Child nutrition:how to have a healthier Shrove Tuesday...

Nippers Nutrition's top tip of the day: Shrove Tuesday doesn't have to tighten your tot's trousers - particularly if you're prepared to create pancakes from scratch...


Although its tasty toppings may be renowned for fuelling a fuller figure, Shrove Tuesday doesn't have to tighten your tot's trousers. 
In order to ensure that you satisfy your youngster's stomach sensibly, here's how to create a protein-rich pancake that won't leave little'uns predisposed to piling on the pounds.

Ingredients - to serve 4:

• 62g wholemeal spelt flour
• 187ml skimmed milk
• x1 egg
• x1 banana - sliced - and/or a selection of strawberries
• 20-30g dark chocolate (80-85% cocoa) - melted.

Instructions:

• Whisk the egg, flour and milk in a jug until a smooth consistency is created.
• Pour the pancake batter (roughly 3-4tbsp at a time) into a non-stick frying pan brushed with extra virgin olive oil (tilting the pan prior to pouring the batter from the top will thoroughly coat the base).
• Cook the batter over a medium heat until golden brown, before flipping to cook on the other side for a further 30 seconds.
• Repeat with the remaining batter until four pancakes have been created.
• Scatter slices of fresh banana and/or strawberries over each pancake before drizzling with melted dark chocolate, folding and topping with the leftover chocolate.
•  Serve as a sensible sweet treat.

Final thought: pancakes make the perfect base for a fruity, funny face and are a fantastic way to make food fun for fussy eaters, particularly those who are encouraged to participate in their prep and presentation (children who participate in the prep and presentation of their food are much more likely to eat and enjoy it!).

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