Award-winning author and childhood food expert Annabel Karmel knows just how to make child’s play of cookery. As the UK’s top children’s food author (and a mum of three) she’s made it her mission over the years to teach basic cookery skills to children under five and encourage families to cook together. During her career she has sold more than 6 million copies of her books globally, developed a recipe app and a range of chilled and frozen meals. Taken from her latest offering, My First Cookbook, these recipes are just the thing to please young and old alike!… Teddy bear tomato pasta Serves 4
This Teddy bear tomato pasta looks grrr-eat and tastes delicious
(Image: My First Cookbook)
● 2 tbsp olive oil ● 1 onion, finely chopped ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes ● 2 tbsp tomato puree ● A dash of sugar ● 300g fresh tagliatelle pasta ● Mozzarella balls ● 1 whole mozzarella, sliced ● 8-10 pitted black olives ● Basil leaves, to decorate 1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and garlic and fry for 5 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and puree. 2. Simmer for 15 minutes, until the sauce has reduced to a thick consistency. Add the dash of sugar, then season well. 3. Cook the pasta in boiling water according to the packet instructions, then drain. 4. Put the tomato sauce into a bowl. Shape the pasta into a ball and place it on top to make the bear’s face. Make two smaller balls and place them on top to make the ears. Put two small mozzarella balls on for the eyes. 5. Add slices of olives for the pupils. Use a round slice of mozzarella for the face, and add olives for the nose and mouth. Garnish with basil leaves for a stylish finish. Banana and blueberry loaf cake Serves 8
Banana bread loaf cake makes for a delicious and healthy snack
(Image: My First Cookbook)
● 150g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing the tin ● 125g light brown sugar ● 2 eggs ● 1 tsp vanilla extract ● 200g overripe bananas, mashed ● 225g self-raising flour ● 1 tsp mixed spice ● 100g blueberries To decorate 1 banana, thinly sliced A few blueberries A few raspberries 1. Preheat the oven to 160°C/140°C fan/gas mark 3. Grease and line a loaf tin with non-stick paper. Whisk the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until fluffy, then add the eggs, vanilla, bananas, flour and mixed spice. 2. Whisk together using an electric hand whisk. 3. Fold in the blueberries and spoon the batter into the loaf tin. Bake in the oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour until well risen and lightly golden. 4. Slice and arrange on a plate to look like a dog’s face and ears. Add banana slices and blueberries for the eyes and nose, plus a raspberry for the tongue. Sticky chicken with sweet potato fries Serves 4
Sticky Chicken and sweet potato fries is a healthier option to fast food
(Image: My First Cookbook)
● 500g boneless chicken thighs, sliced into strips ● 3 tbsp ketchup, plus more for serving ● 3 tbsp soy sauce ● 2 tbsp honey ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 3 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed ● 2 tbsp sunflower oil ● 1 tsp chopped thyme ● Salt and pepper ● 3 tbsp semolina 1. Put the chicken into a medium mixing bowl. Add the ketchup, soy, honey and garlic, then mix together to coat the chicken. 2. Leave for 30 minutes, then arrange on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. 3. Slice the sweet potatoes into thin chip shapes. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Add oil, thyme and seasoning and coat with semolina to make them crispy. Mix everything up with your hands and spread out on the tray in a single layer. 4. Put both trays in the oven for about 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and golden brown and the fries are golden and cooked through. Serve with ketchup. Monster pizzas Makes 7 pizzas
Monster pizzas are a seriously spooky but fun treat
(Image: My First Cookbook)
● 40g passata ● 1 garlic clove, crushed ● 1 tbsp sundried tomato paste ● 325g ready-rolled puff pastry ● 100g grated mozzarella, plus 100g firm mozzarella, sliced into strips ● Black olives, stoned ● Green and red peppers, sliced ● 50g sliced ham ● Salad leaves 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper. Mix the passata, garlic and sundried tomato paste together in a small bowl. 2. Unroll the pastry. Cut out 7 circles using a round cutter. Place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. 3. Spread the sauce over the bases, sprinkle with grated mozzarella. Cook in the oven for 18-20 minutes until golden and crisp. 4. Decorate the pizzas with black olives, peppers, ham and salad leaves to make the monster and mummy faces.
My First Cookbook by Annabel Karmel (Welbeck Books, £12.99) is out now
(Image: My First Cookbook)
My First Cookbook by Annabel Karmel (Welbeck Books, £12.99) is out nowStory SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnFood
