Thu, 14 July 2016
There is a long tradition in Ireland of fish being a “brain food”. These days we know that that is down to DHA, one of the main omega-3s found in fish. DHA during pregnancy helps with normal brain development in babies and it continues to help maintain normal brain function throughout childhood and adult life.
So how do we get fish into picnics? Try adding a little mayonnaise to any tinned fish you use as it helps to ‘bind’ the smell without losing all the flavour. A good salad dressing with a little oil also works. Just remember not to use huge amounts as the calories can add up.
Tuna has the mildest smell and taste and this is a great fish to start kids with. Try the ever-popular combination of tuna with sweet corn and a little mayonnaise in a sandwich, wrap or roll.
Tinned salmon is a great source of omega-3s as well as vitamin D. Try mixing it into a pasta salad for lunch with cucumber, a little mayo, black pepper and any other salad. This is a great way to use up leftover pasta from the night before.
Mackerel pate is also a great picnic favourite. Blend some drained tinned mackerel with cream cheese, a squeeze of lemon and some black pepper. Line bread with some lettuce & blob on the pate. The lettuce stops the pate from making the bread soggy or you can pop it in the lunchbox separately with some wholegrain crackers.
Or for something a little different, make a Spanish tortilla with tinned salmon. Cook the potatoes and onions as normal and stir in a tin of salmon before you add the eggs.
So no matter what the weather, pack up a healthy tasty picnic and enjoy a day out!