Food For Kids

In this episode of the Food for Kids podcast, Joanne shares simple, family-friendly meal ideas using seasonal produce available in September. The focus is on easy-to-make recipes that require minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy families. Joanne discusses three main meals, a dessert, and a quick snack, all utilizing fresh ingredients that are in season. She gives suggestions on adapting recipes to suit children's tastes and some swap ideas too.Links to the recipes:Main 1 - butternut and carrot soup: https://www.easypeasyfoodie.com/carrot-and-butternut-squash-soupMain 2 - traybake chicken version: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/healthy-living/healthy-eating/recipe-finder/chicken-and-vegetable-traybakeMain 2 - traybake vegan version: https://thehappyfoodie.co.uk/recipes/roasted-vegetable-and-tofu-traybake/Main 3 - boosted shop bought pasta sauce: https://itslivb.com/2020/09/07/roasted-vegetable-pasta/Dessert - crumble: https://www.thefoodies.org/apple-crumble-with-kids/Snack - pumpkin pie spice chickpeas: https://uglyducklingbakery.com/pumpkin-pie-spiced-chickpeas Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

This episode explores why cookery and food teaching is not just teaching a basic life skill although that is also very important, but how it is a vehicle for teaching lots of other parts of the curriculum and lots of skills that you wouldn’t necessarily think of as being related to food. So whether you have a child in pre-school, in a school, if you’re homeschooling, or if you just want to help your child to learn some things at home, hopefully this will interest you.Back in July we had an episode with a food teacher called Chris Lord who has been teaching food and cookery for over twenty years in several different countries. I have another short interview with Chris today where he talks about how he has used food to deliver other parts of the curriculum in his schools, and then I run through some examples of other ways to use food in learning.Links in the episode:Food A Fact Of Life: https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/Let's Get Cooking: https://www.bda.uk.com/food-health/lets-get-cooking.htmlChris's website about food and travels: https://www.lordysguide.com Food for Life curriculum summary: https://www.foodforlife.org.uk/media/flzbu5ph/links-across-the-curriculum.pdfWhole school ideas: https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/whole-school/whole-school-approach/curriculum-qualifications-and-frameworks/Report from the school food plan: https://www.schoolfoodplan.com/report/cooking-in-the-curriculum/BBC ideas: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/learning_through_cookingFood a Fact of Life resources: https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/professional-development/ppd-toolkit/primary/Taste education resources: https://www.tasteeducation.com/primary/Homeschool resources: https://www.homeschoolnaturally.com/blog/homeschool-cooking-curriculum-kidsMusic "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode Joanne runs through some ideas for school and nursery lunchboxes. One of the things that comes up all the time with packed lunches is that they can get boring. Some children of course don't mind having similar things most days but if your child is getting bored with the same old sandwich or you want to try and change things up a bit to add some variety, especially if your child's fed up with sandwiches in general, then what do you do? There are loads of great ideas online for lunches, but sometimes they can make you feel bad and they can be a bit unrealistic when the creators who are making those blogs and videos are literally doing that for their side hustle or main income and they have lots of time to spend on it and you're juggling a job or several kids and after school activities. On the other hand, sometimes we do know that we've got into a rut and it's nice to get some extra inspiration because we forget that some things exist when we buy the same things at the store every week and also some people can be really creative and give us some really good ideas to tempt our kids.So in this episode Joanne gives some ideas for different lunch elements, including some non-sandwich items without any side servings of mom guilt. Links in this episode:NHS guidance and ideas: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes/Episode with food safety guidance: http://thefoodies.org/ffk26/ Episode with pick and mix ideas: http://thefoodies.org/ffk26/ Jenna’s reel on food safety making packed lunches: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTh3CdXDl8E/Jenna’s reel on how to freeze sandwiches: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjQt3sYjDTI/Mini frittata: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/easy-egg-muffinsSavoury muffins: https://realfood.tesco.com/recipes/tomato-and-bacon-muffins.htmlFruit kebabs: https://groceries.morrisons.com/recipes/rainbow-fruit-kebabs/95375Popcorn idea: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chocolate-drizzled-popcornChocolate fruit: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/choco-dipped-tangerinesEnergy balls: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/choc-orange-energy-boostersPizza rolls / pinwheels: https://www.whatlisacooks.com/blog/pizza-rollscourgette fritters: https://www.thefoodies.org/cheesy-courgette-fritters/Blog series showing lots of great ideas for lunchbox components and combos:https://www.whatlisacooks.com/no-sandwich-lunches-1https://www.whatlisacooks.com/no-sandwich-lunches-2https://www.whatlisacooks.com/no-sandwich-lunches-3https://www.whatlisacooks.com/no-sandwich-lunches-4

In this episode, Joanne runs through a list of fruits and vegetables which are in season in the UK in September, and offers tips for getting children to try each of them. There is also a short list of imported foods that are currently in season.This will be useful if you want to increase your intake of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and want some ideas for helping to build your child's familiarity with them, whether they eat the end result or not!List of foods in season in ​September- www.thefoodies.org/seasonal/​september-food-ideas/Printables of summer seasonal foods: https://thefoodiesbooks.com/product/summer-seasonal-food-printables ​Kate Hall's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on blackberries https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/Cpn2Oh7oDAK/Blog post for young children to learn how to pick blackberries safely and what to do with them: https://www.thefoodies.org/how-to-pick-blackberries-with-kids/ Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode, the third in a monthly series, Joanne runs through some ideas to reduce food waste and save money by storing foods well and using them up effectively.This episode is about courgettes and summer squashes so there are some ideas about how to store courgettes and thin skinned squash to make them last longer, and stop them going off. This includes how to store them in the kitchen, how to freeze them and how to dry them. And then there are a few good ideas on how to use up a glut of courgettes or any spares left over from a recipe.The episode includes our monthly Q&A with Kate Hall from The Full Freezer on how to freeze courgettes and summer squash.Links in this episode:Cheesy courgette fritters with instructions for children to make them: https://www.thefoodies.org/cheesy-courgette-fritters/Courgette, potato and cheddar soup: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/courgette-potato-cheddar-soupChocolate courgette muffins: https://www.healthylifetrainer.com/chocolate-courgette-muffins/Kate's Can I Freeze It? video on courgettes: https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/CSPhpTvI8MN/ Kate's website: https://www.thefullfreezer.com/Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

Today’s fairly short episode is about packed lunches for the start of term next week, and specifically, about how to keep packed lunch foods safe until lunchtime.The main issue with lunchboxes is the storage of them between them being packed in the morning and them being eaten.   If the hot weather in the last few weeks has made you think about how food will last in hot classrooms then this episode is for you. I interviewed Jenna Brown, an environmental health officer known as Food Safety Mum online, about how to keep lunchbox foods safe.Jenna is an experienced Environmental Health Officer with a first class degree in Environmental Health and over 14 years of experience in food safety and public health. She started the Food Safety Mum business when she became a mum herself. That understanding of how much you think differently when you have a little one to think about too meant that Jenna became passionate about promoting food safety in the home. She is on a mission to help parents to safely save time, money & food!Links from the episode:General food safety making packed lunches: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTh3CdXDl8E/?igsh=Nnd2ZDZoeXNiazd1Tips for keeping lunches cold: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiLNDDdDiM1/?igsh=MTd3b3JrMmMyZzRzOA%3D%3DHow to freeze sandwiches: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjQt3sYjDTI/?igsh=MXd2MnU0b3d2cjRuMg%3D%3DTips for food flasks: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTz8vSWsQ8b/?igsh=czFkZ2QxaXZ3NGR1&img_index=4Hot packed lunches and chicken nuggets trial: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAG8LmSsg9U/?igsh=cDh2d3B4cm1yajd2Jenna's website: https://www.foodsafetymum.co.ukMusic "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode I run through some child friendly barbecue ideas for these last few weeks of the summer holidays and into the warm September weekends.In the UK a barbecue can feel like such a treat. When you’re imagining it, it’s got a relaxed vibe, the sun’s out, friends or family are around, there’s the smell of the grill and some cold drinks and everyone is enjoying cooking and eating in the open air with some different food to the everyday grind.But if you’ve ever hosted with children in the mix, you’ll know that that dreamy barbecue vibe can quickly slip into stress if kids don’t want to eat what you’re making, but you don’t want to water down the fun for the grown ups. So if you’re the one organising the food, it’s easy to get caught up worrying about what the children will actually eat, how they will cope with waiting for food and how to make it feel special, without jumping through lots of hoops to please everyone and ending up hating it yourself.I share some ideas for making barbecues with kids more fun and relaxed, so you can make sure they are happy without needing to do a separate kids’ menu.For the lists of mains, sides and sauces mentioned in the episode, please go to the shownotes page on the website at thefoodies.org/ffk25Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat.

In today's episode I'm talking to Ailsa McHardy of Little Nutrition about the guidelines for when to wean your baby onto solid foods. There is a lot more understanding, flexibility and information out there now than when my kids were weaning and I wanted to ask Ailsa what the current best advice is for parents on how to know if their child is ready or not. We talk about why age is a guideline and not a hard and fast rule, and what developmental cues to look for in your own child to see if they are ready.Ailsa is an expert Paediatric Dietitian with 15 years of experience across NHS, academic and private settings. She is the founder of Little Nutrition, a freelance children's nutrition consultancy which supports families with weaning, fussy eating, food allergies and tummy symptoms. Ailsa has 2 little ones of her own and brings lots of real life experience to her practice. Links mentioned in this episode:Ailsa's weaning support programme: https://www.littlenutrition.co.uk/packages/pricingAilsa's FREE Ultimate Guide To Weaning Ebook: https://littlenutrition.kit.com/1cc84d30e0Ailsa's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlenutritionwithailsa/ Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode of the Food for Kids podcast, Joanne shares simple, family-friendly meal ideas using seasonal produce available in August. The focus is on easy-to-make recipes that require minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy families. Joanne discusses three main meals, a dessert, and a quick snack, all utilizing fresh ingredients that are in season. She gives suggestions on adapting recipes to suit children's tastes and some swap ideas too.Links to the recipes:Lentil ragu: https://hillstart.me.uk/lentil-and-red-pepper-ragu/Courgette pancakes: https://www.thefoodies.org/cheesy-courgette-fritters/Stir fry veg rice: https://www.littlemonkeynutrition.com/blog/veg-stir-fry-riceMeringues for the fruit basket pick your own pudding: https://bakefromscratch.com/meringue-nests-berries/Popcorn topping ideas: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/popcorn-recipesFor more seasonal food ideas go to: https://www.thefoodies.org/seasonal/august-food-ideas/ Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In today’s episode I am going to give you seven incredibly easy two minute tasks that your children can do in the kitchen, for when you want them to learn some skills but don’t have time to cook with them.I meet a lot of parents at school events and when I am out and about selling mybooks and activity boxes and at basically every event one of them sayssomething to the effect of how they know they should cook with their youngkids, or teach their older kids to cook, but they never get to it and they findit super stressful, and they feel guilty about it. In the episode I talk about why you shouldn't feel guilty about not cooking every week with your children, two ways of tackling it in a different way, and seven key skills that children can learn in two minute no pressure shots of helping.Blog post on what foods to use to teach knife skills: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/kids-basic-knife-skills/Video on how to teach your child the bridge technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXc8XvP6-ks Video on how to teach your child the claw grip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJObOiRK4YwMy food familiarity course: https://thefoodiesbooks.com/food-familiarity-course/The seven skills are:StirringPeelingGratingChoppingSpreadingPicking up with tongsMeasuringMusic "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In today’s episode I am talking to Kate Hall from the Full Freezer about how we can reduce food waste using our freezer, both to reduce our impact on the environment, and to save us some money and time.One of the things that can really be a stressor when you are racing around trying to keep everyone fed while not bankrupting yourselves is the knowledge that there are a couple of things in your fridge that need using up or are going off and the guilt of knowing that you’re wasting food as well as wasting the money you spent on it. Household food waste makes up 60% of the UK's wasted food so we really can make a difference.Kate's website - https://www.thefullfreezer.com/Kate's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thefullfreezerKate's Can I Freeze It? page for individual ingredients WRAP report on food waste: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7552/CBP-7552.pdf Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode, Joanne runs through a list of fruits and vegetables which are in season in the UK in August, and offers tips for getting children to try each of them. There is also a short list of imported foods that are currently in season.This will be useful if you want to increase your intake of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and want some ideas for helping to build your child's familiarity with them, whether they eat the end result or not!List of foods in season in ​August - www.thefoodies.org/seasonal/​august-food-ideas/Printables of summer seasonal foods: https://thefoodiesbooks.com/product/summer-seasonal-food-printables ​Kate Hall's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on blackberries https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/Cpn2Oh7oDAK/Kate Hall's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on raspberries https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/CFjVqdgAsUK/Kate Hall's reel on eating frozen fruit as a snack https://www.instagram.com/p/CYZC9nIBBt9/​Food For Kids episode about summer snacks including peppers: https://www.thefoodies.org/ffk17/ ​Food For Kids episode about tomatoes and how to use them: https://www.thefoodies.org/ffk18/Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode Joanne talks to Emma Shafqat from Dietitian With A Difference about childhood milk allergy, what the two main types are, what the differences are between the two and how to find out if your child has one. Emma then talks through what will happen next if you get a diagnosis and what the "milk ladder" is.She also explains the difference between a milk allergy and a lactose intolerance.Emma's instagram feed: https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.withadifference/Emma's milk allergy course for parents: https://dietitianwithadifference.co.uk/milk-allergy-course/ Emma's post on dairy free weaning: https://dietitianwithadifference.co.uk/dairy-free-weaning-with-a-cows-milk-allergy/Emma's milk ladder explainer: https://dietitianwithadifference.co.uk/milk-ladder/Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode, the second in a monthly series, Joanne runs through some ideas to reduce food waste and save money by storing foods well and using them up effectively.This episode is about tomatoes so there some ideas about how to store tomatoes to make them last longer, and stop them going off. This includes how to store them in the kitchen, how to freeze them and how to dry them. There is also some information about why the fridge isn't the best place for tomatoes and how the compounds in tomatoes work for health.And then there are a few good ideas on how to use up tomatoes that have started to go overripe.The episode includes our monthly Q&A with Kate Hall from The Full Freezer on how to freeze tomatoes and different ways to use them.Kate's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on cherry tomatoes: https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/CDlEH80BiAD/ Kate's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on salad tomatoes: https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/C5qttWkIFd_/ Kate's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on tomato puree: https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/CTW3omuozGy/Kate's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on tinned tomatoes: https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/CsJss5GKuLe/Squeezy tomato pasta: https://www.thefoodies.org/squished-tomato-pasta/Thai tomato soup: https://simple-veganista.com/curry-tomato-soup-zucchini-noodlesRound up of ways to use up tomatoes: https://realfood.tesco.com/curatedlist/seven-ways-to-use-up-leftover-tomatoes.htmlRoasted tomato sauce: https://thebackyardlemontree.com/2016/04/13/autumn-roasted-tomato-sauce/Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode Joanne runs through some suggestions for making the endless summer holiday snack production line a little easier.Joanne outlines a pick and mix approach using items from three different food types to make it easier to have variety but put things together quickly during a long week of holiday snack demands.Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

This episode is about how to handle food if you use a home based childcare professional, so that’s a childminder caring in their home, or a nanny caring in yours and I have a short interview with one of each about how they divide the responsibility with families.Nannies and childminders work under quite different frameworks in the UK, and that affects both their legal responsibilities and how you, as a parent, can approach making agreements with them.The interviews are with:Claire Hassall, an Ofsted-registered childminder with over a decade of experience, known for her love of books, bookish play, nature adventures, and tasty bakes. When not in the kitchen, garden or allotment, she mentors other childminders. Jackie Cox started her childcare career in a nursery and then was a nanny in several family homes. I did this interview back in 2023 when I was originally planning the podcast and since then she has had a career change and is now a personal trainer but this was during her time as a nanny.Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat.

In this episode Joanne gives you three easy growing projects to choose from that can still be done at this time of year, work well with children helping, and don't need any special equipment or knowledge, literally just a cheap grow bag of compost.Idea one - windowsill pea shootsIdea two - rescuing supermarket herbsIdea three - Christmas potatoesLinks in the episode:Growing peashoots: https://www.thefoodies.org/how-to-grow-pea-shoots/Growing basil cuttings in water: https://youtu.be/y0f5yl2ZMqM?si=TlRgohFJQBMVyJ1qRescuing supermarket herbs: https://www.ruralsprout.com/keep-supermarket-herbs-thriving/Growing Christmas potatoes:  https://www.rhs.org.uk/vegetables/potatoes/growing-for-festive-seasonVideo on growing potatoes in bags: https://youtu.be/Tu3Ob2KtLy8?si=aF0keQUmhYJHQvXNMusic "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

This interview with Chris Lord took place a couple of years ago, when we were discussing the changes in the UK secondary school food curriculum. Chris has taught food for over twenty years in both the UK and Hong Kong and has some thoughtful insights in to the changes of emphasis in the way food is taught.Our conversation explored the need to move away from teaching as food technology to a more integrated approach that emphasizes nutrition and cooking skills. In addition I go through the interesting results of a survey by the Food Teachers Centre about teachers' attitudes to how food should be taught in school.And there are some useful resources linked for educators and families alike with helpful nutrition and recipe sites.Links mentioned in the episode:The survey by The Food Teachers' Centre: https://foodteacherscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Food-Education-fit-for-the-future.pdfFood Teachers Centre Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/foodteacherscentreFood A Fact Of Life: https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/Let's Get Cooking: https://www.bda.uk.com/food-health/lets-get-cooking.htmlLicence to Cook: https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/11-14-years/cooking-11-14-years/licence-to-cook-11-14-years/licence-to-cook-recipes/Chris's website about food and travels: https://www.lordysguide.com Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode of the Food for Kids podcast, Joanne shares simple, family-friendly meal ideas using seasonal produce available in July. The focus is on easy-to-make recipes that require minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy families. Joanne discusses three main meals, a dessert, and a quick snack, all utilizing fresh ingredients that are in season. She gives suggestions on adapting recipes to suit children's tastes and some swap ideas too.Links to the recipes:Veggie slice: https://recipepocket.com/zucchini-and-carrot-sliceSquished tomato pasta: https://www.thefoodies.org/squished-tomato-pasta/Fajitas or tostadas: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/summer-veg-tostadasSummer fruit traybake or cake: https://www.sewwhite.com/summer-fruit-cake-tray-bakeCreamy beetroot dip: https://www.eatsamazing.co.uk/family-friendly-recipes/party-food-ideas-recipes/3-ingredient-easy-beetroot-dip-recipeFor more seasonal food ideas go to: https://www.thefoodies.org/seasonal/july-food-ideas/ Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

On today’s episode I am talking to Dr Kirsty Porter from Nutrition For Kids in Northern Ireland. Kirsty is a registered children’s dietitian with over 15 years of experience helping parents overcome mealtime and feeding challenges. She specialises in supporting fussy and sensory eaters, and offers evidence-based but practical advice that fits real family life. When we’re talking about why children can be hesitant around new foods or have a limited repertoire or foods, there are obviously a whole bunch of reasons that come up, and over time we are looking at lots of them here on the show in more depth and seeing how we can help our children, but one of the ones that comes up regularly is around sensory issues with food. Kirsty does a lot of work in her practice with sensory issues, and has a specialist programme about it in partnership with an Occupational Therapist, so I thought she’d be a great person to ask about sensory eating.Kirsty's website: www.nutrition4kidsni.comKirsty's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition4kidsniKirsty's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nutrition4kidsniInstagram page for ​sensory issues ​advice: https://www.instagram.com/sensoryeatersThe Sensory Eaters course mentioned in the episode: ​​https://sensoryeaters.thinkific.com/courses/sensoryeatersprogrammeMusic "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode, Joanne runs through a list of fruits and vegetables which are in season in the UK in July, and offers tips for getting children to try each of them. There is also a short list of tropical imports that are currently in season.This will be useful if you want to increase your intake of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and want some ideas for helping to build your child's familiarity with them, whether they eat the end result or not!For a full list seasonal July foods, go to https://www.thefoodies.org/seasonal/july-food-ideas/Printables for summer seasonal foods: https://thefoodiesbooks.com/product/summer-seasonal-food-printables/Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

Today's episode is the first in a regular series I am loosely calling the “Help my child is bringing someone home for tea” series. Which is my way of bringing information the basics you need to know about special diets to families who don’t have a special diet themselves but want to be able to be inclusive for those children who do.The first one in my series is children who need a gluten free diet either because they have coeliac disease or just because they react badly to gluten. I think this is one of the ones that frightens people a lot because, like dairy, it is in a LOT of foods that you wouldn’t immediately think of.So for this one we spoke to Nicky Chilvers from Gluten Free Little Cook to come and help. Nicky is a mum to two teens; one of whom has coeliac disease. Nicky runs through some of the basics of coeliac symptoms and some practical ways to make sure that everyone has a child friendly tea without the worries of anyone getting sick, including less obvious things about cleaning utensils and oven tray positions.It's a quick and reassuring guide to having a coeliac child to tea and of course bring their parent in on the planning.Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via UppbeatNicky's website: https://www.instagram.com/gluten_free_little_cook/Nicky's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glutenfreelittlecook

In this episode of the Food for Kids podcast, Joanne discusses the complexities of fussy eating in children, emphasizing that it is usually not the parent's fault. She explores various factors contributing to picky eating, including genetics, neophobia, and environmental influences.Joanne provides insights into how parents can help their children build confidence and familiarity with food outside of mealtimes, ultimately fostering a more adventurous approach to eating.Link to the £7.49 food familiarity workshop is at https://thefoodiesbooks.com/resources/intro-food-familiarity/Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode we are talking about how to keep a toddler busy in a garden, with Susan Hodkin from Two Dots Garden.This conversation explores the joys and challenges of gardening with children. ​Susan ​is the person behind the Two Dots Garden instagram account, formerly Two Dots Allotment, which grew an enthusiatic following of her fun, laid back and joyful images of growing food with her daughter and having fun with gardening projects and wildlife. ​​One of the things The Foodies has always been about is getting children more in touch with where their food comes from, and so gardening and growing your own has always been a big part of that. But the reality of gardening with a toddler in tow isn't always easy and smooth, keeping them amused while you get on with essential jobs can be tricky and so any ideas for extending their interest is always welcome.​This interview took place a couple of years ago when the podcast was originally planned and her daughter was only three she gave us some tips for all of us on keeping a toddler amused in the garden for so many hours and what life skills she thinks can be learned in a garden. In particular the ​part around letting go of control is a useful conversation for us to have with ourselves as parents as well as gardeners.Two Dots Garden Instagram feed: https://www.instagram.com/two_dots_garden Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode, the first of a monthly series, Joanne runs through some ideas to reduce food waste and save money by storing foods well and using them up effectively.This episode is about berries so there some ideas about how to store berries to make them last longer, and stop them going off. This includes how to store them in the fridge, how to freeze them and how to dry them. There is also a suggestion for what to do if your berries have started to go mouldy, and how to rescue what you can.And then there are lots of ideas on how to use up berries that have started to go soft, or berries from the fridge.The episode includes our monthly Q&A with Kate Hall from The Full Freezer on how to freeze berries and different ways to use them.Inverting punnets to drain https://www.tiktok.com/@nickskitchen/video/7494069903494745375?q=storing%20berries&t=1750244714876 Storing with a lemon wash https://www.tiktok.com/@parrisandhallie/video/7493077298581703958?q=storing%20berries%20uk&t=1750244906290 Vinegar water wash to reduce mould https://www.tiktok.com/@irishbudgeting/video/7515151754334424342?q=storing%20berries%20uk&t=1750244906290Blogger who experimented with different storage methods https://coastalbend.momcollective.com/in-the-kitchen/do-strawberries-last-longer-in-glass/Kate's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on raspberries https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/CFjVqdgAsUK/Kate's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on blueberries https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/CQ0XmenIxGx/Kate's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on strawberries https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/CDDsYPmA4xy/Kate's "Can I Freeze It?" reel on blackberries https://www.instagram.com/canifreezeit/reel/Cpn2Oh7oDAK/Kate's reel on eating frozen fruit as a snack https://www.instagram.com/p/CYZC9nIBBt9/ Scotch pancakes with berries in idea https://weelicious.com/raspber-wee-pancakes/ Strawberry muffins https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/strawberry-muffins/ Fridge jam or compote https://www.alphafoodie.com/easy-mixed-berry-compote/Berry vinegar ideas https://www.fourseasonforaging.com/blog/2017/7/26/berry-vinegar-recipes Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In today’s show, I asked Jenna Brown, who goes online everywhere under the name Food Safety Mum, about how to make sure that we handle our leftovers safely so we can waste less food but not worry about anyone getting sick, especially little ones with their less established immune systems.Jenna is an experienced Environmental Health Officer with over 14 years of experience in food safety and public health. She started the Food Safety Mum business when she became a mum herself. That understanding of how much you think differently when you have a little one to think about too, Jenna became passionate about promoting food safety in the home. She is on a mission to help parents to safely save time, money & food! We had this conversation a couple of years ago when I was originally planning to release the podcast but I don’t think any of the advice has really changed since then. I think Jenna is really helpful and practical and I think you will find it useful.Links:Jenna's website: https://www.foodsafetymum.co.ukJenna's useful guides: https://www.foodsafetymum.co.uk/shopJenna's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodsafetymumGuide to keeping rice safely: https://www.foodsafetymum.co.uk/handling-leftover-rice Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode of the Food for Kids podcast, Joanne shares simple, family-friendly meal ideas using seasonal produce available in June. The focus is on easy-to-make recipes that require minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy families. Joanne discusses three main meals, a dessert, and a quick snack, all utilizing fresh ingredients that are in season. She gives suggestions on adapting recipes to suit children's tastes and some swap ideas too.Links to the recipes:New Potato & Asparagus Frittata - https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/asparagus-new-potato-frittataCreamy Courgette & Pea Pasta - https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/creamy-courgette-sweetcorn-pasta (with peas subbed for corn)Mild Chickpea & Spinach Curry - https://healthylivingjames.co.uk/10-min-chickpea-spinach-curryStrawberry & Rhubarb Crumble - https://weelicious.com/strawberry-rhubarb-crumbleStrawberries, cream cheese wraps - spread a quarter wrap with cream cheese and squash on some ripe sliced strawberries. Roll into a cone and eat! Or use a mini wrap and fold into a semi circle.For more seasonal food ideas go to: https://www.thefoodies.org/seasonal/june-food-ideas/ Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this interview with ​Emma Shafqat from Dietitian With A Difference, we are talking about how to know if your child’s fussiness is just a ​"normal" level of developmental hesitancy around new foods, or whether you should consider asking for advice from a professional. I think a lot of us worry that we’re either making a mountain out of a molehill, or on the other hand, writing off actual eating issues as “just a stage”.​Emma is very helpful in this interview in flagging up what to look for and when to ask for help. She also helps us to understand where your child is coming from when they refuse a food and gives suggestions on how to make mealtimes less stressful. Emma's website - ​https://dietitianwithadifference.co.uk/​Emma's Instagram -​ https://www.instagram.com/dietitian.withadifference/​Emma's programme - https://dietitianwithadifference.co.uk/creating-confident-eaters-programme/Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this interview with Kate Hall of The Full Freezer, we explore how to use your freezer to store individual ingredients rather than whole batch cooked meals to make family life easier. Kate was a batch cooker before she had her second child, but found herself buying food to cook for the freezer and then failing to find time and wasting food while also buying convenience foods to make up the difference.Kate's solution was to find ways to freeze ingredients that might be about to go to waste, as well as leftover bits and pieces, to provide building blocks for meals later down the line. Kate teaches her system "The Full Freezer Method" through books and online challenges and has now been interviewed many times in national media, although this was one of her earliest interviews back when I first prepared to launch the podcast. This interview goes over the principles of her method and is a great listen if you are often beating yourself up for letting good ingredients - and good intentions - go to waste. Learn how to hit a "pause button" on a half tin of tomatoes or a few spoons of pesto and stop feeling guilty about wasting food.Kate's website - https://www.thefullfreezer.com/Kate's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thefullfreezerKate's Can I Freeze It? page for individual ingredients Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

In this episode, Joanne discusses the benefits of eating seasonal foods, and then runs through a list of foods in season in the UK in the month of June. Joanne runs through a list of fruits and vegetables which are in season in the UK in June, and offers tips for getting children to try each of them. There is also a short list of tropical imports that are currently in season.This will be useful if you want to increase your intake of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and want some ideas for helping to build your child's familiarity with them, whether they eat the end result or not!For a full list seasonal June foods, go to https://www.thefoodies.org/seasonal/june-food-ideas/Printables of summer seasonal foods: https://thefoodiesbooks.com/product/summer-seasonal-food-printables/Music "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat

This short trailer sets out who and what the Food For Kids podcast is for, and gives some examples of the kinds of things to expect from upcoming shows, so you can decide whether to listen or not.If you think it sounds interesting or at least worth dipping a toe (or a spoon!) into, then please subscribe so you will get the first few episodes. You should get a pretty good idea of what to expect within a couple of weeks so if it's not for you after that, then you can just unsubscribe again and I will totally understand - we have so much information piling into our brains that we have to be selective and protect our peace!If you would like to suggest questions or topics for future shows, things you would love an expert to answer for you about kids' food, then come find me on any of the links below and I will go and find the answers for an upcoming show!Thanks for listening to the trailer, hope to see you on the first episode and happy eating!Find out more about The Foodies at https://www.thefoodies.orgSend Joanne a message at:https://www.instagram.com/foodforkidspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/thefoodiesbooks/https://www.tiktok.com/@thefoodiesbooksMusic "Happy Days" by Simon Folwar via Uppbeat