A whole meal

Sandwich fillings (use multi-grain or wheat bread)Combine finely shredded fresh paneer mixed with finely chopped fresh pineapple,chopped walnuts little mayonnaise

Combine shredded paneer pre-soaked raisins,1 tablespoon shredded-carrot,mixed with little mayonnaise Chopped hard boiled egg mixed with 1 tablespoon minced onion,1 tablespoon finely chopped capsicum and little mayonnaise Chopped ham or cooked chicken mixed with some finely chopped onion,capsicum,apple and mayonnaise.

Other suggestions:

Combine finely chopped mushrooms,capsicum,onion and celery. Spread this mixture over toasted slice of brown bread; generously sprinkle with shredded pizza cheese. Place it under hot grill until cheese has melted and serve.

Place a slice of cheese over toasted brown bread slice and make a face using slices of vegetables like carrots,black olives,red capsicum etc.

Mix finely chopped broccoli,celery,cabbage,onion,capsicum and coriander with beaten egg. Add salt and pepper to taste. Using a non-stick pan and very little oil make a flat omelette over low heat. Roll omelette in a plain roti spread with little tomato sauce or mint chutney.

Sprinkle hot popcorn without salt with finely shredded cheddar cheese.

Chopped seasonal fruits mixed with a bowl of yoghurt and little honey if required

Beverages:

Beverages made with natural foods using,milk,yoghurt,skim milk powder,fresh fruits and vegetables,nuts and seeds are far more nutritious and beneficial. Some of the most important nutrients,like protein,calcium,vitamins and minerals,essential during this cycle of growth can be easily incorporated in home-prepared drinks.

Almond & fruit shake – Blanched almond,chilled low-fat or skim milk,ripe banana or strawberries,muesli or oat flakes,vanilla or almond essence,honey and crushed ice

Fruit & Veggie Smoothy – Cooked beetroot,chopped carrots,chopped apple,sliced ripe banana,and low-fat yoghurt,honey if required and crushed ice.

High Power Yoghurt Shake – Skim milk powder,chopped watermelon,chopped cheecku,fresh orange or kinoo juice,crushed ice While serving drinks using fancy glasses and little garnish will go a long way to make these beverages more interesting to kids.

Little imagination,some common sense and basic nutritional information goes a long way in making snacks healthy and enjoyable for your children.

Try my cheese toast recipe for you little one.

Cheese Toast

Yields 2 toasts

Ingredients

2 brown bread slices

1 tsp. oil

1 tbs. green onion chopped

2 tbs. capsicum finely chopped

2-tbs. celery finely chopped

2tbs. broccoli finely chopped

½ cup low-fat paneer crumbled

Salt to taste

2 tbs. cheese grated

2-tsp. coriander leaves finely chopped

Method

Toast bread slices lightly and set aside.

In a non-stick frying pan heat oil over medium heat

Stir in onion,capsicum,celery and broccoli and sauté for a minute Add paneer and salt and continue to cooking for another minute or two Remove from heat.

The writer is a cook book author and nutritionist. Mail her at gandhi.swinder@gmail.com.