packed lunch – littlefruitbat.com

The Flying Childers, Stanton-in-Peak, Derbyshire

As UK lockdown measures are reduced it’s been nice to start venturing out. One of the first places I’ve headed to is The Flying Childer’s in Stanton-in-Peak where you can sit safely outside or inside to enjoy a lunch menu with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

The Childer’s Vegan Burger – Chickpeas and Sweetcorn with Sweet Chilli Sauce – Served Gluten-free

The Flying Childer’s offers a lunch menu 12pm – 2pm weekdays and 12pm – 3pm on weekends and also runs meal nights and pizza nights.

I love the fact that vegan and gluten free options are always available. When I popped in for lunch this week I was able to choose from 3 vegan burgers (all gluten free and available on gluten free bread), jacket potatoes with vegan and gluten-free fillings and sandwiches including vegan fillings and available on gluten free bread. The Flying Childer’s offer 3 soups on their specials and ensures that one option is both gluten free and vegan. They have a selection of cakes including gluten-free and vegan options to eat in or take away!

If you decide to check out the amazing food options on offer at The Flying Childer’s speak to Ric and Sophie the friendly publicans who can point you to a gluten free beer and chat to you about vegan wines and spirits.

The lovely beer garden and authentic Peak District character makes this one of the most enjoyable places to spend time and the inclusive lunch menus make this the perfect find for vegetarians, vegans, coeliacs and those with any allergy concerns.

You can find out more about The Flying Childer’s on their website at https://www.flyingchilders.com/ or ok Facebook https://www.facebook.com/flyingchildersinn/ or Instagram @flyingchildersinn

Roasted Chickpeas and Vegetables with Quinoa

I’m working on increasing my protein as I’m stepping up some exercise. As a vegan I am constantly asked how I get any protein at all. One of the answers to this is quinoa which is a complete protein with all the amino acids you need.

This quinoa based dish is easy to make and perfect for packed lunches.

Start with a large roasting pan and preheat the oven. I’m using chopped courgette, red pepper, yellow pepper and carrots.

Add to the roasting dish. Instead of drizzling with oil I’m using Fry Light sunflower and squirt the vegetables with a few sprays. Roast for 45 minutes. It’s time to add the chickpeas! Drained chickpeas and cherry tomatoes will bring different textures and more protein to the roasted vegetables. Sprinkle the vegetables with a generous dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy flavour and then continue to roast for another hour. At the same time cook quinoa.

When both are cooked drain the quinoa and stir through the vegetables evenly. Tasty hot or cold it makes and ideal lunch or evening meal.

Steamed Vegetable Quinoa

Healthy January is here. I’m loving seeing so many fresh vegetables when I’m shopping. This is a really tasty combination of vegetables and quinoa with a simple lemon twist. Perfect lunch.

Start by cooking quinoa. Ensure there is plenty of water in the pan, bring to the boil, add the quinoa and simmer for 10 – 15 minutes. Quinoa is a great staple for me as a coeliac vegan. Quinoa contains high volumes of protein is a complete protein containing many more amino structures and amino acids. It’s also one of few grains free from gluten.

Whilst the quinoa is cooking it’s a great time to prep and steam the veg. Chop courgette into slices and then halves, chop broccoli into florets and prepare broad beans. I’ve bought prepared and podded broad beans so all I need to do is steam. Steam the vegetables. I like them all denote with a little crunch and I’m sure you will too.

When the quinoa is cooked and the vegetables are steamed stir through so they are evenly mixed. Add a small drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some black pepper.

This dish is lovely warm but also makes a delicious lunch cold as a packed lunch. I hope you love it as much as I do and the bright, fresh flavour helps you chase away the January blues!

Radish and tofu salad

I often organise lunches for my working week in advance. Making sure I have time to prepare healthy, fresh food and that I can plan a balanced diet to suit my needs.

If you have read my earlier post I prepared sesame crusted tofu pieces which are really tasty. I’m using these pre cooked tofu chunks as an integral part of my salad.

I add chopped green lettuce, steamed baby pak choi, chopped cucumber and some tasty, sharp radish.

Simple and delicious I am already looking forward to Monday!