Features & ideas...

This recipe's all about getting your kids to get their hands messy - squashing, mixing, mashing & shaping. You can find the full recipe and more ways to get the kids to help out in the kitchen in my latest BBC Good Food Magazine feature (it's just gone live). Involving children in the kitchen is a brilliant way to encourage their interest in food as well as keeping them happy when you're busy.

Start by giving the kids little jobs that will save your time and teach them skills along the way like peeling garlic, washing salad and mashing potatoes. As their confidence grows and they get older, give them scissors to cut spring onions and leaves, teach them how to grate cheese and show them how to peel veg. They’ll be following recipes independently like this felafel before you know it. Head to BBC Good Food Magazine for more info and fun ways to involve them and help you (yes honestly, help you!) while you’re cooking. Kids who’re involved with the cooking of meals are more likely to be willing to try a variety of foods.