You may have heard the saying “The family that plays together – stays together”. Many studies have shown that when both child and parent spend time fully engaged in an activity together, it eeduces the occurrence of emotional and behavioural problems in children.
So instead of heading to the malls, in-laws or amusement park, try going for a picnic this weekend.
Why should you head outdoors? Because free and unstructured play in the outdoors boosts problem-solving skills, increased focus and fosters self-discipline. Socially, it improves cooperation, flexibility, and self-awareness. And emotional benefits include reduced aggression and increased happiness.
Identify a great spot, get together a football or a board game, pack a delicious meal and you are all set. And you know what’s great about picnic food – it is super easy to prepare and does not have to cost the earth either.
To get you started, here are 5 picnic food ideas for the busy and cost conscious mother.
1.Vegetarian Bee Hoon
Vegetarian Bee Hoon is a local favourite which comprises vegetarian spring rolls, fried tofu skin, and mock meats made from gluten.
Here’s a simply recipe minus the spring rolls.
What you need:
- 1 Can Lo Han Chai
- 200g Bee Hoon/Rice Vermicelli
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Light Soya Sauce
- 2 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- ½ Cup Water
- Pepper
Lo Han Chai is Fried Gluten, Bamboo Shoots, Mushrooms, Carrots and Black Fungus. FairPrice Vegetarian Lo Han Chai only costs $1.75
Preparation:
- Soak the rice vermicelli in water until it has softened. Drain and set aside.
- Fry the eggs into an omelette and thinly slice into shreds.
- Heat the vegetable oil and stir fry the garlic until it is lightly browned.
- Add Lo Han Chai light soy sauce, pepper, sesame oil and water; stir fry for 1 min
- Add in the Bee Hoon and stir fry until all the seasoning has evaporated and the bee hoon is totally cooked.
- Lastly add in the shredded omelette and toss evenly.
- Serve with chopped spring onions and/or fried onions (optional)
Estimated Cost: $3.00
2. Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Picky eaters will love these creative sandwiches and they’re great for picnics, lunchboxes or as an afternoon snack. You can also get the children involved in creating these cute sandwiches.
What you need:
- 50g Butter
- 8 Slices of Bread
- 8 Slices of Cheese
- 8 Slices of Ham
- Cherry Tomatoes
Preparation:
- Cut bread, cheese, ham and tomatoes to desired shapes
- Spread butter over bread.
- Layer the sandwich with cheese, ham and tomatoes as desired.
Estimated Cost: $6.65
Depending on your family’s needs, you can choose between Hi-fibre white bread, wholemeal bread or enriched white bread. I choose Enriched white bread as its high in iron, enriched with Calcium, Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and its cholesterol free
Alternatively, you can replace the ham with canned tuna which contains not only protein but also Omega-3 fatty acids – nutrients that support a healthy brain and promote proper growth and development. Fairprice has 8 flavours of canned tuna for you to choose from, for example my husband‘s favourite green curry flavour that costs only $1.95.
Need more lunchbox or picnic food ideas, visit Fairprice “For Mothers” where you can find tips on running your household.
Click on the next page to find out what our other three quick and easy picnic food ideas are — they are healthy too!
3.Baked carrot sticks with cheese
Instead of caving in to unhealthy packet chips, try introducing your child to a yummy vegetable snack – carrot cheese sticks. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, vitamin B8, folate, potassium and iron. In addition, cheese has calcium and most kids love cheese.
What you need:
- 500g Carrots
- 5 Slices of Cheese
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees
- Line baking tray with aluminium foil or baking sheet
- Place cheese on carrots slices
- Bake carrots for 3-5mins or until cheese turns slightly brown
Estimated Cost: $2.55
Do you have picky eater who frown at vegetables? Here’s some tips on how to ease your child into eating more greens.
4. Banana Almond Cereal Bar
Every picnic deserves a sweet treat. Bananas have natural sugars and are hence perfect for kids. They are also rich in potassium, fibre, anti-oxidants and vitamin B. And almonds are a source of many nutrients which help promote the development and health of the brain. Corn flakes have iron which helps keep the brain alert.
What you need:
- 200g Banana (2 Large Bananas)
- 150g Cornflakes
- 50g Butter
- 50g Almonds
- 5 Tablespoons Honey
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees
- Line cupcake tray with cupcakes cases
- Mix melted butter, honey, roughly chopped bananas and cornflakes in a mixing bowl.
- Fill cupcake cases with mix
- Bake for 15mins or until cornflakes are crisp.
Estimated Cost: $5.60
PS: If your kids love bananas, try replacing ice-cream with banana ice cream. And I’ve been freezing bananas, mangoes and berries to create icy sweet treats for the family.
5. Orange and carrot juice
Jazz up the plain orange juice and boost your family’s immune system by adding carrot to ensure a quick and healthy drink packed with vitamins A and C.
What you need:
Preparation:
- Press chilled carrots and oranges through a juicer. (If you do not have a juicer, use a blender and strain)
Estimated Cost: $5.55
See, preparing a picnic basket can really be this simple!
So set aside time from your busy schedules and have a family picnic this weekend. Spending quality time with the family will reap long-term benefits for your relationship with your child.
For more ideas on fun things to cook up for your family, amazing recipes or articles, do visit and sign up at FairPrice’s For Mothers Portal.
