag spinach
4 eggs
1 red chilli deseeded
and finely sliced
2 tbsp. oyster sauce
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. rice wine
vinegar
1 tsp. caster sugar
2 tsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. vegetable oil
Jasmine rice
Chili sauce to serve
1tbsp. toasted sesame
seeds to garnish

Method:

Cook the rice as per packet instructions.

Combine the soy and oyster sauce and marinate the steaks in the mix.

Finely slice the cucumber and put in a bowl with the tbsp.of rice wine vinegar, the tsp. of caster sugar and diced chilli and leave to pickle.

Heat a large frying pan with a tsp. of sesame oil and add the bag of spinach and wilt then transfer to a bowl.

Using the same pan heat another tsp. of vegetable sunflower or groundnut oil on a high heat and then add the steaks and cook for 4 minutes on each side for medium. Remove from the pan to rest.

Whilst the steaks are resting take a smaller sized frying pan and dry fry your sesame seeds then tip into a small bowl then heat another tsp. of sesame oil in the same pan and fry the eggs.

To serve add the rice to the bowls and top with the sliced steak, spinach, pickled cucumber and fried egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and a dollop of chilli sauce.

Enjoy!

Share photos of your home-cooked meals on Facebook or Instagram using #fallinlovewithcooking

The post Your Weekly Meal Plan Sorted With Oscar And Jemima’s appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Delivery & Take Away Options In Dubai

Whether you’re a domestic goddess, or a complete kitchen-dodger (like *ahem* some of us here at Sassy!), one of the best things about living in Dubai is the easy availability of any kind of food you desire, delivered hot and delicious right to your door. When you can’t be bothered to schlep it to the supermarket for groceries or you just want to treat the family to a dish that’s better ordered in, we’ve come up with our guide to the best options for food delivery and take away in Dubai – the places that we think offer both quality and convenience when it comes to satisfying our cravings and filling hungry tummies.

Sassy’s mealtime motto: there’s always a shortcut… and there’s always room for dessert!

Burgers
Healthy
Indian
Japanese
Middle Eastern
Pizza
Sandwiches & Lunches
Sweet Stuff

Burgers

Burger Fuel

The Burnout. Chargrilled chicken breast, bacon, avo, Stilton Cheese Sauce and Dijon mustard. With fresh lettuce, tomato and onion, and topped off with natural BurgerFuel tomato relish and their famous aioli. ‘nuff said.

Psst…carb conscious mamas –  you can switch the bun for lettuce wraps on any of their burgers – perfect!

Burger Fuel, The Walk JBR
(+971) (0)4 445 8220, see all locations and delivery numbers here, uae.burgerfuel.com 

Elevation Burger

Organic grass fed beef and olive-oil cooked fries. That should alleviate some of the food guilt when ordering a burger delivery mamas!

Elevation Burger
(+971) (0)4 388 0000, www.facebook.com/ElevationBurgerUAE

Moylo’s

Jumeirah mamas rejoice (and sorry everyone else – you’ll just have to pickup or eat-in, seriously, it’s worth it). These are by far the best burgers we’ve had in a really really long time. Gourmet, homemade – only 5 to choose from (and we still can’t choose because they’re all so good) – the truffle fries are out of this world, as is the salted caramel shake . Worth breaking a diet for.

Moylo’s, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 388 3140, www.facebook.com/moylosburgers

Chinese

Chin Chin

Cooked fresh, allow 45 mins minimum (worth it if you know it’s all cooked to order) – these guys say they’re ‘nothing fancy, just good food’. Well, we tend to agree. There are loads of good chicken dishes (with broccoli, chili dry, in blackbean sauce, chop suey style) plus all the other meats and loads of veggie options.

JBC 4 Cluster N, Promenade Level- (JLT)Al Wahda Street (Sharjah), Al Owais Building Mina Road (Satwa), Street 58C (Mirdif)

Chin Chin, JBC 4 Cluster N, Promenade Level, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, see all locations here
www.chinchininternational.com

Chop Suey

By far one of the best Chinese takeouts in Dubai, according to Sassy Mama beauty contributor Frankie who is livid that they don’t deliver to the Marina (although she does indulge when she babysits her nephews and niece in Jumeirah). The Sweet & Sour Chicken is amazing, succulent chicken that doesn’t taste like it’s basted in funky ingredients. It’s fresh and won’t leave you feeling horrible after and the crispy duck is the best.

Chop Suey, Beach Park Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 344 2212, chopsuey.ae

Noodle Box

Contemporary oriental cuisine with no nasty MSG – great as a lunch option for office based mamas or actually stay-at-homes who need to minimise on dirty dishes. Order from here and you’re guaranteed  a good Chinese meal.

Noodle Box, Discovery Gardens, 487139 Dubai
(+971) (0)4 451 2929, www.facebook.com/NoodleBoxDubai

Healthy

77 Veggie Boutique

Healthy fast food (all veggie of course) family resto made from recipes passed down from older generations – full of the right kind of carbs and bursting with colour.

77 Veggie Boutique, Tiffany Tower, Cluster W, Lake Level, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
(+971) (0)55 717 8866, www.77veggie.com

Kcal

Want a food delivery that’s not naughty but still nice? Kcal is the perfect choice for calorie conscious mamas – nothing is fried, everything is fresh and the menu has a detailed breakdown of the calorie, fat and nutritional content of each item. The Vietnamese Spring Rolls are scrummy and packed with Niacin (vitamin B3) plus other goodies.

Kcal, Ground floor, City Tower
(near Crowne Plaza Hotel), Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, see all locations here
(+971) (0)600 5959 55, www.kcalhealthyfastfood.com

Live’ly Express

With the freshest ingredients and healthiest dishes, Live’ly Express is a great option for a virtuous home delivery (after all, not even the healthiest mamas have the energy to cook every night). Special shout-out to their low-fat pizzas, which are loaded with flavours (without the calories).

Live’ly Express, Uptown Mirdif Mall, Dubai
+(971) (0)800 548359 www.lively.ae

Tidjoori Biorganic and Vegan Restaurant

Newly opened in Dubai Marina this healthy resto delivers to the local communities (from JBR to The Meadows).  Delicious vegan food (yes there is such a thing) with a menu that’s guaranteed to make your mouth water (and there’s chocolate ganache cake). See our full review here!

Tidjoori Biorganic and Vegan Restaurant, Trident Grand Residence, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 553 1370, www.tidjoorirestaurant.com

Indian

Biryani Pot

Recently opened on Jumeirah Beach Road, Biryani Pot brings food from the bustling street markets in India to your table – this is fast food done well with lots of contemporary twists (we’re really curious about the quinoa biryani). Call us fickle but we love their website – and the fact that you get to keep the clay pots that the food comes in.

Biryani Pot, Jumeirah Beach Road, see all locations here
(+971) (0)4 338 2277, www.biryanipot.ae

Brit Balti

Miss UK curries, Mama? Give Brit Balti a call and your wish will be their command. This Indian restaurant actually flies their spices in from the UK to recreate the flavours known and loved back in Blighty. Take it from us Mamas; it’s the ultimate comfort food – and there are now two locations, in Barsha and International City.

Brit Balti, Desert Group, Building 1, Al Barsha 1, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 323 891. www.britbalti.com

Curry Box

Contemporary Indian food (the Indian version of noodle box) that specialises in deliveries and takeaways only and that does a fab Paneer Tikka Masala!

Curry Box, Building 17, Discovery Gardens, The Executive Towers, Business Bay, Dubai, see other locations here
(+971) (0)4  343 043, www.curryboxme.com

Gazebo

With locations across town, this Indian eatery is often named the best in Dubai. And when you taste the traditional DumPukth cuisine Mama, you’ll understand exactly why it’s become famous across the city. Perfect for a night in.

Gazebo Restaurant, DIFC. See all locations here.
(+971) (0)4 3598555. www.gazebo.ae

Indian Palace

Mmmm, butter chicken, garlic naan pilau rice –we have it on good authority that this Indian restaurant does them all super well and with outlets from JBR to Al Garhoud, they have all of Dubai covered.

Indian Palace, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, see all locations here
(+971) (0)4 286 9600, www.indiapalace.ae

Ravi’s

A real Dubai institution, Ravi’s is THE place to get authentic Indian – the chicken tikka and dal tadka are Sassy Mama favourites (the menu is looooong so there’s plenty of opportunity to be adventurous!).

Ravi’s, Shop 245, Opposite Emirates Co-operative Society, Near Satwa Roundabout, Satwa, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 331 5353

Rupee Room

Indian food done the British way (for any non-British mamas out there, takeaway curries have become as English as a Sunday roast). Chicken tikka masala, onion bhajis and a yummy dhal of black lentils, tomatoes, ginger and garlic, there’s SO much on the menu that’s been raved about. Having burnt down last year, these guys are back with a bang and ready to take your curry orders mamas!

Rupee Room, Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, 29578 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(+971) (0)4 390 5755, www.facebook.com/therupeeroomdubai

Japanese

Sushi Art

Sassy Mama Sofia regularly relies on the DIFC branch of this Japanese favourite for her sushi fix (there’s a branch in JBR too, so panic not mamas!). From hand rolls to spring rolls, Sushi to Ceviche and a wonderful wasabi coleslaw, you’ve got to give this one a try if sushi is your thing.

Sushi Art, Gate 5, Marble Walk, DIFC, Dubai, see other locations here
(+971) (0)4 800 220 www.sushiart.ae

Sushi Counter

Japanese sushi is delicious and healthy – and one of our favourite restaurants to order from is Sushi Counter. Nothing fancy – just simple, delicious sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese specialty rolls. Definitely worth adding to your phone contacts.

Sushi Counter. Motor City. See other locations here.
(+971) (0)4 375 1686. www.sushicounter.com

Middle Eastern

Just Falafel

Well actually it’s not just falafel, there are sandwiches and organic salads on offer too – but the falafel is fantastic and comes in various guises – in pitta, in a bucket, baked, stuffed or wrapped in tortilla bread with a healthy dollop of Tahina. Yum.

Just Falafel, Food Court, 2/F, The Dubai Mall, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 325 3838, www.facebook.com/JustFalafelTDM

Man’oushe Street

Authentic Lebanese food with outlets (and delivery bikes) all across town. Start with homemade humous and labneh, follow with a Fattoush salad and save a big amount of space for a banana and Nutella wrap. Come on, you know  you want to.

Man’oushe Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, see all locations here
(+971) (0)60 056 6667, www.manoushestreet.com

Zaatar W Zeit

While these guys do salads, pizzas and other generic stuff, they’re best known for their delicious Manakeesh – a combo of fresh dough seasoned with herbs, spices and toppings – served either thick or thin and crispy.  We also love their ‘Halloumi In The Pan’. Great for filling lunches, post night-out breakfast orders or light suppers.

Zaatar W Zeit,
(+971) 600522231, orderzwz.com

Zaroob

Hands down some of the best Middle Eastern food we’ve tried (and believe us, we’ve tried a lot!). Inspired by Arabic street food, the charcoal grilled chicken shawarma is gorgeous, garlicy and completely moreish – once you’ve tasted it you’ll be hooked. Oh, and did we mention that they’re open 24 hrs? Midnight munchies anyone?
psst…if you can get out and about then try eating in just once, the interiors and vibe are awesome.

Zaroob, Jumeirah Tower Building, Shop No. 1 along Sheikh Zayed Road, 102902 Dubai
(+971) (0)80 092 7662, www.zaroob.net

Pizza

800 Pizza

Thin and crispy pizzas that arrive quickly (no time to get cold) – this pizza company started in a tiny space in Al Barsha, complete with pizza oven flown all the way from Southern Italy – and now has branches in Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Motor City and Ibn Battuta Mall.

800 Pizza, Dubai Marina Walk, Dubai
(+971) (0)8 007 4992, www.800pizza.com

Freedom Pizza

Pizza that’s healthy, won’t leave you bloated, has no added sugar or nasties AND tastes good? It’s true. The chicken tenders are also out of this world, be sure to try with BBQ dip. We often call for delivery on the beach for the kids.

Freedom Pizza, Marina View Towers, Tower B, Unit R1
Dubai Marina, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 453 4313. www.freedompizza.ae

Pizza Express

There’s something special about a Pizza Express pizza, with delicious combinations of ingredients and a choice of different bases. Let’s not forget the sides either Mamas, from juicy salads, to dough ball smothered in garlic butter, to crispy bruschetta. We’re hungry even thinking about it!

Pizza Express, Ibn Battuta Mall. See other locations here.
(+971) (0)4 368 5134. www.pizzaexpress.ae

Rossovivo

Artisan Italian pizza for anyone who knows what the authentic version is all about. With classical and creative varieties, we suggest you stick with the simple buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil and tomato option – literally amazing.

Rossovivo, Millennium Tower, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 380 5833, www.rossovivo.ae

Sandwiches & Lunches

The Boutique Kitchen

If we could we would order everything from this menu, every day. Proper comfort food delivered to your door. Dream! The Pulled Beef Sandwich and sweet potato fries steal the show. And the Mac & Cheese. With a side of Corn on The Cob…need we say more?

The Boutique Kitchen, Al Quoz, 392045, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 388 3549, www.theboutiquekitchen.com

Picnic Basket

Hungry lunch people (yes it’s ok to order in for lunch too!), picnic basket was started by 2 friends dedicated to bring freshly-made sandwiches, salads and snacks to your door.  Get the girls round for a lunch date and order sandwiches, wraps, salads and naughties – the menu changes often but always includes good old staples like cheese and pickle and egg & cress.

Picnic Basket
(+971) (0)50 150 9273, www.picnicbasketme.com

S’wich

Healthy, fast and lots of options to choose from, these Shawarmas are on our speed-dial.

S’wich, Shop #9, Dubai Marina View Towers
(+971) (0)8 007 9424, www.myswich.com

Sweet Stuff

Rice Creamery

Forget mushy, tasteless school-dinner Rice Pudding, Rice Creamery transforms an old-school desert into a very tasty treat. With flavours such as ‘Bananas for Toffee’ and Caramel Crazy and Coconut Paradise, you can opt for the healthier option (original with nuts and fruit) or go full on sugar overload with brownie bites, nutella and crushed biccies.

Rice Creamery, Unit 17, City Walk, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 344 4553, www.ricecreamery.com

Desert Chill

Is there anything more magical and memory provoking than an ice-cream truck swinging it’s way into your hood? If you want treats for the kids (or frankly for yourself), dinner party desserts with a difference or if you just need to satisfy that ice-cream craving (we know, we’ve been there) – call these guys and indulge a little mamas!

(+971) (0)50 612 2108, www.desertchill.ae

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on 13 April, 2015 and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Say Cheese At Eataly!

Ciao, mamas! Are you dreaming of a Tuscan holiday this summer? If you’re looking to go all Audrey Hepburn on us without the hassle of having to fly long-haul then gather up your brood and head to Eataly, where you can fill up on tasty Italian dishes and check out the adjoining market, which sells all of the gorgeous ingredients for all those delicious meals on offer. Bella! And the special this month? Cheese, and lots of it. Yum. Every morning in the cheese lab their cheese-makers produce fresh mozzarella according to Italian tradition – amazing to watch (and even more amazing to eat). And there’s ricotta, primo sale, burrata, stracciatella and lots more to eat-in or take away.

From subtle to spicy to downright stinky, there’s a cheese to make everyone smile and say… well, you get the picture (groan). Brie-leave us, prepping dinner party cheeseboards has never been this easy.

Eataly’s bustling Italian marketplace is a huge hit with the Sassy team – we love watching the artisan bread being baked before our very eyes and wandering from section to section, sampling the high quality yums on offer (although we do have to keep an eye on tiny fingers….).

Fresh produce is one of Eataly’s biggest selling points and they move with the seasons, offering different regional highlights throughout the year, meaning no two visits will ever be the same, great for little ones with short attention spans! And great for mamas with a love of the very best ingredients!

Just like taking a quick trip to Tuscany, no flight required!

Eataly: Dubai Mall and Festival City Mall
www.eatalyarabia.com

The post Eat, Shop and Learn with Eataly, a Piece of Italy in Dubai appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Create delicious and beautiful Instagram worthy breakfasts (you are what you eat after all…)

Yes we are guilty of scrolling through all those Instagram pictures of yummy breakfasts and thinking if only we could make our mornings look this beautiful (imagine, our kids would be licking that bowl clean and you mama would be left feeling like Wonder Woman). So, mamas, we’ve rounded up 5 of the best Instagram accounts to follow for that breakfast inspo (time to cook up a storm and get your day off to the very best start).

1. Marie Jameson (@papaya_sunshine)

She’s the queen of Instagram when it comes to creating yummy breakfast. One look at her account and you know that she breakfasts like a boss. Her food is all real plus refined sugar-free and dairy free. If you have kids with intolerances then Marie’s account is the one you need to follow. As an added bonus, this girl is made of funny bones, so a good laugh is guaranteed every morning when she shows up on your feed with one of her epic creations.

Read more: Our Pick Of Some Of Dubai’s Best New Brunches

2. Kate and Jade (@panaceas_pantry)

Kate and Jade are two humble and down to earth Australian sisters who run the highly popular Instagram page Panaceas Pantry. Their food is so beautiful and most of their guilt-free plant based creations look like sinful dessert treats. Their creations are filled with superfoods like nuts, seeds & berries, avocado, dates, coconut, Spirulina, and cacao, which help you get through a rough day like a breeze.

3. David Frenkiel (@gkstories)

For this Scandinavian family eating is about feeling good and not following rules or trends. Variety is the key and that’s why you will find their page to have a good mix of cooked and raw foods. All the nutritional food that you see are packed with goodness from chia, nut butter, and cacao powder. Yum.

Read more: Eating Out Without the Guilt at Gourmet By KCal

4. Monisha Singh (@Monsflavors)

Monisha’s account is a reflection of who she is as a person. Just like her page this mama of 2 gives you all the happy vibes you need to start your day on a positive note. She calls herself ‘Happy Singh’ and her feed is filled with beautiful, happy creations. From chia to nice cream and hearty vegetarian fusion Indian dishes, you’ll find them all here. She lives by the contagious mantra called, Eat. Love. Laugh.  psst… she’s your go-to mama for learning how to make those perfectly caramelised bananas.

5. Hannah Sunderani (@twospoons.ca)

Two Spoons was born when Hannah moved from Canada to France with her husband Mitch. The saying ‘every challenge poses an opportunity’ holds true in Hannah’s case. She says, “though French are world renowned for outstanding cooking, unfortunately, there are few options for plant based foodies like me”. Whether it’s a challenge to find these options in your community, or you just don’t know where to begin. Her recipes inspired by the quality and care that is placed on cooking in France will help you find the joy of plant-based cooking.

Read more: Have Your Cake & Eat It: 3 Healthy Cake Options in Dubai

The post How to Create Instagram Worthy Breakfasts at Home appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Smoothie Bowl Recipes For The Whole Family

Smoothie bowls – what are they?! Well, mamas, they’re a great way to get all your vitamins first thing and are also brilliant for kids because they look colourful (like ice-cream!) and are the perfect way to get their day started. Apparently they were all the rage a couple of years ago and I’ve joined the smoothie bowl party late (hey, I’m a mama of 3 little ones, give me a break) but that doesn’t mean we can’t join in with the love now.

A smoothie bowl isn’t like a regular smoothie because it’s thicker – you need a spoon not a straw and you can add things to chew too. And making them involves blending fruit and veg (can be frozen), adding a little dairy such as yoghurt or milk (or dairy alternative if you’re intolerant – remember not too much as it has to be thick) plus nut butters, seeds, dried fruit, oat flakes – anything goes really! And then comes the arty part. Top it all off with colour and texture (remember, kids eat with their eyes first!) – some cut mango, strawberries, shredded coconut, even a few naughty chocolate flakes (come on, mamas, anything to get those 5-a-day in right?!). I’ve been getting a few ideas from instagram – here are some of my faves to see you through the week. Oh and remember, the secret of a good smoothie bowl is to have as little liquid as possible.

Blueberry Smoothie Bowl by @smoothiebowllife

Blend 4 frozen bananas with 50g frozen blueberries, 150g milk, 1tbsp acai powder. Top with berries, cacao nibs (or chocolate!), coconut flakes and kiwi slices. So pretty.

Creamy frozen banana and raspberry Smoothie Bowl by @deliciouslyella

Blend 1 frozen banana with 1 cup of raspberries (and add any nut butters, medjool dates and anything else you might like). Top with mashed berries and a sprinkling of granola. Oh yeah! My kids love it.

Green smoothie bowl by @naturallysassy

Blend 1 frozen banana with ½ an avocado, ½ cup frozen blueberries, 1/3 cup almond milk, 1-2 handfuls of spinach, 1-2 handfuls of kale. Add your fave toppings (granola, goji berries, almond butter, frozen fruit etc) and that’s it! So easy, so delicious.

DIY smoothie bowls by @rosielondoner

Blend 2 frozen bananas with 2 handfuls of frozen raspberries and a splash of almond milk.

Strawberry & Vanilla Smoothie Bowl by @tiffdiscovers

I love the smoothie bowls on this insta feed – there aren’t really any recipes attached but I’ve guessed that this is a blend of frozen banana, strawberries, blueberries, yoghurt and some vanilla – all topped with bananas, blueberries and seeds. Yummy!

The post Why Smoothie Bowls Are A Great Breakfast Option For Kids appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Slow Roasted Lamb For Dinner Parties Or Family Lunches

Whether you’ve got friends over for dinner or you’re enjoying a long, lazy weekend lunch as a fam, our friends at Spinneys have put together this delicious slow roasted lamb recipe to cook up and enjoy.

Serves 8
Prepare Time: 15 minutes plus marinating
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 garlic cloves
• zest of 2 lemons
• 2 x 285g jars Spinneys Marinated Artichokes
• 100ml oil
• 100g Spinneys Roasted Mixed Peppers
• 2 tbsp capers
• 2 red chillies, deseeded
• 30g Spinneys Coriander
• 5kg bone-in lamb shoulder

Method:

1. Put the garlic, lemon zest, artichokes and oil, peppers, capers, chillies and coriander in a blender. Add 1⁄2 tsp sea salt and blitz until smooth.
2. Put the lamb in a large oiled roasting tray and use a knife to make small incisions all over. Massage with 6 tbsp tapenade, cover and marinate in the fridge for 2 hours, or overnight.

3. When you’re ready to cook, remove the lamb from the fridge and preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4.

4. Cover the lamb with a double layer of foil. Roast for 4 hours, discard the foil and roast for 30 minutes more. Remove from the oven and leave to rest, covered, for 15 minutes.

5. Arrange the lamb on a large platter and serve with the rest of the tapenade and the batata harra and aubergine salads.

The post Recipe: Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Artichoke, Lemon and Chilli Tapenade appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Quick, Delicious and Healthy! A Meat-Free Meal For 2.

It can be quite a challenge to plan a meat-free meal but we all know that it’s not healthy to eat meat at every mealtime – so how do we find a good meat alternative or  make a dish taste good (making a meatless dish taste yummy and satisfying is not the easiest thing in the world). And then there’s your husband’s excitement level (or lack thereof) as men generally like a big bit of animal protein on their plate! It’s important to have an easy recipe up your sleeve that’s a flavourful alternative to chowing down a big bland bowl of vegetables (and score brownie points with your hubby too).

And if you are into Asian food, coconut and love a bit of noodle slurping, I have the perfect dish for you. It IS going to be the best meat-free recipe you have created in a while, promise. So, what are you waiting for, mama? Time to get cooking!

Hot and Sweet Stir-Fried Tofu/Paneer with Creamy Beet & Rocket Salad, served on a bed of Glass/Rice Noodles

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Serves 2

Ingredients for the Beet and Rocket salad:

• 1 Medium Beetroot
• 1 cup of Rocket or baby spinach
• 2tbsp – Coconut cream
• 1tsp – Lemon juice
• 1/2tsp – Freshly Ground Pepper
• Salt to taste

Ingredients for the noodles:

• 1 packet – Chinese Mung bean Chinese (glass noodles) or Rice noodles.
• 1tsp – Chilli Oil
• 1tsp – Roasted Peanuts

Ingredients for the Hot and Sweet Stir-fried Paneer (Vegan Option: Tofu): This whole thing comes together when the Noodles are cooking

• 1 block – Tofu/Paneer (cut into 1-inch thick length wise strips)
• 1tbsp – Sessame Oil (or Sunflower Oil)

For the Sauce:

• 1tsp – Soy sauce
• 2tsp – Apple cider vinegar
• 1tsp – Honey
• 1tsp – Chilli paste(sambal)
• 1 pod Garlic grated or finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Clean, remove the skin and grate the beetroot and keep aside in a big bowl.
2. In a small bowl mix the coconut cream, lemon juice, pepper and salt.
3. Add this to the grated Beetroot and let it sit while you are doing the other stuff.
4. Add in the salad leaves just before serving and give it a good toss.
5. Cook the noodles as per pack instructions. The package instructions on mine were: 5mins in boiling water and 2mins in cold water. Drain it and keep aside.
6. Before serving drizzle the noodles with chilli oil, and roasted crushed peanuts.
7. Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl and keep aside.
8. Heat a skillet or non-stick pan, turn it medium low. Then add in oil and place the Paneer/Tofu strips in the pan and cook each side for about 3 mins or until golden brown.
9. Now add the prepared sauce. Gently mix well till all the strips are well coated in the sauce. Cook for 2 mins more (be gentle, or else the tofu will break).

Plating:

Take a plate or wide bowl and first place the salad one side. Then in the center place the noodles and top it with chilli oil and fried garlic. Lastly, arrange the paneer/tofu (this way all the colours are seen on the plate).

Happy cooking and slurping!

The post A Meat-free Monday Recipe to Make at Home appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Lunch Box Ideas From Our Friends At Spinneys

Lunch boxes. Ugh. All that planning, making and packing – only for your little darlings to return home with everything untouched. Jazz up your kids’ school lunches with a few ideas that go beyond the usual sandwich/pasta/anything-that’s-leftover options and there’s more chance of them being gobbled up! Our friends at Spinneys have come up with a few tasty ideas for starters…

Read More: Our Fave Mummy Bloggers In Dubai Share Their Lunchbox Secrets

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Annabel Karmel’s New Book Has Some Delicious Breakfast Recipes For The Whole Family

Annabel Karmel’s new Baby-Led Weaning Recipe Book is filled with 120 quick, easy and nutritious recipes, essential advice and tips – AND, what’s even better, is that most of the recipes are delicious for the whole family! If your little one isn’t a huge fan of breakfast or  is simply bored of the usual toast/cereal combos then check out these breakfast ideas and get their school day started right.

Read More: Why Smoothie Bowls Are A Great Breakfast Option For Kids

Banana, Carrot and Seed Bread

Who doesn’t love banana bread? Packed full of grated carrots, sultanas, and seeds, this is a delicious breakfast or snack and a great way to use up overripe bananas.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1–1¼ hours
Makes: 1 loaf
Freezable

Ingredients

• 150g / 5oz softened unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 200g/ 7oz ripe bananas, peeled and mashed
• 125g / 4½oz grated carrot
• 25g / 1oz sultanas
• 125g / 4½oz soft dark brown sugar
• 225g / 8oz self-raising flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 25g / 1oz pumpkin seeds
• 25g / 1oz sunflower seeds
• Butter, for spreading and greasing

Topping:

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
• Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/340°F/Gas 3, grease a 900 g/2 lb loaf tin and line it with baking parchment.
2. Place all of the ingredients, except the topping, in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together with an electric hand-held whisk for 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle or whisk attachment.
3. Spoon the mixture into the tin and level out the top.
4. Sprinkle with the extra seeds and bake for 1–1¼ hours until golden, well risen and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

Almond Milk Porridge with Berries

The king of all breakfasts! A bowl of porridge makes for a great start to the day and will give you and your little ones long-lasting reserves of energy thanks to the slow release of complex carbs. Sweetening it with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup gives it extra appeal.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Makes: 3 child portions
Dairy Free

Ingredients

• 80g / 3oz blueberries
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 80g / 3oz raspberries
• apple, banana, blueberries and strawberries, to decorate (optional)

Porridge

• 40 g/1½ oz porridge oats
• 300 ml/10 fl oz almond milk
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Method

1. Put the blueberries in a small saucepan with the maple syrup. Stir over the heat for a few minutes until the blueberries are just starting to soften, then remove from the heat and add the raspberries. Set aside.
2. Place the oats in a small saucepan with the almond milk. Bring to the boil over a medium heat then reduce the heat and simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened. Add the maple syrup.
3. Spoon the porridge into bowls and top with the warm fruits.
4. If you like, create an owl face by topping each portion with two apple slices for wings, sliced halves of banana for feathers, a wedge of strawberry for a nose, and slices of bananas topped with blueberries for eyes.

Sweetcorn Fritters

Fritters are a firm family favourite and a great way to encourage kids to eat their veggies. Halloumi cheese has a very high melting point so it works well in a fritter. The fresh basil and sweet chilli sauce give these a delicious flavour.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Makes: 20 small fritters

Ingredients

• 198g / 7oz tin sweetcorn, drained
• 100g / 4oz wholemeal flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
• 4 spring onions, roughly chopped
• handful of basil, chopped
• 10 cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 100g /4oz grated halloumi cheese
• sunflower oil for frying

Method

1. Blend 100 g/4 oz of the sweetcorn in the bowl of a food processor, or in a mixing bowl with a stick blender, until finely chopped.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder and eggs in a bowl. Whisk in the sweet chilli sauce and finely chopped sweetcorn. Add the remaining ingredients including the remaining whole, unblended sweetcorn kernels. Season to taste (if using).
3. Heat a little oil in a frying pan. When hot, fry heaped tablespoonfuls of the fritter mixture for 1–2 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to kitchen paper.

So there you go, mamas, send your kids off to school on a breakfast for champions!

The post Breakfasts For Champions: Getting the School Day Started Right appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Farmbox Organic Produce Makes Life Easy & Healthy Too!

With the school run in full swing (read scary 6 am mornings and last minute panics) and a million and one things to get done each day, grocery shopping is the last thing you want to do, right mama? (we hear you!). Late night dashes to the supermarket can be a thing of the past with Farmbox, a home delivery service of European Organic fruit and veg that brings the goodness of the farm right to your table (anywhere in the UAE) at the click of a button.

Choosing the right organic produce is not always easy and this is where Farmbox is different, mamas. First up, did you know that European organic regulations are the strictest in the world so you can be 100% guaranteed that the produce you’re getting is the real deal? And with delivery directly to your door, you can be enjoying the freshest, tastiest and healthiest Organic produce without having to go out. From juicy tomatoes to delicious cherries and organic eggs, the produce from Farmbox is dispatched the day after reaching Dubai to ensure that you and your family get maximum freshness and nutrition – perfect!

And the Farmbox options are totally flexible too – you can choose from the veg box, fruit box or even make your own box with a mix of both (and get those 5-a-day sorted!). A little birdie also told us that very soon you’ll also have the option of adding organic milk to your box, woohoo! And if budget is your concern mama, then there’s also the option of a new produce range that mixes local organic and conventional and which is more affordable than full organic from Europe.

Hassle-free, subscription-based (cancel, pause, start again any time you need) and with automatic credit card payment on delivery, this just must be one of the best ways to get your groceries sorted. SO easy! We’re signing up pronto…

Get a whopping 50% off your first box, mamas. Simply visit www.farmbox.ae and enter ‘SASSY’ as the coupon code at the cart page.

If you have any questions, come visit http://farmbox.ae and chat with the amazing Anne who’s there to assist with and answer any of your queries.

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We Love Organic, Especially When It Comes Straight To Our Door & With A Discount Too!

Feeling the excesses of summer, mama? So are we! In a bid to eat more healthily and pack the family with plenty of vitamins (back to school season means coughs, colds and all that nasty stuff), we’re turning to Farmbox for the freshest organic fruit and veggies, delivered right to our door.

Want to know what makes this organic company different to buying organic from your local supermarket? Well here’s the thing – they have the shortest supply chain meaning that produce is delivered the very next day after being harvested and air shipped so is still fresh and full of nutrients. Oh and then there’s the convenience factor as all Farmbox produce is delivered free of charge all across the UAE so you don’t need to schlep around the supermarket aisles for hours (phew!). And you can add the most delicious organic eggs to your order too for that morning protein boost guaranteed to get your day off to the very best start.

Hassle-free, subscription-based (cancel, pause, start again any time you need) and with automatic credit card payment on delivery, this just has to be one of the best ways to get your five a day (and more).

Head over to Farmbox.ae and get 50% off your first box of organic deliciousness  by entering the code ‘SASSY’ at checkout.

There’s no excuse not to get that health kick started today, mamas! Bikini season – we’re coming for you.

The post Discounted Organic Goodness For Sassy Mamas! appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Bite-Size Pieces Of Yumminess By Annabel Karmel

Mini bites and balls are ideal if you are looking to incorporate baby-led weaning into your baby’s routine as they are just perfect for little fingers! They’re also great for livening up lunchboxes or for healthy snacking on the go, these bite-size recipes from leading children’s cookery author Annabel Karmel are sure to keep kids interested whilst packing in lots of essential goodness. Plus, they are fantastic for batch-cooking and freezing in readiness for those busy days.

If you’re in need of more finger-food inspiration or simply looking for new family meals to help liven up your mealtimes, Annabel Karmel’s new Baby-Led Weaning Recipe Book is out now and filled with 120 quick, easy and nutritious recipes, essential advice and tips to let your baby take the lead. Visit www.annabelkarmel.com for more information.

The post Annabel Karmel’s Bite-Size Favourites appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Fuss Free Easy to Cook Healthy Recipes

Mama of 2 boys and a self-taught Chef, Surabhi Sehgal juggles work with all that comes with motherhood and is often very pressed for time when it comes to preparing meals for her kids (there just isn’t enough time to do everything right, mamas?). On a mission to make sure her children are getting their daily dose of vitamins, these 2 healthy recipes are on her list of go-to favourites, incorporating plenty of colour and flavour plus the opportunity to let the kids help at creating them too. Enjoy!

Rainbow Pasta Salad

This is an easy recipe to make and ensures your littles get their daily dose of nutrition. Involve your kids in decorating the pasta, this way they will feel involved and proud to eat what they helped their mama make.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients:

• 2 cups colourful bowtie pasta
• 1 cup mixed peppers (cut into squares)
• 2tbsp black olives (sliced)
• 2tbsp toasted pine nuts
• 100g feta cheese
• 2tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 1/4tsp dried oregano
• Chili flakes (optional/to taste)
• 1/2tbsp lemon juice
• 2 -3tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 5-6 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
• Fresh basil (handful)
• Violas/edible flowers (optional/ handful)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta in well salted water till aldante.
2. Drain and cool in a large salad bowl. Toss in a tsp of olive oil so it doesn’t stick together.
3. In a small jug mix together lime juice, olive oil (1-2tbsp), dried herbs, chilly flakes and keep aside.
4. Heat a skillet or a deep pan and add the one tbsp olive oil, when warm add the thinly sliced garlic cloves and fry on a medium flame for about a minute or until lightly browned and crisp.
5. Add the pumpkin seeds, pinenuts, olives, peppers and garlic chips to the pasta and give it a good mix.
6. Now the add the prepared dressing and toss it well.
7. Transfer onto a serving plate (or if the using the same salad bowl, then clean the edges using a damp clean cloth or tissue) and top with feta cheese, fresh basil and edible flowers.
8. This pasta can be prepared in advance and served as cold pasta too. Ensure to garnish just before serving

Tip: If you or your kids are gluten intolerant then use a gluten free version and replace regular pasta with brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta.

Quinoa and Ricotta Stuffed Peppers

A simple and colourful dish that can be served as an healthy evening meal and also double as beautiful plate during one of your home parties. Even makes for an impressive potluck dish.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sweet peppers
• 1 cup quinoa
• 3tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 50g ricotta cheese
• 2tbsp pomegranate deseeded
• 1 bunch cilantro/coriander leaves
• 2tbsp cashews
• 2tbsp raisins
• 50g fresh mozzarella for garnish
• 1tsp lemon juice (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven at 350F or 175C .
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and keep aside.
3. Boil quinoa (as per package instructions) in salted water till cooked. Drain and keep aside.
4. Slice the sweet peppers into two (lengthwise) and keep aside.
5. Heat a pan or skillet, when hot add 1 tbsp olive oil, then add in the chopped onion and stir till lightly browned.
6. Now add the drained quinoa and toss. Turn off the stove and let it cool. Once the quinoa is cooled and at room temperature add chopped cashews, raisins and ricotta to the quinoa.
7. Stuff the peppers with this mixture. And place them on the lined baking tray.
8. Drizzle the peppers with some olive oil (the remaining 2tbsp), salt and place the tray in the middle rack and bake for 20 minutes at 175c.
9. Once cooked top transfer to serving plate and garnish with crumbled mozzarella, cilantro, pomegranate and a drizzle of lemon juice.

Note: Feta cheese can be used instead of ricotta and mozzarella. Substitute with 100g of feta cheese.

Keen for more recipes? Follow Surabhi’s Instagram page @su_la_table.

Happy cooking, mamas!

The post 2 Easy and Healthy After School Recipes appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Get The Kids In The Kitchen & Cook Up A Storm Together, Mamas!

Mama of 3 and blogger at table for five , Fathima creates recipes that are as beautiful to look at as they are to eat. These ‘sea monster chicken pot pies’ are gorgeous and so much fun to make with the kids too!

This sea monster pie is a guaranteed hit in my house because it’s easy to eat, is deliciously creamy (even though it’s healthy) and the best part is that it looks like a sea monster with tentacles! We love to add a bit of excitement to our lunches or dinners!

Sea Monster Chicken Pot Pies
Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp of pure butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 500 g chicken, cubed and marinating in a tsp of lemon juice.
• 1/2 cup homemade chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium potato, chopped into tiny cubes
• 1/2 medium carrot, chopped into tiny cubes
• 1/4 cup frozen corn
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 400g puff pastry – cut into 6 squares and 36 strips for the legs
• 42 frozen peas

Method:

1. Put 1 tbsp butter into a saucepan or pot onto medium heat. Add the onion and sauté.
2. When mostly softened and golden add the garlic and sauté till the onion is softer and both are nicely caramelised.
3. At this point, raise the temperature and add the chicken, potato, and carrot. Season.
4. Cook till caramelised and then lower the temperature. Add the chicken stock and leave to cook down till done.
5. In a separate saucepan, place the remaining butter and leave to melt.
6. Heat the milk till it’s warm.
7. Add the flour and continuously stir till it dries out and becomes golden but not brown.
8. Add a little of the milk to the roux while continuously whisking, then slowly add the rest. This prevents lumps.
9. Continue to cook till thick and creamy.
10. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Add the white sauce to cooked chciken and vegetable mixture and mix. Adjust the seasoning.
12. Spoon some cooled mixture into prepared ramekins.
13. Top with a square of pastry.
14. Add 6 pastry strips as the legs to each ramekin
15. Egg wash the pastry and add 2 peas as eyes and 5-6 for the mouth
16. Bake in a preheated oven at 200c till pastry has risen and then lower the temperature to 160c till browned and cooked.

The post Cooking With Kids: Sea Monster Chicken Pot Pies appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Delicious Spooky Treats For Halloween!

Halloween is the perfect time to create a stir in the kitchen. So why not put on a spooky spread to remember with these fiendish treats from leading children’s cookery author Annabel Karmel. Perfect for re-fuelling after a busy night of trick or treating!

Looking for more food inspiration?  Unlock a world of exclusive recipes, insider news and special offers by joining the AKClub for free at www.annabelkarmel.com

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Mamalu Kitchen can make a cook out of you and your kids!

I don’t know about you mamas, but when it comes to rustling up healthy, varied meals for the kiddos, I just don’t have the time – or the imagination. But I can’t help feeling that outsourcing without even trying feels like giving up. And judging by the frantic feeds I’ve seen on Facebook and the school what’s app groups, I’m not the only one struggling with this ‘can’t do, should do’ cooking problem. Which is why when I heard about ‘Mamalu Kitchen’ cooking classes, I was keen to give them a try.

Mamalu Kitchen was set up by a mother of three under twos (yikes) to offer simple, healthy cooking classes, and it was originally designed to teach nannies how to cook. But, spotting mamas in need – and a gap in the market – Mamalu Kitchen expanded their reach to target mums and dads too. Each class has a different theme but they’ve all got one thing in common: they’re easy, healthy and tasty (the three pillars of kiddo cuisines).

Mamalu provides simple recipes, designed to be made quickly by parents or carers on the go. Each of their classes is designed around a theme, focusing on healthy food from different parts of the world. They also offer classes on how to pack healthy lunch boxes, guaranteed to come back empty, while your kids come back full (which would make a nice change at our house!). But our favourite had to be the creative class on hiding vegetables in various dishes – this one even works on picky husbands!

But when it comes to kiddie catering, it’s not me who needs convincing; it’s my mini-me. Luckily, Mamalu Kitchen recently threw open its doors to Dubai’s budding little chefs for a pizza party with our tiny tornadoes calling the shots at the oven – and we went along for a slice of the action.

Of course the results were a hit with the littlies (the combo of pizza and being in charge was a winner for my mini Marco Pierre White) but I was also impressed by the organic ingredients, wholemeal base, the simplicity of the recipes and the instruction – and the staff’s wealth of expertise. They made the idea of creating fresh meals from scratch, several times, a week, seem suddenly within reach. Next step – convincing Papa chef to roll up his sleeves and play his part as well.

Check out www.mamalukitchen.com for more info.

The post Hassle Free Healthy Yumminess from Mamalu Kitchen appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Out Of Inspo For Your Kids Lunchboxes, Mamas? These Very Cute And Very Yummy Cheesy Vegetable Muffins Are Just The Thing!

Nothing makes life easier than a pre-planned lunchbox and these bear muffins are not only really simple to make but they’re full of healthy veggies and cheesy goodness. You can store them in the fridge till the next morning if you need to, and then all you do is using a little cream cheese as glue, place your peas for the eyes and nose, and corn for the ears to create your little bear.

Read More: Lunchbox Inspo, The 8 P’s Of A Healthy Packed Lunch 

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1 3/4 cup milk approximately (enough to make a moist batter)
500 ml flour
20 ml baking powder
4 ml mustard powder
Salt and pepper
750 ml or 3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn
1 tbsp cream cheese
A few slices of cheddar cheese

Method:

• Lightly beat the eggs with the milk
• Sift the flour, baking powder, dry mustard, and salt and pepper together
• Add the cheese to the sifted dry ingredients
• Rinse out the peas and corn, and drain
• Add the drained vegetables to the liquid and then mix into the flour.
• Spoon into muffin paper cups.
• Bake in a preheated oven on 220°c for approximately 15 minutes.
• Once cooled, cut out a circle from a slice of cheddar and place it around the middle but lower portion of the muffin.
• Then use a little cream cheese as glue and place 2 cooked peas as eyes and one as a nose on top of the cheese.
• Finally, place 2 pieces of sweetcorn as the ears on either side of the muffin.

Read more: 2 Easy and Healthy After School Recipes

The post Pre-planned Lunchbox Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Muffins appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Food allergies 101

Whether you’re a new (first-time!) mama like myself, or parenting your third newborn, it’s likely you’ll be wondering what to feed your baby when he or she is ready for solids at six months. As your child is presented with a variety of new foods and gets accustomed to new tastes and textures, you’ll also start thinking (read: worrying!) about food allergies. This natural part of life is something that can cause kids a lot of discomfort, so it’s understandable that parents are looking to find out more. We’re here to answer some commonly asked questions, and put your mind at ease…

Common questions include:

1. Does my baby have any food allergies, and if he or she does, what types of food is he or she allergic to?
2. What can I do if I notice my baby develops a food-related allergic reaction?

Read more: Breakfasts For Champions: Getting the School Day Started Right

What is a food allergy?

Our immune system helps to guard the body against harmful substances. However, some individuals’ immune systems, mistakenly recognise particular types of food as harmful substances to the body. In order to protect the body, the immune system triggers a response to alert individuals to stop ingesting these foods. This response, which is physically presented as a symptom, can range from mild to severe – and it’s known as an allergic reaction. The number of symptoms and the severity of symptoms present can vary from one individual to another.

What is the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity?

A food allergy involves the immune system while a food sensitivity does not. For example, if an individual is lactose intolerant, he or she may be lacking in lactase, the digestive enzyme that breaks lactose, the milk sugar, into its building blocks, galactose and glucose. Undigested lactose gets passed to the large intestine where the bacteria in the gut feeds off the lactose, causing cramps and diarrhoea. A lactose sensitivity means you can still enjoy lactose-free dairy products! On the other hand, if the individual is allergic to milk, he or she is allergic to the milk protein, which means he or she cannot have dairy products, foods that contain dairy, and foods that are made in a facility where dairy is present.

Which foods cause allergic reactions?

The most common foods that cause allergic reactions are eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat and sesame. Most of these common allergenic foods are protein-rich foods.

Read more: Healthy and Easy Snack Recipes with Only Three Ingredients

What are the common symptoms of food allergies?

As mentioned, an individual’s reaction to a food allergen can range from mild to severe, and the number of symptoms present can vary. Your baby may have an allergic reaction if he or she has hives or red rashes, itchy skin, swelling of the tongue, eyes, face, and lips, paleness or weakness, trouble breathing and swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea. While your baby may not experience all of these symptoms, the signs often appear within minutes after, or within two hours of having the allergenic food.

Is my child at risk of developing food allergies?

Your baby’s risk of developing food allergies is dependent on whether there is any immediate family member with food allergies. If one of the baby’s parents has food allergies, he or she will be at a higher risk to develop food allergies than a baby who does not have a family history of food allergies.  In addition to food allergies, if there is a family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever, your baby is also at a higher risk to develop food allergies than one who does not.

What should I do if I suspect my baby has a food allergy?  Does avoiding or delaying to feed my baby common allergenic foods prevent him or her from having food allergies? 

When your baby starts eating solids at six months of age, he or she will be exposed to a wide range of foods. Avoiding or delaying common allergenic foods will not prevent him or her from having food allergies.  This also applies to babies with a family history of food allergies.

If you are concerned about which foods may be causing a food allergy, you may want to introduce one common allergenic food at a time. Wait for at least two days before introducing a new food to your baby.  You can also start a food journal to keep track of which foods you have given your baby so that you can know which foods your baby is potentially allergic to.

If you are breastfeeding and your child is at risk of food allergies, it is also unnecessary to avoid eating common allergenic foods. However, if you do choose to avoid certain foods, it may be best to speak with a registered dietitian to ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs.

What should I do if I suspect my child is having a food-related allergic reaction?

If you suspect your child is experiencing one or more symptoms, such as hives and red rashes, stop giving the food until you speak with your child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician may refer your child to see an allergist, who is a specialised doctor in providing treatments for individuals with allergies. The allergist may perform an allergy test on your child to clinically diagnose the condition. In addition, your child requires immediate medical attention if he or she experiences the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Spreading hives
• Swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat
• Paleness
• Lips or face turns blue
• Passing out

What should I be vigilant about if I have a child who has food allergies?

If your child has been clinically diagnosed with a specific type of food allergy, he or she may be advised by his or her healthcare provider or registered dietitian to avoid the food, and foods that contain the specific food allergen. Your registered dietitian may also advise you on various food alternatives to ensure your child is meeting his or her nutritional needs for adequate growth and development.

In addition to receiving professional advice, there are a number of things you can do to ensure your child does not experience an allergic reaction. For example, when you shop for groceries, read the ingredients’ list on food packaging to ensure the food does not have the allergen that your child is allergic to. It’s also vital to provide foods that are made in a facility that is free of the food allergen as the food allergen may contaminate foods during the manufacturing process. This information is typically communicated on the food packaging label where food manufacturers makes a statement that the food is made in an allergy-free facility, such as a nut-free facility. When eating out with your child, you may also want to notify your server that your child is allergic to a specific food and inquire about whether the menu item you wish to order is free of the food allergen.

All in all, allergies are something that many children all over the world live with – so the important thing is to make sure it’s managed in a way that makes your child feel safe and comfortable!

Read more: Get Juicing! 3 (Healthy) Kid Friendly Juices And Ice-lollies

The post Children’s Food Allergies: Early Signs and How to Manage appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Our early childhood expert shares about her tips on how to encourage good table manners at an early age

As a teacher who worked in an environment where our students got breakfast at school, we wanted them to have a healthy meal to start their day but beyond that we also made sure that the children had opportunities to sit around a table, develop their social skills, their ability to sharewhile fostering table manners. Table manners are vital skills which could be transferred into other everyday situations. They may seem trivial but helping your child to develop them lays the foundations for nurturing respectful children. Here are six table manners you can help develop from an early age.

No phones

Phones around the dinner table are becoming such an issue that hip and trendy restaurants are even coming up with methods to support phone-less meals. Keeping the table a phone-free zone promotes opportunity for conversations and instills in a child the realisation that being on the phone at the table can be considered rude. This will not only develop their ability to listen and pay attention to one another, but it will encourage them to use meal times as a chance to share and discuss their own lives too.

Say Please and Thank You

Meal times are often a chance to practice the basics when it comes to manners. As children may need to request for the ketchup to be passed to them or may want to ask for more of a certain food there are plenty of teachable opportunities. Ensure your child requests things politely by saying ‘please’ and then ‘thank you’ when the item is passed. You should also encourage your child to also appreciate the meal they are about to eat.

Ask to leave the table

When I go to my parents for dinner, I still find myself asking if it’s ok to be excused from the table once I’m done. When I was a child this was a non-negotiable and sometimes my parents refused my request. Don’t feel you have to say ‘yes’ to your child if they ask to leave before other people are finished. Sometimes it’s nice to wait for one another and use the time for continued conversation. Try and ensure meals are a special time and aren’t too rushed.

Wait for others before you start

At pre-school we often sing songs before snack/meal times and we encourage children to say thank you together and then ask if they can start. This once again shows respect for others if you wait patiently and all start eating together. If your child is the last one to receive their plate, they will also feel respected if others have waited for them. This level of respect develops positive self-esteem and a sense of self-worth.

Show Up

Sometimes children may complain that they aren’t hungry, or they arrive at the table and refuse to eat and may ask to be excused immediately. Ensure children recognise that sitting together is an important part of the day and even if their food goes untouched they are still expected to be at the table. Reenforcing this with toddlers ensures that by the time they are older they understand the expectations for meal times.

Ask to help

Setting the table and clearing up afterwards should all be part of the meal and chores that everyone should take part in. Setting the table is one of the easiest tasks that a child can be entrusted with from an early age and it takes next to no time to complete. Encourage your child to take responsibility for these parts of the meal and value their contribution to the family.

The post Helpful Tips on How to Teach Your Kids Table Manners appeared first on Sassy Mama.