Nutrition for growing kids.....

It really matters what your kids eat because it determines not only how healthy they are today but also how they will be in the future. A healthy child is one who is active, alert, energetic and free of diseases. This can be achieved only by knowing about and paying attention to nutrition and by inculcating healthy eating habits in your child.
My forthcoming book (to be released by end of March ’07), on growing kids is an effort to help you to do so. I have tried to provide 5 collections of recipes that contain the necessary nutrients to energise your kid, help boost their immune system, ensure healthy development of bones and teeth and brain power proper functioning of the digestive system—that is, a collection of recipes that ensures the holistic health and growth of your child. All the recipes have been formulated, tried and tested by my qualified team of chefs and nutritionists.
With healthy and visually appealing recipes like Golzeme, Apricot Orange Cookies, Green Peas and Corn Bhel, Oats Pineapple Sheera and Chana Spinach Rice, I’m sure it will be easy to tempt your children to willingly consume nutrient rich ingredients!

Feed them nutritious food garnished with lots of love and watch them grow healthy and strong! Here’s a recipe, indeed a first step towards achieving this goal. Hope your little ones love this one……..do let me know


MUESLI CHOCOLATE ROCKS

Healthful muesli is combined with luscious chocolate to make these crunchy and nutritious rocks! Each rock brims with proteins and calcium making this a healthy alternative to sugar-laden candies that cause dental caries. What more can I say… this recipe rocks!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes. Cooking Time: 15 minutes. Makes 16 rocks.

For the muesli
¼ cup quick rolled cooking oats
¼ cup cornflakes
2 tbsp chopped mixed nuts (cashewnuts, walnuts, almonds)
1 tsp wheat bran (konda)
2 tsp chopped raisins (kismis)
2 tsp castor sugar

For the chocolate sauce¼ cup grated milk chocolate
2 tbsp grated dark chocolate


For the muesli
1.Combine the oats, cornflakes, nuts and wheat bran in a non-stick pan and lightly roast them over a slow flame for 5 to 7 minutes.
2.Cool completely, add the raisins and sugar and mix well. Keep aside.

For the chocolate sauce
1.Combine the milk chocolate and dark chocolate in a bowl.
2.Place the bowl on top of a double boiler, taking care to see that the base of the bowl is not in contact with the water in the double boiler.
3.Once the chocolate starts melting, stir continuously till the chocolate melts completely and resembles a smooth sauce.
4.Remove from the double boiler immediately and keep on stirring till it cools but not set. Keep aside.

How to proceed
1.Add the muesli to the melted chocolate and mix gently.
2.Divide it into 16 equal portions and spoon out each into grease-proof paper cups and allow to cool.
Serve immediately.