Easter

When I started to think about Easter a few weeks ago I wasn't feeling that positive, but I've had a good look around at what's on the market and have found a few hopefuls. Here's my top ten!

Kinnertons - dairy-free egg, comes in either Bart Simpson design or Winnie the Pooh, great for boys or small children. I found this in Waitrose for £1.99

Sainsburys - dairy-free egg with 7 chocolate coins inside. You get 200g for £3.99.

Goodness Direct - whizzers mini speckled eggs - 50g for 71p.

After Eight - standard type of easter egg with a tube of chocolates, very nice, admitedly have eaten mine already......

Devine - have a good range of chocolate eggs, my favourites are the mini chocolate eggs. I found these again in Waitrose but you can probably get them most places. I think 200g was around £2.50

Dietary Needs Direct - a good range of dairy-free chocolate for children and adults, including 12 peices of chocolate in a Noah's Ark for £2.95

Thorntons - dairy-free easter egg, £6.50 buys you 360g. On-line offer only.

Green & Blacks - you can pick these up at most supermarket chains.

Kinnertons (again) - 4 x dairy-free chocolate lollipops. Morrisons or Sainsburys, £1.49.

Make your own - best of all buy some moulds, get the kids involved and make your own!

As always please check all the ingredients just to be on the safe side. Happy hunting and of course Happy Easter.

Lunchtime Meal Planner

Packed lunches can be a nightmare. Ensuring that your child has a healthy and varied lunch each day is no easy task. Some schools or playgroups will cater for food intolerances and a meal plan will be drawn up. This isn't always possible or sometimes children just prefer a packed lunch. Here are some ideas that work for my son

Monday -
crispbreads (dietary specials, tesco), pure dairy-free spread, marmite, cucumber sticks, cheese peices, rice works chips, banana, alpro soya youghurt

Tuesday -
wheat-free quiche (homemade), cherry tomato's, pappadums, blueberries, wheat-free cake (homemade)

Wednesday -
heinz beans and mini sausages (invest in a thermos it give you so many more options), one slice of wheat-free bread, strawberries, popcorn (butterkist cinema sweet or homeade)

Thursday -
tru-free crackers, pure dairy-free spread, ham, carrot sticks, plain crisps, apple, flapjack (homemade)

Friday -
pasta (preferably left overs, orgran is good), peas, nachos (tesco value), satsuma, jelly

Please make sure you check all ingredients, manufacturers can change the ingredients at any time so it's always worth looking. Also what might work for me might not work for you.