The fishery restaurant

So the wonderful guys at the fishery restaurant invited myself and my family to come and try their restaurant during their ‘kids eat free’ promotion time, offered on a Thursday night from 5-6pm.

This meal was very kindly gifted but I wasn’t expected to do anything in return but I can’t not talk about it – it was AMAZING!!

Now for a start off the restaurant in itself is stunning. It’s the perfect cross between classy and comfy and the manxest restaurant I’ve ever been in!

The manager Ciara and the lady waiting on (I didn’t get her name, sorry!) were the best hosts and offered a warm welcome and nothing was too much trouble.

The kids menu is one of the best I’ve seen with lots of options including either cooked or raw veggies on the side which is a brilliant idea! There’s also a veggie option which is great.

The girls were given a mini colouring book to use and keep on arrival and the use of some crayons to keep them entertained.

Miss 7 chose the chicken lollipops with skinny fries and raw veggies. I quote ‘that was the best meal I’ve ever had mummy! And the chips tasted like Macdonalds chips!’

Now when my kids put something higher than a happy meal then you KNOW it’s good haha!

Miss 5 chose the cheese burger (minus the cheese!), skinny chips and cooked veggies.

They also got a choice of drinks and it was served in a kilner mug which they loved! Nice big serving for the drinks too which I love!

The ladies served the girls meals with our starters as requested with no worries at all which makes the meal so much more relaxing when they’re not waiting to eat!!

Now on to us adults……. SO MUCH CHOICE!

I was very happily surprised to see a choice of meals for me that suit my plant based diet and they were super tasty too! The portions are massive!

For starters I had the sweet potato and coconut soup – Devine 😍

Mum had the kipper pate and my dad had the popcorn queenies. Queenies are his most favourite food in the world and he said these ones were amazing!

For mains I had the vegan cottage pie. With your main you get a choice of chips (skinny, Chunky or sweet potato AND a choice of side) I went with Chunky chips and the root veg. Mum went for the fishery burger with sweet potato wedges and root veg and dad had oven roasted cod with sweet potato wedges and cauliflower and broccoli cheese ………. AH – MAZE – ZING 😍

Literally the ONLY thing I could complain about is that I really really wanted to try the vegan sticky toffee pear pudding but I had so much in the first 2 courses I literally couldn’t fit in another bite!

The girls got an icecream with sauce and sprinkles for their pudding included in their kids meal offer

Miss 5 finished every last drop and LOVED the fact it was served in a mug!

Miss 7 decided to decline her kids meal icecream and shared a brownie and icecream with my mum

The food was all absolutely top class! We all really enjoyed it.

I have also never had an apple orphanage juice served so posh!

One of the most important things to me when I eat out is cleanliness. The whole place was absolutely spotless. The toilets were not only spotless they are really funky too! The sink is shaped like a massive shell and the wall paper is old pictures of the Isle of Man!

All in all this place is an absolute hidden gem. The food, the service and the atmosphere are all just brilliant!

And how cool is it that you can bring your kids on a Thursday between 5pm and 6pm and they eat FOR FREE!

Amazing!

Thank you so much guys! We had the best time and we most certainly will be back very soon!

If you’ve not tried it guys I suggest you book for next Thursday ASAP! Or before if you can’t wait that long!

https://www.thefishery.im/

Instagram @thefishery.im

Glen Helen glamping and Swiss chalet restaurant

Glen Helen glamping and Swiss chalet restaurant

My lovely school friend Stuart told me he was starting a glamping site a while ago and I knew it would be great! He very kindly let us stay at one of the pods last night to try it out (no string attached!) but I couldn’t not write a review could I?!

The site is described as ‘nature without the rough’ and that’s exactly what you get.

With a power shower, toilet, comfy beds, snuggly duvets, linen and towels provided, underfloor heating and kitchen area inside and outside decking with BBQ / fire pit and seating, this is certainly not your average camping experience! There will be wireless access in the near future but it’s not set up yet so a perfect opportunity to switch off from social media (or use your 4G 😂)

We enjoyed playing board games in the evening with the girls.

No matter the weather or the season these pods are fit for purpose.

There are 6 pods there currently with a further 2 in the planning. They have loads of plans on how the site is going to evolve but for now it’s looks beautiful with wild flowers growing between the pods to attract butterflies.

It’s set in the stunning Glen Helen with a great play park for kids and a stunning waterfall at the end of a lovely walk. The DOI are currently resurfacing all the footpaths and have repainted the play equipment. It’s already looking great! The kids will love walking over the big bridge with the river rushing below. They can play ‘Pooh sticks’ or pretend to be a little goat gruff crossing over the trolls bridge 😍

The newly managed Swiss chalet is part of the complex so we tried there for breakfast the following morning too. It was INSANELY GOOD! ( we paid for our own breakfast)

The notoriously picky mr Babytoddlerfoods said the breakfast was the best he’s ever had. And the girls who had said they weren’t hungry because they’d already had waffles and berries in the pod stole all his sausages!

I contacted them a couple of days before I visited to see if there was any chance of a vegan option? WOW! The best vegan meal I have had in a long time! No usual avocado on toast here! The chef whipped me up falafel pancakes with grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms and spinach and fresh rocket with a tomato and chilli jam! I can’t wait to go back!

The restaurant is open in the evenings but we decided to get chips from peel with the kids instead. The lovely @foodieguideiom has visited for evening service and described it as the ‘closest food to Michelin Star on the Isle of Man.’ I know EXACTLY what they mean now and we only had the brunch!! Go and check out their blog post on the restaurant here-

https://thelocalloves.wordpress.com/2019/08/05/new-restaurant-swiss-chalet-glen-helen/

Would I recommend? YES!! it’s certainly not a camping experience, it’s far more luxurious than that. A perfect base for visiting peel or ramsey for days out and if you’re into motorbikes then there’s probably no better place to watch the bikes fly by then the car park.

I would imagine that celebrating a special occasion could not be better done than by a lovely meal at the Swiss chalet and then an overnight stay in the glamping pods.

My friend has attended a hen party staying in the pods with a buffet from the restaurant and she thoroughly enjoyed that.

There’s is also a new event area with stunning views across the glen which would be perfect for a wedding venue 😍

Thank you Stuart and team! We will defo be back! A winter night in the pod would be perfect for snuggling up in 🙌�

Holiday essentials

We’re just back from a lovely 10 days in Majorca and while nothing is really ‘essential’ on holiday other than sunshine and relaxation, I’ve complied a list of the things that can be really helpful while you’re away!

Micro-scooters eazy cases

https://www.micro-scooters.co.uk/eazy-luggage.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIic2Hl8nf4gIV4ZPtCh1DAAQKEAAYASAAEgKk-fD_BwE

These ride on cases from micro- scooters were an absolute GAME CHANGER for us this holiday. The girls are 6 and 4 so too big for a pram but still get hot and tired on holiday. Back home I like them to walk as much as possible but on holiday having to carry them after a long day at the beach is not ideal.

These cases went EVERYWHERE with us on holiday. They were great in the airport but also we filled them with out shopping for our self catering holiday, took them with us to the beach and out in the evenings when we went for a walk. The girls loved them. I was very lucky to have been gifted them however I wouldn’t hesitate to buy them they honestly changed our holiday and allowed us to do so much more. You can remove the case and just have the ride on seat but the case was so handy for essentials that we generally left it on. They are £99 each and worth every single penny!

Slipfree uk pool and beach shoes

https://iloveslipfree.co.uk/collections/kids

These shoes are perfect for holidays! Not only do they stop slips around the pool but protect little toes from hot sand. I still spent every second shouting ‘don’t run’ at the pool but there was not even one little slide when wearing these. They also protect against burnt feet in the sun and helped grip on play equipment. My only regret is not getting myself a pair! They are brilliant! I was kindly gifted 2 pairs for the girls but again I definitely would buy these myself and I’m going to buy myself a pair for the next holiday we go on! You can twin with your kids! Prices start at £14.99 a pair

Beach powder sand remover

https://www.beachpowder.co.uk/

Anyone else love the beach but hate the kickoff from the kids when they’re covered in sand? Same!! But not anymore! So lucky to have been sent a beach powder and a beach powder shimmer to try on holiday. It’s a company from right here on the Isle of Man!! And it’s AMAZING!!

‘beachpowder is a brand new product which removes sand from the skin, leaving you silky-smooth and smelling fantastic. It’s talc-free, all-natural and safe for your skin and for the environment!

The subtle vanilla ice-cream scent is suitable for everyone – just sprinkle beachpowder onto towel-dried skin when you need to get rid of sand, then gently dust off with your hands.’

Honestly it’s like magic!! The girls Especially loved the shimmer powder which left a magical shimmer on their sand free skin! Prices start at £5.99 and a little goes a long way!

Nomnom kids pouches

https://nomnomkids.co.uk/

I’ve been a brand partner for a few years of nomnomkids and I really believe in their products. I love taking the snack bags away with us on holiday as they take up no room in your case unlike bulky plastic tubs and are great for taking food to the beach in or for using as a first aid kit or purse!!

You can use code BTF15 for 15% off orders.

Reusable bottles

I don’t like buying bottled water but on holiday go have no choice. I took our https://www.onegreenbottle.com/ bottles (gifted last year) and my https://hydratem8.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9b6up9Df4gIVhr_tCh3Axwg8EAAYASAAEgJJs_D_BwE bottle to reduce plastic use by buying bigger bottles and filling them up

What are your holiday essentials?

Valentine’s Day – the Isle of Man way

I’m not a massive Valentine’s Day fan – February is all about the pancakes for me!!
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Just in case you LOVE valentines, I’ve put together a little blog post to get you ahead of the game and getting the best valentines presents ever for your love 😍😍
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How to say ‘I love you’ in more than words?
If your Manx then you NEED to get a card from island of social @islandofsocial – they’ll totally express your feelings in just the right way!

Or how about letting a ballon do the talking?! There’s some GORGEOUS balloons available from little big balloons –
@littlebigballoonsiom

Flowers are never a bad idea! And there’s so many beautiful options for flowers on the Isle of Man 😍
My faves are –

Flower girl – @flowergirl_iom http://www.flowergirl.im/

The flower studio – @flowerstudioiom http://www.flowerstudio.im/

And Robinson’s flowers – https://www.robinsonsflowers.im/?gclid=CjwKCAiA1ZDiBRAXEiwAIWyNCwrznVTHKy_HpC7fXlyl0Kga2XeH4nZIl_4PTIuRBKcFb_H0WDFQEhoCQVsQAvD_BwE

Why not treat your loved one to a voucher from their fave pampering palace? Everyone loves to be oameoered and if it’s free – even better!!

My fave places are –

Nails – nails at lime studio http://www.limestudio-iom.com/book-now/

Hair – passion https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hair-Salon/Passion-142869039121968/

Massage – libra massage https://m.facebook.com/urbansportsmassage/

Tan – peel tan https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=576265149225038&ref=content_filter

Beauty salon – glamper van https://app.shedul.com/online_bookings/65082/link

Full on pamper day / spa – the Kings spa – http://www.kingspa.im/

lingerie is nice but hard to buy right!! And nothing says I love you more than a personalised snuggly jumper 😍 choose one of the gorgeous designs by Kate of stripe and shine or message her to design your own!! I love this lip stick print one – how valentinesy is that?! – @stripeandshine https://www.stripeandshine.com/

Want something a little different for your valentines meal out? We are so lucky in the Isle of Man to have the most amazing restaurants and food establishments but what about treating your loved one to a cooking experience instead! @cookshackiom is an amazing, fun and tasty experience and a voucher is perfect for a gift!

 

Or if you don’t want to cook then @noabakehouseiom and @thealpine_cafe are perfect relaxed venues to eat amazing food with your love ❤️

Is your loved one still in their ‘new year new me’ phase? Well done ruin it by buying chocolates, why not send them a fruit basket instead? Gorgeous options from Robinson’s available – https://www.robinsonsflowers.im/prod_cat/C_fruit-basket_12.html

Or how about making fitness fun for them by getting them a monthly pass to Active souls training sessions (I would only buy this if they themselves are wanting to get fit…….. you don’t want a black eye in return for your present!!) 😂😂
These sessions look great and perfect for making a work out a joy – https://www.activesouls.co.uk/blog

Or how about a romantic golf lesson for two with your very own golf pro!! I can highly recommend @charliesimpsonproshop Charlie Simpson – he’s a really lovely guy and you and yours will have a brill time that’s for sure!

How about a romantic break away in a cute little holiday cottage? @harrys_cottage in peel has all you need for a perfect break from reality with your love 😍 http://www.isleofmancottages.info/

and @islandescapesim has some AMAZING venues for rent too! Go and check out their local deals 😍

 

And of course the biggie – jewellery 💍 whether it’s the essential prop for popping the question or a pair of earrings you’re looking for then Element isle has you covered. We got our wedding bands from here and they are stunning 😍 really different and stunning – go have a look! – https://www.etsy.com/shop/clairepearse

So many wonderful things you can buy your Partner or wanna be partner. Shop local if you can coz it’s so special and different that way too!!

Hope I’ve given you some inspo and I’ll be back with loads of pancake ideas on the real day we should celebrate in February hahaha 😂😂😍😍❤️❤️

Vegan pesto

Lots of people have asked how I make my nutfree pesto. I made it the other morning so i wrote it down. I also use vegan cheese so this is safe for school, vegan , ridiculously easy to make and delicious!!! 💚💚

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💚 you need –

. 💚25g basil

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💚1 garlic clove

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💚40g vegan Parmesan (I used @violife_foods)

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💚Zest and juice 1 lemon .

💚60ml extra virgin olive oil .

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💚💚💚whack it all in the @nutribulletuk and whizz – easy as that! Store in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

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Perfect for school lunches!! .

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Miss 3 took hers the other day in her @oogaababy bowl with lid and some fruit in her @innobabyllc tub 😍

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Enjoy!!

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#vegan #veganrecipes @thefeedfeed.vegan @thefeedfeed #pesto #veganpesto #nutfree #nutsafe #glutenfreevegan #nutfreevegan #nutfreepesto #safeforschool #pestopasta #tasty #clean

Carrot cake porridge

Carrot cake for breakfast?!! 🥕🍰

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Sort of! Carrot cake oats 😍😍

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Sweet and spicy and everything a carrot cake should be but #refinedsugarfree #vegan #glutenfree but in a bowl and healthy enough for breakfast !

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🥕50g gluten free oats

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🥕200ml soya milk

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🥕1 large carrot, peeled and grated .

🥕1 tsp cinnamon

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🥕1/4 tsp ground ginger .

🥕pinch nutmeg .

🥕1 tbsp @sweetfreedomuk fruit syrup

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🥕1 tbsp sultanas .

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🥕🥕put all ingredients in a pan and bring to the boil, heat on a simmer for 6 minutes until thick and creamy .

🥕🥕serve in 2 @bamboo_bamboo.uk bowls .

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Literally the nicest porridge I’ve ever had! I’ve seen this idea on IG a few times and have been desperate to try it myself 😍 it is SO GOOD! Give it a go guys! PERFECT autumn morning fodder 🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂

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Getting pretty sick of saying ‘the girls wouldn’t even try it’ so I won’t tell you that……🙄🙄

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#oats #porridge #glutenfreevegan #carrotcake #carrotcakeoatmeal #carrotcakeoats #carrotcakeporridge #warming #spices #cinnamon #yum @thefeedfeed @thefeedfeed.vegan #showusyouroats

Apple and blackberry chia jam

Is there anything more autumnal than Apple and blackberry EVERYTHING?!! 🍏🍎

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I love making this apple and blackberry jam with added chia from @thechiaco for added goodness!! 😍

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You need –

200g blackberries, rinsed .

2 apples, peeled and chopped .

1 shot chia .

1 -2 tbsp maple syrup .

2 tbsp water .

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Add all Ingredients, apart from the chia seeds to a pan, bring to the boil and simmer until apples are soft and reduced.

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Mash the mixture down with a potato masher or back of a fork

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Remove from heat

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Add chia shot – mix well

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Transfer to @ballpreservinguk jars

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Set in fridge for at least 4 hours or over night .

Enjoy!!! .

This is perfect on toast or stirred into warming porridge and topped with chopped apples and fresh blackberries 😍

You can use any fruit at all! I often use blueberries on their own with the syrup and chia seeds – delish

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Happy Wednesday guys 🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂

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#homemadejam #chiajam #appleandblackberry #appleandblackberryjam #autumn🍁 #autumfeels #tasty #clean #vegan #glutenfreevegan #spon

Slow cooker vegan curry

At last!!! A food picture on a food account 😂😂 .

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Been getting all excited for Christmas and focusing on what our @elfontheshelf has been doing rather than focusing on food 😂

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Just popped this sweet potato, butternut squash, lentil and chickpea curry in the slow cooker 😍 prepping for the week! .

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Inspired by @littleveggieeats magic curry to make this #vegan curry for the week but tweaked it a bit and made it in the slow cooker. .

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I’ll post the recipe when I serve it unless any wants it now?

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Cosy Sundays are the BEST 😍😍

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Here you go @jodie_leex – just for you 😘( ps totally just bought ready chopped sweet potatoes and butternut squash from marxies 😂😂)

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🌱300g red lentils, rinsed well

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🌱350g butternut squash, peeled and chopped evenly

. 🌱350g sweet potato, peeled and chopped evenly .

🌱1 onion, diced

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🌱2 tsp garlic purée

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🌱1tbsp tomato purée .

🌱1 1-2 tsp curry powder .

🌱1tsp coriander (ground)

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🌱1 tsp garam masala .

🌱1 tsp cinnamon .

🌱1 tsp ground cumin .

🌱400mL can coconut milk- full fat .

🌱400g can of diced tomatoes, including juices .

🌱1 400g can chickpeas, drained .

🌱3 portions of frozen spinach .

🌱600ml vegetable stock .

. 🌱🌱Add all to slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours . .

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#curry #foodprep #vegan #glutenfree #glutenfreevegan #slowcooker #slowcookermeals #crockpotmeals #tasty #clean #dairyfree #eggfree #nutfree #veggies #sweetpotato #butternutsquash #winterwarmers #comfortfood #slowcookercurry #eattherainbow #healthy #filling #yum @thefeedfeed.vegan

Hidden veggie pasta

🚨Mum down 🚨

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Sorry for the lack of posts recently but I’ve been feeling like 🐶💩 for a while and worse this week. The girls have been happy living off chippy chips (thanks Mr BTF) spaghetti hoops and beans for the recent but thought I’d best get some goodness in them today.

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It’s nothing earth shattering, but it’s vegan and can be gluten free. It was minimal effort as I’m still not feeling great but it got 6 different veggies in us all 🙌🏻

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You can use fresh but I had a bag of frozen Mediterranean chargrilled vegetables in the freezer (aubergine, courgette, peppers, onions and cherry tomatoes) which I cooked for 30 mins, threw in a food processor with a tin of chopped tomatoes and 2 portions of frozen spinach, a tbsp of tomato purée and 1tsp garlic purée and whizzed.

Mixed it up with cooked pasta (gluten free for me) and it was a hit. First meal I’ve eaten in a few days and the girls cleared their plates as did Mr BTF ✌🏻

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Hurry up summer – I’m ready for you now 😪

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Massive respect to single parents or parents who’s parents work away or single carers or anyone doing this stuff on your own – YOU’RE AMAZING!! It’s not fun when there’s someone to help when you’re poorly so you guys rock 😘😘

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#glutenfreevegan #vegan #veganuary #pastaforthewin #poorlymama #poorlymum #singleparentsrock #pasta @buddyandbear #meditteraneanvegetables #chargrilledveg #hiddenveg #sneakyveg #5aday #pastasauce #veggiesauce #tomatosauce #pastalovers #foodiesofIG #FAMILYFOOD #quickandeasymeals #meatfreemonday @thefeedfeed.vegan @thefeedfeed

Salmon tray bake

I’ve not done a tray bake in AGES but saw some lovely salmon fillets at @robinsonsiom yesterday so knew what to make for a quick and easy tea tonight. .

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The girls did try some but I had to bribe them with a Jaffa cake to eat a piece…….. they weren’t fans! They had Macdonalds for tea after school with some friends to celebrate breaking up for easter hols tomorrow 🙌🏻🙌🏻

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This dish was inspired by my gorgeous girl Kayla @thefamilyfoodproject ✌🏻✌🏻

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You will need- .

🐟2 boneless salmon pieces dressed with;

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🐟1tsp garlic purée

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🐟1 tbsp sesame oil

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🐟1 tsp honey (no honey under 12 months) .

🐟1 tbsp lemon juice

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🐟sprinkle of sesame seeds

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Placed on tray with extra lemon and asparagus .

Bakeat 200c for 25mins.

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I honestly find this one of the tastiest meals I’ve found on IG – see for yourself! .

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#dailyfoodfeed #feedfeed #salmon #toddlermeals #healthykids #healthylife #tastyhealthyfood #sheetpanmeal #realfood #quickandeasymeals #omega3 #pescatarian #wholefamilyfood #healthy #clean #tastytoddlermeals #babyfood #toddlerfood #blw #weaning #babyledweaning #familymeals #eatclean #healthyfamilyfood #easytoddlerfood #quicktoddlermeals #homemadefood #funfoodforkids #theytrieditatleast