I almost always find myself strapped for time during the busy Christmas period, so batch cooking ahead and freezing meals where possible is a huge help, especially when wanting to keep a balanced diet over Christmas! 

I've put together a list of some hearty meals and yummy treats that are great for meal prep and that will keep your family fuelled this festive season 

Savoury Meals 

1. Homemade Pizza - By making your own dough and sauce you can have a healthy fakeaway meal that your kids will love to help you prepare! Find this recipe in my Batch Cooking eBook

 2. Mexican Meatball Stew - Meatballs always go down like a treat with my girls. This dish with a Mexican twist is packed full of flavours that will not disappoint. This can be frozen for up to 3 months. Find the recipe in my Slow Cooker eBook.

3. Roasted Red Pepper and Turkey Bolognese - Packed with vegetables, my turkey bolognese recipe is a lighter twist on the Italian classic by using minced turkey instead of minced beef and it is every bit as hearty, nutritious and tasty! 

4. Chicken Tikka Masala - Chicken Tikka Masala is a classic curry loved by all! It's the perfect fake-away meal any night of the week. Don't be put off by the long list of ingredients – this baby-friendly Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is in fact very quick and easy to make.

Sweet Treats 

1. Blueberry and Lemon Mini Muffins - These are the perfect size for a little treat and are great for little hands! They can also be made into larger muffins. Find this recipe in my Baby & Family Recipe Book.

2. Coconut Bites - My baby-friendly Bounty Bar alternatives are healthy, delicious and so simple to make! These sugar-free treats are perfect to take as a snack on-the-go, or to be enjoyed as a tasty dessert. Your children will love helping you make them, so get them in the kitchen and involved in the process.

3. Banana Bread Bites - These delicious Banana Bread Bites are so easy to make! With minimal ingredients and prep time, this healthy snack is great for when you’re strapped for time or need a treat when you’re on-the-go.

4. Apple and Blackberry Crumble - This crowd-pleaser is the perfect dish to prepare ahead of time. Simply freeze before baking and cook straight from the freezer, adding 10 minutes to the cook time. Find this recipe in my Batch Cooking eBook.

At Mummy Cooks, we have a wealth of advice on feeding your family. We cover everything from meal prep and slow cooker recipes to moving baby on to family foods and preparing food safely. So whether you're looking for quick and easy meal ideas or want to learn more about healthy eating, we've got you covered - Feeding the Family Advice page