{SPONSORED} Sealord Hoki-Birthday Bites #LittleWin

Feel good party food for kids – a ‘little win’

Parties are all about one thing. FUN. Some of the things kids look forward to most about a party are seeing their friends, enjoying party games and of course the bright and enticing party food. Parties can be a place where kids over indulge, and it is natural for them to go a little overboard. But there are ways we can help to keep the balance so they leave feeling happy and tired not bloated and grumpy.

We want kids to enjoy parties, as they are a great place to try new foods and relax around eating which helps to form positive food associations. To find that balance we love the idea of filling little tummies with something delicious and substantial right at the start when they are most hungry. With all the sugary and salty things on offer it’s nice to fill them up with something a little more nutritious first. Of course there will always be enough room for a slice of birthday cake too.

When feeding a crowd you have limited time so finding healthy pre-packaged foods to offer in amongst the fresh can be a really convenient option. Popping something like Sealord Hoki Fish Filets, Classic Crumbs in the oven right before the kids arrive is a great idea, and combining them in a party cup or cone with some fresh sweet potato fries, a few greens and a jazzed up mayo creates a pretty substantial meal.

Why we love Sealord Hoki Fish Filets, Classic Crumb:

• A satisfying, fun and nutritious meal for kids, great for kids parties
• Quick and convenient to prepare and delicious served alongside other nutritious homemade sides such as sweet potato fries
• Made using REAL and unprocessed MSC certified* Hoki fish fillets caught in NZ waters
• They are mild tasting which kids will enjoy
• The thick, white fish fillets and delicious flavour will have everyone think you made them yourself
• Healthier alternative, higher in nutrients – including essential omega-3 fatty acids important for children’s growth and development- and lower in salt and saturated fat and compared with popular processed party snacks such as store bought meat pies, sausage rolls.
• In research, they outperform competitors on quality.

*MSC is a global certification that recognises sustainable seafood.

5 top tips for finding a healthy balance at kids’ parties

1. If you are having a lunchtime party it’s a great idea to offer something substantial and nutritious first. When kids are hungry they are more likely to overindulge often resulting in that silly and then sick feeling later.
2. When you look at catering for the party table remember to include some balance. Many kids enjoy choice, and will often choose to add the healthier options to their plate if they are available to them. Food such as vegetable sticks and dips and fruit platters or skewers are a great option.
3. After a big day enjoying all kinds of different party foods many kids (and parents) can be overwhelmed by a party bag loaded with more sweet stuff. Kids often find small novelty gifts more exciting, with one or two sweet options to enjoy another day. Things such as, pencils, crayons, whistles, stickers and dinosaurs are a great option.
4. Consider natural food dye when colouring icing. Many children do have negative reactions to synthetic food dyes so natural colourings can be a really good choice.
5. Take the time to talk to your kids about ‘everyday’, ‘sometimes’ and ‘occasional’ foods too, rather than ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods. Taking time out and enjoying different foods such as those at a party without guilt offers a natural and healthy balance for kids.

{RECIPE} Sealord Hoki Fish Filets – Birthday Bites #LittleWin

Serves: 8 kids

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ready in: 40 minutes

Dairy Free

Nutrition Note: Celebrating kids parties with good food is a little win. When it is healthy, tasty and packed full of good nutrition and served in a fun way, that’s a great win.

Ingredients

2 x 425g packets Hoki Fish Filets – Classic Crumb

2 large sweet potato, chopped into 1cm wide chips

1 tbsp olive oil

1 cup chopped baby spinach

Rocket mayonnaise

¾ cup whole egg mayonnaise

½ cup rocket leaves, chopped

1 tsp lemon juice

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Place the Hoki Fish Filets on the first tray and cook according to packet instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the sweet potato in the olive oil. Line the sweet potato on the second baking tray. Cook for 15 minutes, turn the chips and cook for a further 10 minutes or until browning.
3. To make the rocket mayonnaise; combine the mayonnaise, rocket leaves and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
4. To assemble; cut each cooked fish filet in half, place 2-3 fish pieces, 3-4 sweet potato fries, 2-3 spinach leaves and a dollop of mayonnaise in a party ‘cone’ or cup.

3 more ‘little win’ nutritious meals to enjoy with your kids

–       FISH BURGERS Serve Sealord Hoki Tempura Fillets on a multigrain bread roll with tomato slices, crisp lettuce leaves and a homemade guacamole.

–       FISH TACOS Serve Sealord Classic Crumb or Sweet Chilli Hoki Bites in a small tortilla with diced tomato, avocado, coriander, grated cheese and a dollop of greek yoghurt.

–       FISH DIPPERS Serve Sealord Classic Crumb or Sweet Chilli Hoki Bites with a homemade tomato or tartare sauce alongside steamed vegetables such as corn on the cob, fresh peas, broccoli florets and carrot sticks.

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