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Packed lunch and snack ideas for a day out with your toddler
A hungry, thirsty toddler is never fun to be around – especially when you are away from the conveniences of home. With a little prep and some smart ideas, you can make sure your day out is fun for your little one – and you!
Heading off for a day out with a toddler in tow can feel daunting. But with a little careful planning – yes, you’ll definitely need a spare set of clothes and some non-messy, non-noisy toys to keep them entertained – you can make it an outing to look forward to. Here are some ideas to keep hunger and thirst at bay – and some great recipes for yummy snacks and easy meals:
- Bag it: Your main priority on the toddler front should be a packed cooler bag of snacks, food and drinks. Have a single bag specifically dedicated to food for your little one – that way everything will be in one place when you need it. Along with food and drink, include some plastic containers with lids, spoons, and wipes (or a dampened cloth in a resealable bag).
- Yummy ice packs The night before your outing, put your child’s favourite flavour of Squish 100% Pressed Fruit Juice and a Squish 100% Fruit Puree in the freezer. Before you head out pop them in your cool bag. They’ll double as ice packs and as a cool drink and slushy as the day goes. Because all Squish 100% Fruit Purees come with a resealable lid, you can just use what you need then close it up again for later. Plus, they are free from added colourants, flavourants and preservatives – with no added cane sugar. And don’t forget to pack a couple of unfrozen juices boxes and fruit puree pouches too!
- Make a meal While snacks are essential, it’s important that your toddler gets a decent meal too. Pack a little container of pre-cooked pasta and when lunch time rolls around, stir through some Squish 100% Veg Puree. There are a whole lot of delicious flavours to choose from, including Butternut + Carrot and Mixed Veg. If you’re not going to be able to heat up a meal, use a vacuum insulated flask.
Packing a variety of fuss-free single-serve snacks and treats will make it easy to keep hunger at bay. These recipes are tasty and packed full of natural goodness – your little one will love them!
FRUIT CRUNCHIES
These treats are full of sweet fruit which means less cane sugar.
Ingredients:
230 g (1 cup) rolled oats
60 g (½ cup) desiccated coconut or ground almonds
125 g (¾ cup) cake flour
2.5 ml (½ tsp) baking powder
1 ml (¼ tsp) bicarbonate of soda
60 g (⅓ cup) dried apricots, finely chopped
65 g (¼ cup) butter
55 g (¼ cup) brown sugar
1 x 110 ml Squish Apple 100% Fruit Puree
Method:
Place the oats, coconut (or nuts) and cake flour into a bowl and stir to mix. Add the baking powder and bicarbonate of soda. Add the apricots.
In a small saucepan melt the butter and the sugar together. Whisk in the Squish Apple Puree and leave to cool.
Add the apple mixture to the dry ingredients and stir well until evenly blended. Press the mixture into a baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray and lined with baking paper.
Bake in an oven that has been preheated to 160°C for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and slice into bars in the pan. Leave to cool.
CREAM CHEESE DIP AND CRUDITÉS
This meal provides a perfect combo of protein, dairy and healthy fruit and veg!
Ingredients
½ cup plain cream cheese
¼ cup Squish 100% Fruit & Veg Puree pouch
Fresh veggies or fruit, for dipping.
Method
Place cream cheese in a bowl and add your child’s favourite Squish 100% Fruit + Vegetable Puree. Stir well to blended. Serve with washed and cut fruit and vegetables.
POTATO POPS
These filling and delicious pops are mess-free and easy to serve.
Ingredient
500 ml (2 cups) mashed potato
1 x 100 ml Squish 100% Veg Butternut + Carrot Puree pouch
250 ml (1 cup) grated cheddar cheese
1 egg
295 ml (1 cup + 3 Tbsp) breadcrumbs
salt and freshly cracked black pepper
30 ml (2 Tbsp) sunflower oil
Method
In a large bowl, combine the mash, Squish puree and cheese. Add the egg and 45 ml (3 Tbsp) of breadcrumbs and mix well. Season to taste. Shape into balls and roll in breadcrumbs. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan. Fry the potato pops in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. These can also be cooked on a baking tray in the oven at 180°C for 15 minutes.