At Dad's Table

Kids in bed but can't be bothered to cook? Quite often I've just finished work, the kids are down and I'm huuuuuuungry. I quickly cook up a pack of frozen veg (or stir fry pack), add some leftovers like a chopped up burger from the weekend then top it with two British Lion fried eggs. Simple, hearty and healthy food done in 5 mins leaving you enough time to either catch some evening sun or watch the Olympics. I love my children but I also love my children going to sleep. #britishlioneggs #PrideHub #eggs #yolkporn #eggrecipes #friedeggs #ad

Come with my 6 year old and I to @bewlwateraquapark on @bewlwater , an enormous inflatable playground floating in the middle of the water. This was so much fun. I've been wanting to come for a few years and now that my eldest is old enough we both jumped at the chance to get in the water! It's basically an enormous soft play on the water. We both had loads of fun and there are parts that are easier for kids and some that are easier for adults. In other words you both spend a lot of time chasing each other round, falling in and clambering out of the water! Suitable for confident swimmers 6 years± and taller than 120cm. The rest of the family explored the beautiful outdoor playground and indoor soft play, then we all met for a fab lunch and ice cream in the café. A top morning, thank you @bewlwater ! #ad #familydaysout #summerholidays #swimming #kidsactivities #softplay

Spiced aubergine, spinach and green lentils. I'm not going to call it a dahl, but it's similar.  Packed full of nutrients and flavour, perfect for adults, kids and weaning babes alike. In fact it's a great dish that plays around with different textures and spices so great for little people.  The pomegranate makes the dish sing and goes really well with the spiced aubergine. Ready in about 20 minutes Cut the top and bottom off of an aubergine, then slice into 1cm discs. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil and sprinkle with a pinch of cumin, coriander, cinnamon and garam masala. Cook on a griddle/grill pan over a medium heat for 20 minutes, turning once.   Whilst the aubergine is cooking, heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add a diced onion and cook for a few minutes then add another pinch each of the above spices.  Add 2 crushed garlic cloves and 1 thumb of grated ginger to the pan and cook for a further minute.  Add 2 cans of green lentils and 500ml vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, turn the heat down and simmer for 15 minutes.   Towards the end of the cooking time, add in a few handfuls of spinach and stir until wilted. Divide the dhal between 2 bowls, then top with the aubergine, a few coriander leaves and a few pomegranate seeds before serving. #familymeals #meatfreemonday #healthyrecipes #weaning #blw #recipeoftheday

Ad Dairy Free Veggie-Packed Mini-Scones! A delicious and healthy, family-friendly snack perfect for the summer holidays! I’ve teamed up with trusted dairy free brand @vitalite to create a healthy snack that’s not only perfect for picnics and snacks on the go, but freezable and easy to make too. Vitalite is great not only for families with dairy allergies and intolerances but for those without any allergies too. This is also a fun snack to make with the kids so give it a go this summer. They’re perfect to pack for a picnic in the sun. Makes about a dozen Ingredients 1 pepper, diced 1 large tomato, deseeded and diced. 3-4 spring onions, peeled and diced 1 carrot, peeled and diced 200g self-raising wholemeal flour 200g self-raising white flour 200g Vitalite 100ml milk (any) 150g vegan cheese, grated 1.      Heat the oven to 180. Sieve the flour into a large bowl. Add the Vitalite in small pieces and rub together with the flour until they have a sand-like consistency. 2.      Add the milk and chopped vegetables to the bowl and mix well. Add the vegan cheese. 3.      Line a baking tray with baking paper. Shape the mixture into small scone shapes and place on the baking paper. 4.      Cook for around 20 mins then allow to cool.  #dairyfree #vitalitemakes #scones #healthyfood ##familyrecipes

Huevos Rancheros! Ad My absolute favourite Mexican dish bursting full of colour and flavour, and absolutely perfect for a sunny brunch this weekend! There is nothing better than a spicy salsa, creamy avocado and black beans and tangy feta perfectly topped with a fried egg or two. I’m using British Lion eggs which are available in all major supermarkets. Look for the red British Lion mark to guarantee the highest food standards. A nutrient-dense natural food, eggs provide more than 10 different vitamins and minerals and are also rich in high-quality protein providing all nine 'essential amino acids' which are the building blocks needed to repair body cells and grow muscle. Here’s the recipe and remember, for more egg-based recipes head over to @egg_recipes Serves 2 Ingredients 4-6 small corn tortillas (or 2 large flour tortilla) 4 British Lion eggs Around 200g of tomato salsa 1 large avocado, sliced 1 can of black beans, drained 50g of feta, crumbled A few sprigs of coriander, chopped Method 1.      Fry the tortillas in a splash of olive oil for no more than 10-15 seconds a side. Arrange on two plates. 2.      Heat the salsa in a frying pan for a few minutes and then spoon over the tortillas evenly. 3.      Sprinkle a handful of black beans over the salsa 4.      In the same pan fry 2 British Lion eggs per person and then place on top of the salsa 5.      Top with sliced avocado, feta and coriander then enjoy! #PrideHub #Britishlioneggs #eggs #brunch #mexicanfood #huevos #huevosrancheros

Homemade Energy Bars! With the summer holidays approaching I’m looking for ways to save money on family days out. I don’t know about you but my lot seem to go through snacks pretty quickly both at home and out and about so I thought I’d make my own. This recipe gives you around 30 bars, so plenty for the freezer and they may just last the whole summer! New research from the baby products manufacturer, Graco reveals that 90% of mums worry more about money once they are expecting or have a newborn and over half describe their feelings as anxious, and worried. Nearly two thirds are concerned that finances are affecting their mental health. The research compelled the team at Graco to help with the support campaign, Family Matters and I was thrilled to be invited to contribute. From 17th-23rd June, head to @graco_uk guidance on a range of subjects from feeding your family to managing family finances. If you are struggling, please know you are not alone and there is a lot of advice and support available to you if you need it.   Makes approx. 30 bars Appox 500g dates, destoned 2 bananas, mashed 100g butter 5 tablespoons maple syrup 750g rolled oats 3 tablespoons of peanut butter 2 tablespoons of chia seeds 50g chopped hazelnuts 50g raisins 50g chocolate chips 1.      Place the dates along with 2 tablespoons of boiling water in a blender and blend. Add the bananas and blend again. 2.      Pour the oats into a large bowl. Melt the butter on a medium heat and stir in the maple syrup. Heat through then pour over the oats and mix well. 3.      Mix the dates and bananas in with the oats then add in the peanut butter, chia seeds and chopped hazelnuts. 4.      Mix again then finally sprinkle over the chocolate chips and raisins. 5.      Heat the oven to 180 degrees. Line a large baking tray with baking paper and spread the mixture out. Ensure it’s nice and even. 6.      Cook for 18-20 mins then remove and allow to cool. Slice into bars and freeze as required. #ad #familymatters #costofliving #parenthood #mentalhealth #moneymatters #support #advice

Spinach, Lentil and Coconut Curry suitable for 6 months+! I’m delighted to be teaming up with @nubyuk over the next few months to develop a few delicious, healthy and economical family friendly dishes in support of their Good Square Meal campaign. As part of Good Square Meal, Nuby is partnering with @fareshareuk to help fund meals for children and families in need when a pack of participating weaning tableware is purchased*. This is a super simple dish that can be made in no time. There’s a great balance of lots of different spices and flavours, pus lots of nutrition coming from the tomatoes, lentils and spinach. It’s a really delicious dish that my family love and it also works as a great base to add in some grilled chicken, tofu or fish too. Here’s how you do it. Makes enough for a family of 5 plus leftovers Ingredients 1 onion, diced 2 tomatoes, diced 3 cloves of garlic, crushed and diced 1 teaspoon each of ground coriander, turmeric and cumin Around 200g of frozen spinach 1x 400g can of green lentils, drained 1 x 400ml can of coconut milk 1 teaspoon of tomato puree Rice to serve Method 1. Fry the onion in a little oil for a few mins and then add in the spices. Cook for another minute then mix in the tomato and garlic. 2. Cook for another few mins then add in the spinach, coconut milk, lentils and tomato puree. Bring to the boil then simmer for around 10-15 mins until most of the coconut milk is absorbed. 3. Serve with rice *Full terms and conditions of the Good Square Meal campaign can be found on Nuby’s website. #nuby #goodsquaremeal #fareshare #curry #babyledweaning #blw #familyrecipe

Win this BBQ toolset for Father's Day! What do Dads even want for Father’s Day?! I know I know, we’re pretty hard to buy for especially because when we normally need something we just buy it for ourselves! But here’s a clue. We love BBQ kit, and this year I’m teaming up with Napoleon Grills to give away this Executive 3 Piece Toolset worth £59.99! Simply follow both my account and @napoleongrillsuk as well as tag someone below. Share as a story for an extra entry. All three pieces are made from cast stainless steel for added durability and ease of cleaning. They feature ergonomic handles that are easy to grip and comfortable to hold. The large spatula is perfect for steaks and other large food with its bladed tip and serrated edge. The easy-lock stainless steel tongs are always ready for action, their comfortable grip making it easy to hold and move your grilled delicacies. Finally, don't forget to splash on the sauce with the silicone basting brush. If you saw my reel earlier this week, it’s a great piece of kit to go with one of Napoleon Grills’ fabulous BBQs and perfect to use year-round. So, if you’re struggling to think of what to get us next week (not socks, please) then definitely enter now. I’ll pick a winner on Thursday 6th June, so it’ll arrive in time for Father’s Day #ad #Napoleongrillsuk #Napoleonfreestyle #fathersday #BBQ #grill #kitchenutensils #barbecue