Every so I often I stand back and realise that a month has passed and yet again our mealtimes have slipped into the mundane and we seem to be eating the same old favourites day in, day out. I then get a sudden urge to delve into every cookbook going in the hope of being inspired to find something the kids will actually like, that’s convenient to whip out for lunch or tea. I always have great intentions for dinners, but sometimes by the time I get to that point in the day I am struggling to stay awake, and I’m well past the point of dreaming up some kind of culinary masterpiece. For this reason I love a bit of batch cooking and freezing. Batch cooking isn’t just for ordinary dinners like bolognaise, baked treats and snacks like these Mini Tuna and Tomato Quiche are great for the freezer. Though they involve a little work , I promise these quiches are worth the effort and make perfect healthy snacks for kids on the go. Once made, they can be pulled out from the freezer at a moments notice and feel like proper food. Perfect for days where you’re stuck for time or just aren’t functioning as a proper grown up.
Tomato & Tuna Mini Quiches
Ingredients
For the pastry
100g flour
50g butter
Pinch of salt
Cold water (as needed)
For the filling
1 onion
185g of tuna fish (1 can)
2 egg
140ml milk
135ml cream
25g butter
1 tsp thyme
4 cherry tomatoes
75g red cheddar cheese (grated)
Pepper (to taste)
Ingredients
For the pastry
1. Rub the butter into the flour using fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Work quickly to try and keep everything cold.
2. Add a little water, and using a knife, bring the mixture together until it forms a dough.
3. Place the dough in cling film and put in the fridge for 20 minutes before rolling out.
4. Roll out the pastry and using a 10cm cutter, cut out 12 pastry disks. Place the disks into two greased cupcake or muffin trays and set aside.
Method
For the filling
1. Whisk together the egg, milk and cream, then add some pepper.
2. Satueé the onions, butter and thyme together in a frying pan until the onion is softened. Leave aside to cool slightly.
3. Fill the pastry cases with the onion and then tuna. Slice the cherry tomatoes in three, and place a slice on top of each quiche.
4. Pour the cream mixture into each case, ensuring not to overfill.
5. Finally sprinkle a teaspoon of cheddar cheese on top of each quiche. Place in the oven at 180C for 25-30 minutes or until the mixture is set and pastry cooked.
Looking for some more inspiration for great family food that kids will love? Have a look here for more ideas for healthy snacks for kids.