With the lock-down laws set to continue for another few weeks, many of us are looking for some creative ways to fill our free time and keep the kids entertained. Cooking seems to tick all the boxes for the perfect home-based activity and is great for kids of almost any age. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe or a nourishing and hearty meal, we've rounded up 3 of our must try recipes to make at home with the kids. 

During this difficult time not all ingredients may be readily available, especially certain pantry staples. Feel free to experiment with your cooking and substitute ingredients. Who knows, it may even turn out better than the original! 

Banana Bread

This crowd-favourite recipe is the perfect way to utilize any over-ripe bananas you may have! 

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 3 ripe bananas, well mashed
• 2 eggs, well beaten
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 250 g (2 cups) plain flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 180 g (3/4 cup) caster sugar
• 75 g walnuts, coarsely chopped

Method:

Step 1. 

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 17 × 8 cm loaf tin.

Step 2. 

Combine the bananas, eggs and orange zest in a large bowl. Sift in the flour, cinnamon, salt and bicarbonate of soda, mix, then add the sugar and walnuts. Mix thoroughly, then tip into the prepared tin. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 3. 

To serve, eat warm or allow to cool, then toast and serve buttered.

Pumpkin & Leek Risotto

This hearty and warming risotto is a great way to sneak in a few extra veggies into your kids diet! 

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small leek (washed and finely sliced)
• 2 cups arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin (chopped)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan

Method:

Step 1. 

In a saucepan, bring 6 cups of stock to a simmer.

Step 2.

Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and add 1 small leek (washed and finely sliced). Stir for 4-5 minutes or until soft. Reduce heat to low. Add 2 cups arborio rice and stir to coat with butter.

Step 3.

Add 1/2 cup dry white wine and cook, stirring, until liquid is absorbed.

Step 4. 

Add stock, a ladleful at a time, stirring after each addition until all liquid is absorbed. When rice is half-cooked, add 1 1/2 cups pumpkin (chopped). Continue cooking, stirring and adding stock until rice is cooked but firm to the bite (about 15 minutes).

Step 5. 

Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan and 2 tbsp butter and serve topped with extra parmesan.

Yellow Pikelets

These healthy and delicious pikelets are sure to be a smash hit! 

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup self-raising flour
• Pinch salt
• 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 extra egg yolk, beaten
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp cooked pumpkin, pureed

Method:

Step 1. 

Sift dry ingredients. Add eggs, buttermilk, butter and pumpkin. Combine well with hand or electric beaters. 

Step 2. 

Heat and grease a large frypan. Drop in one tablespoon of batter. Cook until bubbling on the top. Turn and cook the other side.

Step 3. 

Enjoy!

Try these great recipes and more with the help of Hillview Farms. 

Hillview Farms is dedicated to providing high-quality, fresh produce that is chem-free and locally sourced. Our door-to-door delivery ensures our produce goes direct from farm to table. 

Grab our Cold & Flu Immunity Booster Box for your family today and get cooking! 

Recipes from Good Food