LARKHALL-based TV Masterchef finalist Laura Michael has created a series of healthy recipes to liven up the lunchboxes of Scottish schoolchildren through a collaboration with housebuilder Living by Robertson.
Laura, who appeared on Masterchef in 2021, lives in Living by Robertson’s Seven Hills development off Borland Drive and was asked by the housebuilder to create recipes which are fun and easy to make but also provide a healthy and tasty alternative.
The ‘Liven Up Your Lunchbox’ idea was inspired by Living by Robertson’s support of the Scottish Government’s ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030.
Featuring five or less ingredients each, the recipes include homemade tortilla chips with red pepper salsa, raspberry and apple granola bars, tangy cheese and ham cups, crispy veggies with tasty chickpea dip, and anytime pasta.
Julie Henderson, senior sales manager at Living by Robertson, said, “We were thrilled when Laura agreed to use the kitchen in our show home at Seven Hills to finesse some recipes which will liven up lunchboxes for children across Scotland. Laura has demonstrated how healthy and nutritious food can not only taste amazing but is also fun to make as a family and helps the household finances go further. Her input is helping us share the message that there are simple alternatives to unhealthy ultra-processed foods.
“We will be publishing Laura’s recipes on our website and also inviting schools to share them with all their families in a bid to encourage healthy eating and improve the diets of Scottish schoolchildren and get children interested in cooking.”
Laura Michael added, “Having children myself and having worked with a number of schools and colleges, it is important that we do everything we can to ensure our children are reducing the amount of fat, salt and sugar in their diets and consuming adequate fruit and vegetables. It was key to create recipes which encourage children to try different flavours and educate them on how nice healthy food can taste, and what fun they can have experimenting in the kitchen.”
