Lockdown can be a difficult time for many. Ordering out may be a quick and easy option to keep the children content. However, this zucchini slice may be what’s needed to keep the kids healthy and happy.
Toddlers Ariana and Sophia love any chance to make the kitchen dirty. Their mum decided to help them achieve this goal by having them assist her in cooking a healthy snack.
This zucchini slice has become a much-loved family meal and allows the girls to have plenty to do during lockdown.
Instead of causing trouble in other areas of the house, Ariana and Sophia are given the opportunity to be distracted in the kitchen.
“It’s a good distraction for them and me during lockdown. It gives us plenty to do and often keeps them quiet and happy,” their mother Natalie Fittock says.
Ariana loves cracking each egg into the bowl whilst her sister Sophia mixes the ingredients on the floor, the clean floor that is.
Both girls love assisting their mum in the cooking process and in return are treated to a “yummy” snack.
“Yummy,” three-year-old Ariana says. “Love zucchini slice!”
“Mmmmm,” one-year-old Sophia says.
Once the girls smell the delicious slice heating in the oven, they camp themselves in front of its warmth to watch the cooking process.
“It’s a nice bonding experience for both of the girls,” Natalie says.
The recipe, originally taken from Women’s Weekly has been modified to suit this young family’s needs, adding a carrot to the recipe and replacing normal self-raising flour with wholegrain self-raising flour.
“I use it (wholegrain flour) because it has more fibre in it and it’s less processed,” Natalie says. “It makes sense. It’s not just a nice snack for the immediate family, but great for the whole extended family.”
Ingredients:
- 375 grams of finely grated zucchini
- 1 finely grated carrot
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 3 finely chopped bacon rashers
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1 cup whole grain self-raising flour
- ½ cup olive oil
- 5 eggs
- Salt and Pepper
Method:
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees (160 fan forced)
- Combine zucchini, carrot, onion, bacon, cheese, sifted flour, oil and lightly beaten eggs and season with salt and pepper
- Pour into a well-greased pan
- Bake for 30-40 minutes
- Cut into squares and serve to hungry children
