Kids need more calcium as they get older to support their growing bones* and milk is one of the best and most widely available sources of calcium**. However, if your child is a picky eater who doesn’t love a glass of milk, it can be tough to ensure they are getting all the calcium they need.

Whilst there are many foods that are great sources of calcium – sardines and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale – neither sound particularly tempting, especially if you are already struggling to cater for your child’s picky palette.

Paul Mindry, SPAR Brand Group House Brand Manager, comes to the rescue with 3 easy, fast recipes that your children will love:

Milkshake Melody 

Milkshakes appeal to all ages. Try a different flavour each time, for a calcium-infused dessert the whole family can enjoy on a warm summer’s day.

Prep Time: 10 mins   |    Servings: 4

Recipe Ingredients:

• 500ml SPAR Classic Vanilla flavoured ice cream

Recipe Method:

1. Combine both ingredients in a food blender or processor, or use a suitable jug and a stick hand-held blender if this suits you better.
2. Whizz until foamy, creamy and thick. Beat in the flavouring ingredients of choice thoroughly.  Pour into tumblers and serve immediately.

Delicious flavour-combos:

• 1 well mashed banana
• 125 ml SPAR vanilla custard and 50 ml Squillos strawberry flavoured milk powder 
• If you want more of a Fruit Whip type drink, introduce fresh chopped fruits that puree easily (berries, paw-paw, mango)

Homemade Custard

Good, wholesome creaminess that can be whipped up with the kids’ help.

Prep Time: 10 mins   |    Cooking Time: 15 mins   |   Servings: 8

Recipe Ingredients:

• 200ml double cream 
• 700ml SPAR UHT full cream milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 tbsp cornflour
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Recipe Method:

1. Put the cream and milk into a large pan and gently bring to just below boiling point.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the yolks, cornflour, sugar and vanilla.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture onto the sugar mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Wipe out the saucepan and pour the mixture back into it.
5. Heat gently, stirring with a wooden spoon until the custard is thickened, but before any lumps form. Eat hot or cold.

Hints & Tips

• For a healthier alternative, you can substitute the caster sugar for honey.

Pro-Nutro Puffs

Besides the health and nutrient benefits of milk, these also offer wholewheat goodness and the supplemented vitamins of breakfast cereal.

Prep Time: 10 mins   |    Cooking Time: 25 mins   |   Servings: 8

Recipe Ingredients:

• 480 g SPAR cake flour (4 Cups)
• 20 ml baking powder
• 500 ml ProNutro whole-wheat cereal
• 5 ml salt
• 100 ml SPAR canola oil
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 500 ml SPAR UHT full cream milk
• 250 ml water

Recipe Method

1. Preheat oven to 180ºC and grease 2 SPAR Good Living giant muffin pans.
2. Measure all the ingredients into a 3 litre SPAR Good Living porcelain mixing bowl.
3. Blend together using a wooden spoon. Do not over-mix.
4. Spoon mixture into prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes.

Hints & Tips

• Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds before baking if you like
• The apple-bake ProNutro may be substituted for the whole-wheat, but keep in mind it will give a slightly sweeter result

For more recipes go to https://www.spar.co.za/Recipes

Spar UHT milk comes in Full-cream, Low-fat and Fat-free and is available from Spar Retailers, nationwide.