Annabel Karmel Q&A

Welcome to Gransnet. We have used your cook books until there is no print left on the pages, we have pages that are stuck together but love the recipes, our favourite is fish pie, infact when we make it the whole family eat it.
We have a new Grandchild on the way and look forward to adding the new book to the collection.

We all know that we should be eating more fruit and vegetables and cutting down on saturated fats, sugar and salt but are there any guidelines regarding recommended portion sizes (weight of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, etc) and calorie intake for children at different ages? For example, when I did Domestic Science at school I was taught that I should allow 4oz of meat or 6oz of fish per person as a serving of protein at a main meal and 2oz for a sandwich (presumably adult portions). I notice that many people nowadays present/eat more than these guidelines.

Our six and a half month old GS is resisting 'solids' to a large extent and his mother is concerned about his iron intake. We take a lighthearted (and messy) approach and have manage to get him to take a very little banana and sweet potato. He was exclusively breastfeeding for six months which recent research indicates is not necessarily a good thing and I see why as it takes time to accept new foods. Should he be taking a substantial quantity of solid food and if so what is the best approach?

I love cooking with my older DGC but because many of my recipes are old they are in oz. and lb. I would love a cook book for children which is purely in measuring cup and spoon measures. I have spent a lot of time working out to transfer my favorite simple recipes but do you think you could make that your next project? Only asking. I have bought the Joseph coloured measuring things for theDGCs and it is so easy to say fill the blue one with this or the red one with that than weigh accurately. Also I would like children's cook books-which I eagerly buy to have more savory things. They seem to stop at pizza. I do tend to give them ready made pastry to do stuff also ready made fresh pasta.

How important is the family eating together whenever possible around a table?

Our granddaughter is 16 months old and late to get teeth. She only has two at the bottom and one at the top. this means chewing foods is difficult and she often chokes, trying to swallow things like meat. Any suggestions?

I would like to know how can I introduce species to our 10 month old and when can we start putting chillies in her food.

My granddaughter is coming up to five and is such a picky eater and so slow. It is as if mealtimes are a distraction from play. She is extremely active so must be getting enough to eat. My daughter has been fanatical about restricting sugar and salt from the start of "solids" and I do wonder if the food she gives to the little one is actually too boring - loads of pasta, vegetables and fruit - yes I KNOW that's commendable but you can have too much of a good thing. I have to respect my daughter's wishes but if I occasionally serve, for instance, fish fingers and beans - with ketchup! - there is no problem. What harm can there be in the occasional treat ?

My 2 year old GD won't waste any time visiting us eating, too many other things to do, so suggestion for good and tasty finger foods that she can pick at on the hoof would be great. I usually leave a bowl of chopped fruit and cheeses but it would be great to have some alternatives.

My eldest GC is a picky eater and what is more stick thin. I can see his ribs and shoulder blades. His parents are into healthy eating which doesn't seem enough. He lacks energy . Can you give me a recipe for a healthy fruit cake packed with energy/ calories? I used to have an Australian one but I seem to have lost it.

Brilliant! Annabel Karmel is THE domestic goddess to my daughters, who have learned to blend vegetables into places you would never think of

Can I ask for some tips for nutritious finger foods for 18 month old twins who believe that sitting down to eat is a waste of good playtime, please? They are happy to eat if they can nip back and pick something up to chew, but during this phase a spoon and messy food doesn't quite fit the bill. They eat little jigsaw and wheel shaped sandwiches, home made fish fingers, and love crunchy toddlers' corn snacks, but don't like bean or chicken and corn fritters or chunks of cheese with apple (this week, that is! ). We're searching for a bit more inspiration. Thank you.