Quick bites

Feeding a family of seven is no mean feat and it is particularly hard after a busy day when everyone is running around waiting to be fed.

It can be so easy to shove a pizza and chips in the oven and even though that it fine on the odd occasion, I wouldn’t suggest this becomes a habit.

Too many mothers and families fear cooking and the perceived time that goes into preparing a healthy, healthy home cooked meal but I assure you, if you know a few tricks of the trade, you will be whizzing up delightful dishes in no time at all!

Pasta Bake

As this is my go-to dish when I’m in a rush and not much effort goes into it, my kids love it, which is a bit insulting but never mind.

This quick and easy dish is loved by everyone and can be made in under an hour.

Pre-cook your pasta until it is al-dente and make a creamy mascarpone tomato sauce, once all cooked through, mix with the pasta and throw it into an oven proof dish. Top with breadcrumbs and grated cheese as well as some cherry tomatoes.

Bake for 20 minutes and whip up a quick salad and you have a delicious meal for everyone.

This Chick Cooks - quick bites

Roasted Vegetable Cous Cous

This is another great dish if you’ve got homework, work and washing to deal with!

Roughly chop all your veggies (sweet potatoes/tomatoes/courgette/aubergine/carrot/onion) drizzle with oil, sprinkle a little thyme and salt & pepper and shove in the oven for 40 minutes.

Keep an eye on it and give it a good shake whilst you prepare your couscous.

Simply boil the kettle and in a plastic tub, cover with the water and a spoonful of stock, quickly cover with cling film and leave for 20 minutes or so until all the water is absorbed and you’re left with fluffy couscous. Mix together and you have a wonderful healthy meal which can be used for lunch the following day.

Stir Fry

The great thing about stir fry is that you can interchange the sauce and veggies as you wish to make it fun and a little different for the kids.

Cook your chicken, beans, carrots, broccoli and onion and fry in a wok with sesame oil. Add in your sauce, either sweet & sour, teriyaki or peanut sauce and fry some more. Cook your noodles and throw it all together, voila!

This Chick Cooks - quick bites

Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup

The perfect meal for a winter’s evening or if your little ones are a little under the weather.

In an oiled pan, fry the onion, garlic and chicken until cooked through, add a litre of stock and sweetcorn and bring to the boil, separating the chicken into smaller chunks.

Let this simmer and season to taste with a little lemon and ginger for added flavour and you have a quick meal made in under 30 minutes.

This Chick Cooks - quick bites

What’s your favourite quick meal to make for your family? Let me know by getting in touch!