Healthy Snacks and Treats for a Rapid After School Energy Boost - Guest Post

Oh No it’s nearly upon us “Dare I say it” the school summer holidays will be over and the kids have to go back to working hard all day long, while us parents think of unique and amazing ways to keep their energy levels up. I am going to miss my boys that is for sure, but I know they both have a common trait when they come barging back into the house after school. My Kids both instantly head towards the kitchen cupboards looking for a quick fix of treats and snacks to re-energise their weary heads after a long day at school.

Knowing that a lot of the treats and snacks that they both tend to enjoy are usually unhealthy and full of sugar, which has them bouncing of the walls and means they have to work a little harder to

Good Natured - review

If you are looking for a healthy side to go along with the winter warming stews, pies and pastas Good Natured is a great option.

The award winning brand grow their fruit, veg, salad, herbs and potatoes in tunnels and glasshouses and by using natural predators like ladybirds they are able to provide your 5 a day in the best possible way - completely pesticide residue free.

Each product has a quirky name like 'Razzle Dazzle Basil' and 'Perfect Peppers' which makes them appeal to kid by bringing an element of fun to food that they may not always want to eat!

We received some 'Tantalising Baby Plum Tomatoes' to review and they really were delicious. The Mr likes to pop a few in his lunch box and I like them combined with salad. They lasted a long time in the fridge staying firm for several days and I really enjoyed the fresh taste and juiciness. They are priced competitively in comparison with supermarket products and they make a great snack to have to hand as an alternative to the biscuit barrel!

Good Natured's website has lots of information on where the produce is grown and a recipe page to inspire you to whip up something wonderful.

The Seasonal Calendar is helpful too as it informs you of which products will be available in store and when.

You can pick up your Good Natured products from Tesco, Asda and Morrisons.

*We received a voucher to purchase Good Natured products for the purpose of this review. The opinions given are honest and our own*

Salmon and gnocchi bake

This has become a firm favourite for the Mr and I. It's rich in flavour and filling plus we both love eating fish.

Ingredients

Serves 2/3

500g gnocchi
2 salmon fillets, diced
1 tbsp tomato puree
200g Philadelphia/soft cheese
Chilli powder (I add 1 heaped teaspoon but you can add more or less to suit your taste)
Handful of chopped parsley
Squeeze of lemon
Grated cheese for on top


Method

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees
• Bring a pan of water to boil and add the gnocchi. Cook for a few minutes (it raises to the surface when done)
• In a seperate pan add the tomato puree, soft cheese and chilli. Warm gently
• Add the gnocchi, approx 100ml of the boiled water and the salmon. Stir.
• Add the lemon and parsely then remove from the heat. Pour into an ovenproof dish, sprinkle on cheese and bake for around 20 minutes until the cheese is browning nicely.
• Scoff!

You could have a serving by itself, enjoy it with some fresh warm bread or it would go lovely with a salad. It's also quite versatile as you can add a few of your fav veg in with it too (I recommend broccoli or leek!).