We’re all looking for new ways to make homemade, nutritious food easier and quicker to prepare and cook. Especially when you are cooking with and for kids. For the final instalment of the Kidspot Voices 2013 Top 5 Food Bloggers Gourmet Gadget Challenge sponsored by The Good Guys we were sent a lovely and sleek George Forman Grill. We also had to use the secret ingredient – herbs. Wonderful.

Challenge #1: We made Superfood Banana & Lemon Fro-Yo – 1 meal 3 ways

Challenge #2: We made (with the help of Harry and George) Saffron Spiced Risotto Balls

Challenge #3: We made Fajitas! And wow, they were so easy and taste delicious.

Cooking one meal for the whole family (1 Meal 3 Ways) is something we love doing here at One Handed Cooks. Why? Because it makes our lives as parents so much easier, and it teaches babies and toddlers to enjoy the flavours of family food from an early age thus transitioning them to be happy, healthy little eaters – who eat what you eat. Fajitas give you the chance to adapt the classic, you can choose how much spice to add and what vegetables and meats to use according to the age and stage of your children.

For some, eating at the table together as a family does happen on a regular occasion and we love that but for many eating meals on the couch while watching TV is the norm.

Here’s why eating together as a family away from distractions such as the TV is so important.

• Parents are able to role model positive eating behaviours
• Children learn how to eat by watching their siblings and parents eat
• It stimulates conversation and encourages positive family interactions
• There are more opportunities for parents to talk to children about good food and nutrition
• More likely to eat home cooked nutritious meals using healthy, natural ingredient.
• There are more opportunities to introduce and try new foods
• The TV, computers, iphones and ipads are less likely to be used as distractions
• Encourages mindful eating and the ability to recognise hunger and fullness cues
• Parents can demonstrate and teach children good meal time manners
• Children have more opportunity to be involved in food preparation and/or table set up as part of a meal time ritual.

Grilled Vegetable & Chicken Fajitas

First, we made the tortillas. Making your own tortilla from scratch is not mandatory but it is easy, fun and avoids the preservatives often found in store bought.

Check out the full tortilla recipe here. 

Then we chopped up our chosen seasonal veggies; capsicum (or ‘bell peppers’ a fajita classic), zucchini, corn, onion, tomato, parsley. And, popped them on the grill, closed the lid and waited for the grilling magic.

Sizzle, sizzle went the grill. Yum, yum went the toddler. Before we knew it, the veggies were done.

Next, the chicken. Which had been marinating in a gorgeous mix of oregano and lime juice. The grill cooked the chicken strips in just a few sizzling moments. The kitchen now smelt like an infusion of onion and lime, are you drooling yet?

To assemble the fajitas simply layer the guacamole and top with the chicken strips, grilled veggies and cheese. Here’s what they looked like. I know, right?

Harry hated them.

The George Forman Grill, did make these little beauties ridonkulously simple to make. Although you can also use your frypan if you don’t have one. Speaking of which, why not just WIN one? Visit The Good Blog for your chance to win 1 of 5 of these George Forman Grills. Good Luck!

Nutrition Note: Who wouldn’t want to sit at the family table to enjoy one of these fajitas? They’re a wonderfully nutritious and well balanced family meal choice providing protein, carbohydrates, fibre, a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals and a moderate amount of healthy fats. Enjoy!

This post is sponsored by The Good Guys as part of Kidspot Voices of 2013.

Ingredients

• 500g chicken breast or thigh, cut into strips
• 2 limes, use the juice and grates zest
• 1/2 Tbsp caster sugar
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 Tbsp dried organo
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 capsicum, sliced, seeds removed
• 1 corn on the cob, kernels removed
• 1 red onion, finely sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Avocado, flesh removed and diced
• 1/4 cup coriander
• Grated cheese to top
• 8 warm tortilla's homemade or packaged

Method

Step 1

CHICKEN MARINADE: Slice the chicken breasts into 2cm strips and place in a large bowl. add the lime (juice and zest) sugar, oregano, paprika, cinnamon and oil. Toss to coat the chicken, cover and place in the fridge to marinate. Once marinated, turn on the grill (or heat your frypan). Add the chicken and cook for a few minutes or until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Step 2

GRILLED VEGETABLES: Chop your vegetables and coat in olive oil. Turn on the grill or frypan and wait until hot. Add the vegetables (you can stagger depending on vegetable cooking time). Close the grill lid and leave to soften for around 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside. -

Step 3

GUACAMOLE: Combine the avocado and coriander. -

Step 4

FAJITA: To serve, spread a little guacamole (and sour cream optional) over a warm tortilla. Top with some chicken strips and a spoonful of the grilled vegetable mix. Sprinkle with grated cheese and fold the tortilla over the filling and enjoy. -

Step 5

OPTIONAL: You can tightly roll your fajita and then place in the grill to toast. I found these were easier for the little ones to eat.

*15 minutes unless you make the tortilla's from scratch. -