#LockDownChallenge #LockDownFood – What’s for lunch?

Don’t panic! Mum or dad has it under control!

After a morning filled with home schooling, it is essential that both children and adults have a healthy lunch or snack to give them energy for the rest of the day. To avoid eating junk food, try a healthy yet fun alternative.

If the kids are old enough, get them involved! Adelé is a hands-on mom, her kids have been helping around the house for years. The kids prepare and cook meals regularly and also help with cleaning up afterwards.  Lené & Adriaan know the rules of the kitchen, specifically how to use knives and how to use appliances with heat elements. Most importantly, they know that the kitchen is not a playroom. Make sure your kids understand the dangers in a kitchen and that they are always supervised and assisted. This is not just a great family activity, but it is also a great way to prepare the youth for their first years when leaving the nest one day.

How about a very easy and quick pizza?

The best and quickest recipe I have come across used Plain Yoghurt & Self-raising flour. Maybe with a pinch of salt, other than that, that is it!

TIP: If you do not have self-raising flour, add ¼ tablespoon baking powder for every cup of flour.

Start off with 2 cups flour and one cup yoghurt. Mix into a soft yet firm dough. You might need to add a bit more flour or yoghurt to get the right consistency depending on the yoghurt’s creaminess. Simply press or roll and shape into squares or circles in your desired thick base and add toppings and bake at least 15mins at 180°C or until toppings are cooked.

Which toppings should you use, you might be thinking? For the sauce you can use tomato sauce or paste, pasta sauces, BBQ, chillie sauces, any sauce you like will work! Even canned onion & tomato will work! Now comes the fun part! Add whatever your heart, or tummy, desires. Onions, peppers, tomatoes, chillies, mushrooms, bacon, chicken, left over braaivleis, biltong, sausages…. and top with a generous helping of cheese. Mozzarella, cheddar or gouda, even feta! Maybe even some Pineapple, if you like it.  Round it off with salt, pepper & spices!

Alternatively, if you do not have yoghurt, here is a recipe that delivers about 8-10 large bases. The nice thing about this recipe? Bake the base with only a sauce and freeze for later use! Simply use direct from freezer, add more sauce, add toppings and bake until the toppings are cooked, and cheese is melted.

PIZZA DOUGH

• 6 ½ cups Flour (extra for rolling)
• 1 packet yeast
• 1t salt
• 1t sugar
• ¼ cup Olive or Normal cooking oil
• 2 ¾ cups lukewarm water

• Mix all the ingredients, except the flour. Start by adding half of the flour then gradually add the rest of the flour until the dough is combined and firm. Put the dough in a bowl and cover with cling wrap or tea towel, let rise for 1-2 hrs.
• Then simply divide the dough into half, half again and again. Start rolling out sizes relative to your baking tray or make dinner plate size bases.

The kids can join in, create small individual pizzas, they can each choose their own toppings. Each pizza unique & tailored to the young one’s preferences!

There are many more healthy and delicious meals to choose from.

A good old classic – Ham & Cheese Toastie. Just cheese, or add tomato, the options are endless!

How about a proper salad? All the greens, feta, olives and peppadews. Perfect for the sunny days!  

Even a platter! Fruity or naughty? Use what you have in the kitchen cupboards. You will be surprised with what you can whip up with a bit of imagination.

Platter… Naughty or fruity – You decide

Keep your eyes peeled for more ideas to keep the kids entertained and the tummies full.